By John Moore, Columnist
As we ring in the new year and try and ring out the old, for many it is a time of reflection. 2022 was a year of tremendous hardship and challenges and the ugliness of war was brought to our collective attention like never before. A nation with all the modern conveniences like what we have was practically destroyed in front of our eyes. Not even the most powerful nations on earth could do anything to prevent it.
Throughout the year our freedom was gradually given back to us as the covid restrictions were lifted one by one. This past summer things pretty well returned to normal and for many it was a time to celebrate. It made one wonder what the freedom convoy that took place in Ottawa in February really was about other than in the end costing some protestors themselves their own freedom. There was really no point to it at all other than a Canadian moment to forget.
The weather in 2022 was wacky and it seems each big storm we had was another record breaker and not in a good way. Fiona hit us hard especially Cape Breton and parts of Newfoundland. Financially, the real estate and stock market cratered establishing a record drop in Canadians net worth. Again, this is not something we will shout for joy about.
Yet, despite all this there seemed to be a coming together in realizing how special and meaningful our everyday lives are. On a warm sunny day in July, I was part of a group who gave MP Lena Diab a tour of Maskwa Aquatic Club. As we approached the docks and boat house, she remarked at how happy a place this was with all the smiling faces and young people filled with so much purpose and activity. She went on to say it is a nice diversion from all the issues she must deal with whether it be health care, immigration problems, or concerns about affordability. This made me realize how important it is to capture and appreciate those special moments in life. All of us have crosses to bear but it is how we manage them that counts. Just before Christmas I ran into a friend I had not seen in some time. He pretty well looked the same even though he is now well into his eighties. He mentioned his wife has Alzheimer’s and some days she does not know who he is. “She thinks I ‘m her father some days but physically she is in good health.” I thought here is a man who really appreciates those special moments in life no matter how difficult it may be. He still has that twinkle in his eye. It is a reminder to all of us no matter how difficult our circumstances maybe we still have our spirit within and therefore can hop skip and jump our way through life if only we try. Happy January and most of all Happy New Year!
Image by dashu83 on Freepik
