Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral December 16, 2024

As we drove toward downtown I was struck by the beauty of the freshly fallen snow. It highlighted well the nearby trees and neighbourhood landmark that stand tall along our commute down Main street, Winnipeg.

It has been quite a year. It was probably one of those years that I personally won’t remember quite as fondly as I would like, though we had so many blessings to count. For me there has just been an air of heaviness in the world and the lightness in my spirit left me earlier in the year than I would have preferred. We worked hard, and did not leave as much time for play as we would have hoped, but lord willing there’s still next year.

What did make the year sit well with us? Our friends. Regular early morning breakfasts, and late evening dinners at our favourite local spots with good folks. The support and comradery of summarizing the week’s ills and thrills in good company made all the difference.

Coworkers who make light; long working hours and share in humour that provides the best medicine of a long, or at least good life – laughter.

Family, our reason for working hard, striving to do better, and love harder. We are royally blessed to have the kind of family who loves and laughs, forgives, and favors one another. We know that time is short and not guaranteed.

As I count my blessings the other things I had begun to ponder, matter less.

As one of my dogs interrupts my quest to write the great year end blog, I must abide my loyal companion. Its supper time after all.

I digress. What a year it has been!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays (2024)

-Bonnie C.