This is a catch-up post, as I've been out of the loop for the last week or so. I see I've missed so many birthdays and am now sending out one huge wish and cheer to each of you that your special day was extremely enjoyable and that this year will be the best one of your life (to date)!
Then there's the other big news I missed! Congratulations to Gretchen and hubby. You've done yourself and your baby a great service by making yourself trim and fit so as to ensure a smooth pregnancy and healthy baby – wonderful news.
It was good to see that Heather's heart disturbances are under control and that Tammy's son is making good progress in spite of questionable care and disturbing insensitivity by army doctors. Thankfully you were able to get better results off base and I hope its clear sailing from here on in.
My Christmas was a mixture of pleasure and pain. For the first time in many years I was able to be with many of my loved ones at the same time. Now that my daughter and son-in-law have returned to Toronto from Seattle I didn't have to fly across the country, my parents have recently moved back to the city after having retired "up north" 25 years ago, and my partner's ex generously allowed us to have the girls over the entire Christmas holiday! That was the pleasurable part…the pain involved coming down with the Norwalk virus and spending most of Christmas conversing with my loved ones from my bed and/or behind a bathroom door.
Oh well, at least I didn't gain weight over Christmas and I was able to eventually have a taste of my mum's English trifle after a few days (the sherry acted as a great preservative).
As one is wont to do at the end of each year, I reflected on the highs and lows (not entirely weight-related). Naturally a highlight was the 3FC get together in Chicago with Sandi, Jane and Bev. I will cherish that for a long time (I'm flipping through the wonderful album compiled by Sandi as I type this). I've seen so many 3FC posters thrive, flourish and literally shed scads of weight during this past year – most notably Gretchen, Sarah, Pam, Jennifer, Shelley, Sheila…oh my, there's too many to list, now that IS good news!
I reflected on the big step I took in my life this year of combining households with my sweetheart and his three kids (you gotta love joint custody). So far its working wonderfully and I have no regrets!
I got a beautiful opal and diamond ring for Christmas, but its not an engagement ring. Marriage will happen eventually, but we're not in any rush. We've both been there and know we have more together than we ever had with our former spouses, so a piece of paper doesn't make it any more of a commitment. I certainly don't take for granted the fact that we could marry if we wish though, and in fact think perhaps we'll hold out until all people who truly love each other are legally entitled to that same basic right. Thankfully Canada is moving in that direction and the best wedding I went to this year was between Ron and Charles, who've been happily together for 25 years and celebrated their "silver anniversary" by becoming legal spouses. I also reflected on the American election and feel that the American people, particularly American soldiers, deserve a better president, but I'll leave it at that since I respect that obviously many voters do not share my views.
What gave me the most pause for reflection these last few days though, has been the horror of the tsunami disaster. I still find it difficult to fathom the numbers of those lost in the September 11 tragedy – so this is utterly overwhelming to me. So many lives in total ruin and over 100,000 dead with more expected. Add to that the anticipated threat of contagious disease and the horror increases.
Unlike terrorist attacks, nature does not discriminate and randomly chooses victims ranging from the vacationing wealthy to peasants already trying to cope with a meagre existence. My cousin's business partner, a vibrant 38 year old visiting Phuket, Thailand, had his life wiped out in a matter of moments as he was swept out to sea - his wife managed to cling to an iron post until rescued. One of our part-time mailroom clerks, here from Sri Lanka on a student visa, is unable to make contact with his parents and siblings. Luckily our office is large and it took no longer than 15 minutes to collect enough to provide airfare for him to go home and search.
Its difficult to know what to do. The chancellor of Germany has suggested that wealthy nations each adopt a disaster-torn nation. The Canadian government says its initial $40 million provision is "only the beginning". Public and private corporations are joining en masse to help. My firm had a very good year and we all received generous bonuses. I have donated one-half to the relief fund and urge everyone who can afford to do so to chip in. This disaster does not just affect the other side of the world - it must affect all of humanity.
In making my New Year's resolutions I will push "get to goal" down the scale for the time being. At the top of my list I resolve not to take for granted the society I live in. A society which is rich in many resources, not the least of which is the availability of excellent doctors and healthcare. As a result, Sarah can begin her journey back to good health fully confident she is in the best hands. She already has the personal strength, determination and attitude – thankfully, she also has the practical support needed to succeed – and I have no doubt she will succeed indeed!
I'll take leave now with wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2005!
Reflections
I agree with all of the praise above. You are very eloquent. And generous. We need more people like you on this earth!
