James Kershaw

"2010" also closed on a sad note with a personal loss.

Last month I received an invitation from a long time friend to attend a gathering in honour of his mother who had passed away. I had known my friend's mom for many years but did not know all family members. As I stood looking at the memorabilia and the beautiful photo presentation, I thought of the reasons I had been in this person's life and why she had been in mine. Feeling her absence I let that question simmer for a while and began speaking and connecting with acquaintances and relatives. I could see how everyone was affected by the loss. The communication style was quiet voices, warm smiles, hugs, and reminiscence. Reassurance and peace was in the air. Departing, I felt a renewed gratitude for my own family and friends now in my life. All this must have been the answer to my question.

By the end of the first week in December we were all wishing old man winter would never come back.

Niagarians scrambled with December's early winter arrival. If you had been with me on my early morning newspaper deliveries at 5 am you might have experienced light flurries in a gentle breeze, street lamps and coloured lights setting everything aglow. Naturally, you'd be extra vigilant walking on the crunchy snow.

I encountered an elder edging her way along the side of the road. I remarked about falling on the ice. She replied that falling happens so fast and how difficult it was to get around town walking. It really is dangerous and quite understandable why many seniors winter indoors. I observe that sidewalks tend to get quickly covered with snow from the road plough's shovel and not all sidewalks are cleared. Ice builds up making them unsafe for walking. Walking is first on the list of weight bearing activities for osteoporosis sufferers. Could safe sidewalks even save lives? What's your winter sidewalk experience like?

Resolutions

New Year's resolutions are always vogue so I offer some suggestions to make your 2011 a better year

Here are two questions to think about to help you move forward in 2011.

For what am I grateful that happened in 2010?

What should I let go of that if I keep, will hold me back in 2011?

Some sources say that only 5% of New Year's resolutions result in any significant change. Considering this, I could be gentler on myself and make small realistic goals by offering gestures that show my appreciation for what others have done. It might be a time to give thanks for positive change (I kept my budget!). But I am always concerned about my spending. Maybe I could narrow the goal and decide to be a little more discerning about my requirements before I hand over my hard earned cash. When I recently bought my new clock radio I reassured myself that this item was necessary. I resolve to make my purchases work for me from now on. Happy New Year to all!

Contact us

407-4901 Buckley Avenue
Niagara Falls ON L2E 7G8
905-371-1813
website|email

Music & Reminiscence
With Quality of Life in Mind

A genius is someone who shoots at a target no one else sees and hits it.

Unsubscribe / Subscribe

We thank our ponsors.