Christmas 2015

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1294 Highridge Dr.

Kamloops, BC V2C 5G6

saskatoon226@gmail.com  PLEASE SEND ME YOUR EMAIL AS POSTAGE IS SO HIGH HERE

Dear Friends,

I always want to start this letter reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. This year we got a Christmas message from the Interim Dean and President Frank Fornaro. Advent is a time hope, a time for joy, a time for light and wait in jubilant for light, when darkness and cold encroaches,upon our days, we work and we wait in jubilant anticipation of a new beginning.

As always years seem to go so quickly—if it weren’t for the snow out my window  and two deer grazing on the little stubs of grass left from the summer I would wonder how it could be December already!! This has been a good year for me—full of many varied event.

In March I fulfilled one of my life long dreams—to go to South Africa. Many of our generation lived watching the horrors of apartheid there. I wanted to walk in the foots steps of Nelson Mandela and I got to do that. I arrived very early in Johannesburg and the tour I was going to be on provided a guide for the day. He was amazing and so knowledgeable—I had a great time. I had wanted to see Soweto, so he took me there. I was amazed to see there were 3 distinct areas. A wealthy section with lovely homes, a middle class part and a very poor section who were still awaiting the homes they had been promised when the government changed. The next day I figured out how to tour the city on my own—the major thing I saw was the Apartheid Museum.I got to know a wonderful woman in Johannesburg who ran the tourist shop in the hotel. We said we felt like "soul-sisters. Both of us wish we were closer. He name is Vivian.

After these two wonderful days I began the tour I had signed on to. Except for going to a game preserve for 2 days the tour had much to be desire—mainly a tour leader who was a bigot and a racist. It was a German tour—which I did not know—so only 3 of us spoke English—the tour guide was also German. Enough said—the game preserve was amazing see all the animals just a few yards from our vehicle—we saw the “Big Five” before 8 am!!

When I came back spring was sprung about everywhere—about 7 weeks early. I had a great summer finishing up most of what I had wanted to do with the gardens. It was a hot summer—much to my liking. 

Then the day after Labour Day I headed back to Viet Nam with a group of 8. I had a great time catching up with friends and showing the group the wonders of Viet Nam. I am always somewhat amazed on how each one’s perspective changes—see Viet Nam with new ideas and letting go of preconceived perceptions.  I hope to go back fall 2016 and would love to travel with you, so please give it serious thought—it will change your life (as almost all of the travellers tell me).

In October I spent the week of Halloween with my nephew, Ryan, and his wife, Lisa, two adorable great nieces and a one-year-old nephew. I had a wonderful time—The girls love to play board games and we played lots. Halloween was fun and I “personed” the door so the family could go trick or treating together.

I went to the amputee conference in Tucson in July. I had a great time as always, but even more importantly I discovered a new foot that promised to give me more stability. So, I ordered it and it truly give me more stability—I did not even fall at Ryan’s house despite the mine field of little trucks, game pieces and lots more. It really has changed my life—it also feels so much like my own real leg. Mine is pink!

My constant companion also had a good year. She loved the long days of summer as we could get to exercise time to play ball—of course you know she is a ball-a-holic. She has become even more loving and gentle. I still volunteer two afternoons at Habitat for Humanity and she is the faithful mascot for those afternoons, sleeping four hours and occasionally makes a child’s day.

May you have a blessed and great 2016!!

Peace, Beth Marie and Mariah of the Wind