Merry Christmas from the Erharts -
2020 - Bahh Humbug. In so many ways it was sad, shocking and frustrating.
We lost some dear friends, missed numerous social and travel events but in reflection, we also had a chance to really take a breath and appreciate how blessed we are for every day we can share with our friends and loved ones both near and far.
The year started off in the ‘normal’ for us, a great Musical fund raiser, the War Years with Dale as the Detachment RCAF commander and Laurel as an Andrew Sister joining a fun and talented team of singers, musicians, stage hands and back stage crew that redefine how teamwork can be so much fun.
Then our finest holiday of the decade with our ‘never travels’ son, Joel. The 3 of us launched pre-crisis to Florida to enchanted Harry Potter world, then a 10-day cruise with laughter, food, entertainment all along with some dear friends to make memories that we’ll cherish forever. Plus, we got a quick visit in with George and Johanne, Jennifer and Christian on our way through Ft. Lauderdale.
Speaking of cherished memories, our time with Adam, Natalie and the 3 grandsons has been extraordinary in fun, frantic and exhausting adventures with each visit. They have been in and out of our ‘family bubble’ as we all carefully navigate (…you know.) We feel blessed to hug and wrestle with them whenever we can.
Oliver who turns 2 on Jan 9th (Dale’s 65th- yikes!), is speaking a lot just to keep up with his bros’, and climbing anything that is even somewhat possible. Alexander (3.5) is a love with kindness and mischief in his bones that keeps us on our toes, and the eldest, Benjamin (5.5) is full of delight as he shares his every discovery of the world that he can’t wait to learn and tell you more about. Lego, rock climbing, hide and seek, and a constant energy that provides insane antics only to surprise us with an occasional sit and read; or quietly play a very patient type of game for lengths that have us grateful for those few calm moments.
All of them love to eat and Nana is at the ready baking up treats that seem to come from nowhere (but the kids know where to find them!). You can likely tell, we’re smitten.
Like many of you, we have adapted to the change with home projects, daily morning walks – ~ 5 km, and Zoom and Skype calls. Not to mention Amazon pitching up and our latest indulgence, intermittent orders of Hello Fresh gourmet meals delivered, making us cooperative chefs in our kitchen. Good thing we use the home gym a lot as our consumption is rivalling the kids. Camping was VERY close to home this year as Laurel’s garden and greenhouse were prolific and required more tending. In between, she made many stained-glass hearts to raise money for the Care-a-van. Our balcony got a wonderful upgrade, with twice the space and glass railings to fully appreciate our view.
Laurel’s parents have seen quite a change this year. Her Dad is now a resident of Glacier View Lodge here in Courtenay, and Mom has sold their house and is moving into a brand-new condo in downtown Comox in January. She is still a good driver, but as she is 85, it will be a huge benefit for her to be able to walk most places.
For 2021, we pray for healthier times and an opportunity for our tiny blue planet to heal in all the ways it can. (And some of that is really fun, like Laurel’s new Tesla as well as Dale’s electric motorbike.)
May the spirit of Christmas fill each of your hearts and know that as you read this we are thinking of how lucky we feel to have you as our cherished friends and kin.
Happy Christmas.
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