Thinking of the heartbreak parents of those killed in the shootings in Connecticut I wonder where and how those individuals can find the strength to stop thinking about the tragic and horrific way their child had died. For most of us life goes on at a pretty normal pace, sometimes ordinary and boring without even realizing how fortunate we really are.
December always brings self-reflection for me. It’s a time when I think of my deceased parents and friends recalling past meals shared and thoughts of Christmases long ago.
My father returned home from the war and married my mother in 1943. Work was scarce so when Canada asked for labours he signed up. He arrived in Canada on Christmas Eve 1951 not knowing how cold and dismal winters could be. He and others from our town were sent to work in the bush of Timmins Ontario wearing the dress shoes and light jackets they had brought with them from Italy. They froze but managed to make it to the end of the month when the first paycheck allowed them to purchase proper clothing and footwear.
Dad came to Fernie and stayed here for the clean water. He sent for Mom, my two siblings and me in spring of 1953. My parents kept as many traditions possible including the Christmas Eve dinner of “baccala” dried salted cod fish cooked in many ways, vegetables dishes and “ pittas” cakes stuffed with nuts and raisins, scalilles and turdilli drenched in honey and torrone nougat. What was missed was the huge bonfire outside of the church in the town piazza where everyone would gather round before and after midnight mass and greet each other with hugs. In Fernie friends would go from house to house after dinner stopping for a small glass of homemade wine and a dessert treat, until it was time to go to the next house. Christmas had no gifts just friendship and food, still they were great times.
It’s hard to convey to people the simplicity of those first Christmases; we didn’t have the lovely homes or the great gifts. No fancy toys, expensive jewelry or fine clothes, still they were amazing times because life was safe and people valued each other and no one had to worry that someone would shoot their child while they attended school.
Sunday evening I attended the Vera Choir and Children and East Kootenay Ensemble concert. After a five minute silence to honor the slain in Connecticut the music commenced. For two and half hours Christmas carols, operatic selections, barbershop quartet and a cappella music was heard soaring throughout the United Church that was literally packed to the rafters as even the choir loft was full of spectators. Under the fabulous hands of conductor Gilles Hainault, musicians and singers provided a most fantastic concert that made the hours fly by.
As 2012 comes to a close I want to say what a great learning experience this first year of being mayor has been. The months have been filled with hard and difficult decisions, thoughtful issues and much dialogue. I have learned that regardless of what council or individuals do there is always criticism and accusation but I also know that the only person that doesn’t get criticized is the one that does nothing and that one person’s opinion isn’t right or wrong or that anything is black or white. However something that I have known all my life and followed is that as long as I follow my gut instinct and my heart while doing everything honestly to the best of my ability then I am doing okay for myself and my community.
Council has accomplished several goals this year such as the Splash Park, 9th and 5th avenue reconstruction, initiated the OCP update process and completed a Wildfire Protection plan for fuel treatment above Ridgemont. Goals for next year include Soccer field development at Max Turyk and paving of Manitou Road. This past Monday I and members of Council and Anne Majic had the pleasure of presenting the George Majic Spiritus award to George Smith, retired teacher who devotes countless hours of volunteerism to various causes. George is truly an “unsung hero” as he does this without fanfare, however many people noticed and he received several nominations for his good works, sincere Congratulations and many thanks to George.
I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a most wonderful New Year. Let’s hope it is filled with ordinary days for all of us. For those that have lost family members this year my wish for you is a year filled with the Blessings of God and his mighty Angels watching over you to provide the comfort and peace you need to heal your hurting heart. This time of the year is especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones., it is a most vulnerable time that makes grief surface to the top in waves so strong that sometimes they overtake mind and soul. Life is precious, it is also very difficult, it is especially challenging to understand why God allows so much loss and sadness to come into lives. But it is as it is and so we must forge ahead doing the best we can in whatever circumstances we are in.
I also want to thank all the volunteers that serve on City committees, organizations and those that individually volunteer for so much in this community. Historically, this town can boast the many amenities it has due to the volunteer efforts of citizens. This world runs on the kindness and dedication of volunteers for sure. I also want to thank all my friends and supporters for all the generous words of encouragement given this past year.
Merry Christmas everyone and may 2013 bring you much Love, Peace and Harmony in your lives.
