Lisa Olson 0621
If you are a parent or have spent any time around children you will understand the following story.
It was my son-in-law’s 30th birthday. I watched as he opened his presents, or rather observed as his four-year-old proceeded to open his dad’s gift bags, pulling out and exploring one item at a time while his dad sat back patiently, relaxed, smiling and enjoying his little one taking pleasure in opening his gifts.
Not once did he say, “Hey! That’s for dad to open!” Rather, he sat back, appreciating his son’s enjoyment. Then the time came to blow out his candles, and I’m sure you can guess what happened there.
The last couple of years have been really hard for families to get together for a number of reasons. There’s the fear of getting sick or passing it along, not travelling, or not agreeing on one’s vaccination status, distance, and probably many other reasons. While some friends and family became divided, while others became closer than ever.
One thing for sure, is that it can all be gone in a moment.
A good example is what happened this year with the fires and flooding. It doesn’t matter what your opinions or beliefs may be, your home and business can all be taken away in a moment, by something that’s completely unpredictable.
This year has been an apt, but tragic example, from the deadly heat dome in June to the catastrophic flooding in November.
In this issue, we tell the story of the flood cleanup and the rebuilding and how the farming community came together at a time of need.
While the flood brought dark days to many in towns and cities like Merritt, Princeton, Spences Bridge, and Abbotsford, the silver lining that shines bright is how people came together to help their neighbours and to save their communities.
We tell one of those stories in this issue, when neighbours of the Ripples Winery and Farm arrived to help the owners.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those who experienced a loss in this disaster, and we wish them all the very best in the rebuilding and recovery.
I also hope you get the chance to spend some quality time with close friends and family, blow out some monumental candles and appreciate sharing a good meal and some laughter together.
Enjoy the magazine!