Is this Groundhog year again? Are we repeating everything that went on in 2021? I would hope not, but the similarities are too real. We are in almost total lockdown again. Visitation to Rainycrest is being restricted, but care givers can be tested so that they can continue to visit.
In-classroom learning has been postponed for two weeks. Some universities have now chosen to only operate through online learning. Tour de Fort has been forced to cancel a concert set for January 14. All recreation programs have been put on hold.
New restrictions have been placed on restaurants, gyms, and gatherings.
The government is recommending that we all wear N95 masks when we shop or leave our homes.
Travel has been turned upside. With so many pilots, airline attendants and airline support staff suffering from Omicron virus, thousands of airline flights have been cancelled forcing many Canadians to scramble in their attempts to return home or travel to vacation destinations.
We have just returned from visiting our two-year old grand daughter and her two-month-old sister. We watched as the number of cases climbed across Canada and hunkered down to avoid catching the virus. We wondered if provinces would once again restrict travel between provinces. We practised social distancing and wore our N95 masks when we went to the grocery store or checked into hotels. On the road, we only ate from take out restaurants, or restaurants that could deliver meals to us.
The excitement of the season has been damped down just as it was a year ago. For Marnie and me, being able to cuddle our newest grand daughter and play with our two-year old granddaughter made for a great Christmas holiday. The excitement of the season was shared by our granddaughter. Just hearing her voice in the morning as she came downstairs was heartwarming. Just hearing the squeaks and cooing from our youngest granddaughter made the trip all worthwhile. Her smiles melted our hearts.
While we couldn’t travel a year ago for Christmas, this year’s Christmas will remain special in our hearts and minds. We may be feeling that we already know what we can expect in the coming weeks and months having experienced lockdowns and restrictions in 2020, but we can remain optimistic, that our restrictions will be shorter and the lives we began enjoying this past summer and fall will be available to us early in the spring of this year.
Former Publisher
Fort Frances Times
