Reflecting on This Year

Original article published in the December 2021 issue of the The Bulletin

By: Randy Kondo

The past year, 2021, was notable in Canada for an election called out of schedule.  The world finally got its Summer Olympics, delayed a year but carried off successfully in Tokyo.  The Lower Mainland experienced “heat domes” in the summer, something way out of the ordinary from our traditionally temperate summers.  Climate change is real!

And the pandemic continues.

We have been living with the pandemic, something that no one asked for, since early 2020.  If I have learned anything from it, it is to be grateful for what I have.  And to take fewer things for granted.

I am grateful that vaccines were developed early on and made available to us.

I am grateful that our daily lives in BC have seen less disruption than some other parts of the country and the world.

I am grateful that having “gaman” was part of my upbringing.

I am grateful for all our front line workers:  the people who work in retail and services (that covers a lot of ground!).

I am grateful for everyone who works in health care, all those who care for us and who have not had a chance to catch their breath in well over a year and a half.

In putting together this monthly contribution, I am grateful to the Bulletin/Geppo staff and especially to our volunteers who write the articles and those who translate into Japanese and proofread.

So with those expressions of gratitude, I wish you and yours a good holiday season:  a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  See you all in 2022!

An update on our NSHCHS “Inspire Action” fundraising campaign

The Arjo Parker Series tub has been delayed due to parts and manufacturing and it is now set to arrive in February 2022.  As a result, the room renovation is on hold until the arrival of the tub.  The eight Echo devices are still being tested.  And finally, the “Iki Iki” (Lively, Lively) and “Kui Do Raku” (Eat, Chat, Relax) programs are in the rebooted and testing phase for an immediate start, pending approval from the Fraser Health Authority.

As of this writing, the funds raised amount to $200,891, well beyond the goal of $100,000; many thanks to all those who donated (Visit our donor wall page here).