Editor’s note:
The Agassiz-Harrison Observer put out a call to the readership to send messages of love and Christmas cheers to seniors we know read the paper on a weekly basis.
The Christmas Eve issue is here and we have a few notes from the community to our seniors.
For those of you who may not have sent a note in by the end of the weekend, don’t worry. So long as they continue to come in, we will continue to publish these messages.
You might be reading this from isolation at Agassiz Seniors Community or elsewhere as an outbreak or exposure runs its course. We hope you are keeping healthy and taking whatever precautions are needed.
Though the pandemic has brought some of our darkest times yet, know that we are with you even if we can’t be there in person right now. Hundreds, thousands of us are reaching out to you from the other side of those walls.
You matter. You’re included. You are loved and valued, and I hope you feel that in some small way. I wish we could’ve done more, but I’m so, so grateful for all who responded and especially thankful to you for reading. Merry Christmas. Have a wonderful holiday season. May we all gather together soon, never to take our fellowship for granted again.
– Adam
Notes from Agassiz-Harrison residents, in their own words:
I’d like to extend this message to all of the residents on both sides, independent and assisted living, located at the Agassiz senior home(Cheam Village), Glenwood and Logan Manor. I wish you all a happy, safe and prosperous holiday season. Callie, Dylan and Marcela love you all.
Love, the Kohuch family
To my wonderful friend, Julie Davies. We love you and miss you, my dear. Love from me, Dan, Brad and Don. Until we meet again in 2021, hugs and kisses!
– Janyce McKay
We are sending warm thoughts of love, hope, and peace to each of you. You are important, you matter, and we’re sincerely thankful you are a part of the community. Please keep well and stay safe as we look forward to gathering again.
The warmest of hugs,
Samantha and Greg Piper
I remember you, and wish you happy heart, happy thoughts. Just know normalcy is around the corner.
– Robert
Happy Holidays!
Sending you love and kindness from afar! Hoping you are safe and healthy this holiday season! Make a cup of tea and watch your favourite christmas movie!
So much love!
– Lucia Swaine
T’was a month before Christmas,
And all through the town,
People wore masks,
That covered their frown.
The frown had begun
Way back in the Spring,
When a global pandemic
Changed everything.
They called it corona,
But unlike the beer,
It didn’t bring good times,
It didn’t bring cheer.
Airplanes were grounded,
Travel was banned.
Borders were closed
Across air, sea and land.
As the world entered lockdown
To flatten the curve,
The economy halted,
And folks lost their nerve.
From March to July
We rode the first wave,
People stayed home,
They tried to behave.
When summer emerged
The lockdown was lifted.
But away from caution,
Many folks drifted.
Now it’s November
And cases are spiking,
Wave two has arrived,
Much to our disliking.
It’s true that this year
Has had sadness a plenty,
We’ll never forget
The year 2020.
And just ‘round the corner -
The holiday season,
But why be merry?
Is there even one reason?
To decorate the house
And put up the tree,
Who will see it,
No one but me.
But outside my window
The snow gently falls,
And I think to myself,
Let’s deck the halls!
So, I gather the ribbon,
The garland and bows,
As I play those old carols,
My happiness grows.
Christmas is not cancelled
And neither is hope.
If we lean on each other,
I know we can cope
– Submitted by Brenda Taschuk
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Messages to those in isolation will continue to be collected through the holiday season for publication. You can submit messages to specific individuals or general sentiments by writing to news@ahobserver.com.
Thank you to everyone who participated.