Well friends, another year is coming to an end. First there is the fun and frivolity of the holiday season, the excitement of looking ahead on New Year’s Eve, then the reflection and turning inward of a new year.

This year, I think more and more I have an attitude of gratitude. Partly this is due to an awareness that we are losing that generation that went before us. I am of an age where my parents’ friends are, one-by-one, leaving the building. This spring, my father went, too. My mother has lost her oldest and best friends. There is no longer that friendly shield of that older generation to protect me. I am becoming that generation, to shield, advise, and protect the one below me.

With that understanding comes a sense of responsibility and also gratitude. Gratitude for those who filled that role for me. Gratitude that I am here still to fill that role now. Gratitude for the people in my life who understand this, and for having people in my life who value me in that role.

I have so much gratitude for my friends and family. For having my back, for reaching out, for spending special time with. No better thing than hanging with people that know you so well!

I have so much gratitude for my community. What a place to be privileged to inhabit! For all its foibles and the tough times we are in, Orillia and area, as a community really tries. Tries to do the right thing, tries to support everyone in the community, gives SO MUCH. We really are blessed.

I have so much gratitude for my North Simcoe life team! We are small but so mighty, and I am so grateful for the generosity of Steve, Deb, and Hillary, with time, engagement, and caring. They are the reason we look so good!

I have so much gratitude for you, dear readers, and all the supporters of North Simcoe life. The past couple of years, I can see our growth…in advertising, in reach, in readers, in engagement. People know us, and they love us. That means so much.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed and uplighting new year. Thank you for being part of our community!