2022 was definitely a Happy New Year for me!  All of the Truchons were together under one roof for 5 whole days.  

The traditional Christmas Eve photo…the same, only different this year!

Ordinarily that would be a wonderful thing – a wonderful thing that happens a couple of times per year.  With children who live all over the place, I always treasured our time together, but this year I truly savoured every moment.

The last time we gathered was Christmas 2019, and when we went our separate ways, we were excited for our plans to meet in Poland in May 2020 for Lisa and Adam’s wedding.

In some ways the intervening 2 years were the longest ever, but at the same time it feels like we just fast-forwarded to New Years 2022 in Pincher Creek, Alberta where we rented a beautiful airbnb, purchased a truckload of food and beverages, and enjoyed time together.  

In that fast forward our family grew – Lisa and Adam did get married (and we attended over Zoom), then they had a baby in July.  Max and Erika had a baby in November – so when we gathered there were 13 of us!

We started planning in the summer when the mood was very positive; numbers were down and vaccinations were up.  I got more and more nervous as the numbers climbed in December, but we all agreed to be very careful prior to New Years and make every effort to be there if we could.  We had a few sniffles, so we had group testings daily and masks were worn around the babies.  COVID impacted the vacation but didn’t stop us!

A bonfire after a hike to the gazebo.

It was loud and crazy and wonderful!  There were meals together, some serious and heated discussions (as is usual for this group), walks and hikes up to the gazebo at the top of the hill, skiing for some and babysitting for gramma, and so, so much laughter…my heart is full.

And a highlight was the Christmas gift from our kids…family photos!  They hired an amazing photographer who came and captured our joy!

So, we are back home and those numbers keep climbing.  A surgery has been cancelled and my dad’s retirement residence is locked down, schools had an extended closure and we are working from home.  

January 2022 looks very similar to January 2021, but this time I have memories of a very Happy New Years…and hope for a summer gathering to celebrate Lisa and Adam’s wedding 2.0…to keep me moving forward.

My wish is that everyone has warm memories and hope to carry them through 2022! 

Happy New Year!