Looking back at the stories of 2020

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/12/2020 (896 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Normally, my December piece is my favourite column of the year because I have the chance to relive my memories of meeting area residents in-person.

I recall the setting for our interview, a smile, a look, and shaking hands or hugging someone after they’ve shared their story with me.

In 2020, I did two face-to-face interviews. It feels like they were years ago.

The pandemic has stolen so much of our human experience. Nonetheless, I am grateful to have been able to connect over the phone and via email with a number of special people and families who have told their stories with such detail and emotion that I almost felt as though I were sitting right beside them.

2020 began with featuring a partnership with Dee Dee Budgell, a past Royalwood resident who has since moved to St. Adolphe and Kathyrn Dzikowicz of Blue Sky Fitness, to help seniors stay active and healthy.

In February, I was honoured to be welcomed into the home of Jean-Marc and Gisèle Roy as they shared their journey with kidney disease and home dialysis.

While the year went on and COVID-19 gained a grip, inspiring stories of young people overcoming challenges and making a difference in our community came to the forefront.

Joshua Baker, who lives with Down Syndrome. Justin Sontag, who lives with Type 1 diabetes. And this fall, I told the stories of neighbours Sean Bector and Jenna Moore creating a rock garden in their front yard and Luka Gray picking up trash near the Bois-des-Esprits.

Two local charities were profiled for their dedication to adapting to pandemic conditions — Manitoba Mutts and Folklorama.

Community businesses Block & Blade and Boyko Innovations demonstrated how customers and clients could still be served with success despite COVID-19.

Amateur photographer April Stampe gave us insights on how her work as a nurse, showing patience and respect, has helped her capture images of wildlife in the Bois-des-Esprits.

Everyone has a story to share and it is more important than ever to stay connected. Warmest thanks to Royalwood residents, and the people and organizations involved in our neighbourhood for participating in this column.

Thank you to my husband for his support. Thank you to Canstar Community News editor John Kendle for allowing me to pursue stories outside of Royalwood. Please contact me by email at tanya.royalwood@gmail.com with your feedback and ideas.

I wish you and your loved ones good health and much happiness. Take care and be safe.

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.