Thankful for time and space to reflect

Here we are in 2021. We made it. Some of us more easily than others.

I had a quiet holiday, celebrating with those in my household, my partner and our three cats. No family gatherings, no visits from friends except on Skype. No socializing. There was lots of good food, leisure time and Netflix. Saying hello to neighbours became more meaningful than ever. And the unseasonably warmer temperatures allowed for more time in our backyard where interactions with other humans next door and in the back lane felt like something to celebrate.

These brief moments brightened my days. All of this time at home can take a toll, even for those of us who love being at home.

We took a few walks in the neighbourhood and we eagerly placed an order from the new, plant-based restaurant on Tache Avenue, treating ourselves to a black bean burger and some southern fried tofu. On New Year’s Eve, we sauntered over to our favourite Indian restaurant on Marion Street to get a mouth-watering, authentically spiced takeout feast. And we enjoyed our first barbecue of the year in early January.

What a difference a year makes. Last January our household was alive with activity, hosting international students. Our house in Lord Roberts was a place for large dinners sampling ethnic cuisine from around the world, backyard gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. There was always something going on, and there were always people coming by for a visit. Lots and lots of people. Then the pandemic changed everything.

So, we decided to change along with the pandemic and downsized. In May we moved to a smaller home in St. Boniface. Years of hosting international students came to an end. With the smaller space and with the COVID-19 pandemic came a very different lifestyle. Our home now is just for us.

In the peace and quiet of these changes there are moments when I miss the animated intercultural exchanges and learning. I will always have great admiration and respect for those who put aside fear of change to forge ahead through great obstacles, language and cultural barriers to pursue their dreams.

Yosuke was our last homestay student, with us for a short time before we moved to our new home. We helped find him another homestay family for his remaining months in Canada, where he experienced the best of Winnipeg, pandemic and all. He came by on a sunny December afternoon to say goodbye before returning to Japan. It was a wonderful Christmas gift, and a reminder that embracing change can make space for new experiences and encourage us to cherish the value of the time we have.

Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for St. Boniface.