A Valuable Moment In My Life Essay

When reflecting upon this past year, I selected one photo from each month that represents a valuable lesson learned in 2017. Many of these lessons are not new but have taken on even deeper meaning for me in my retirement.
January: Be grateful for friends who keep in touch in this age of ‘social media galore,’ it is easy to lose meaningful connection with others. I am saddened by many relationships that have gone unnourished and appreciate greatly those who have gone the extra mile to keep me in their lives…and to remain in mine. (Here’s a sampling of a few of those people who I have been able to connect with in retirement). If you do not see your photo below, please drop by or otherwise keep in touch. I would be delighted to add it!
February:

This past October-November I was able to meet in person four bloggers whom I regularly follow. I have also been able to meet one other blogger who has recently moved near me. Whether it be at your yoga studio, during a walk in your neighbourhood, or at your favourite blog…reach out and make a new friend. It can enrich your life one-hundred fold.
December: Cherish Every Moment
During this recent Christmas holiday, my immediate family (four sons, two grandchildren, granddog, my parents, Richard and I decided to celebrate presence instead of presents (although a few of those snuck in as well). With one son currently living in Singapore, and another son working out of province…plus all of our busy lives, it is often impossible to get all of us together in one place. I was grateful for every single moment. As a bonus, my Daughter-in-Law, Jessica, has offered to write a Guest Post about this experience. Please stop by again this coming Sunday to check it out. (Even I have not read it yet.)
Thank you to both Christie and Miriam for inspiring this piece via their recent posts. I LOVE that this corner of the blogosphere is sharing, collaborative and