We enjoyed many joy-filled gatherings this past month as we prepared for, and then celebrated, the birth of our Lord and Savior.

PEP, which stands for People Encouraging People, had a wonderful Christmas lunch and carol sing in the Mission Room at Noroton Presbyterian Church. One of those present has sung in the choir for 40 years and will soon move to be near his daughter in California.

We flew to Calgary for our annual trek to Alberta. Then we went to Canmore for a few days, and to Lake Louise, in Banff National Park. We love this beautiful place in the Canadian Rockies in the winter when it’s frozen and covered with fresh snow.

Marilyn’s father arrived in Canada in 1929, and now there are 71 members in his family. Marilyn has five siblings, 13 nephews and three nieces, and 12 grand nieces and 14 grand nephews, and one great grand nephew.

One of our traditions when we visit Marilyn’s home in Alberta is to go to the cemeteries where her parents, grandparents and great grandparents are buried. It is a time to remember all that they did for their families.