Yes, we know this is one of the melancholiest times of year. Labour Day marks the end of summer vacation and the return to reading, writing and arithmetic for young ones. Although many of us cope with the “back to school blues”, for others, the proceeding week is one of the most exciting times of their lives.

I still remember how much my daughter cried and how tightly she gripped my hand on her first day of nursery school. I also recall how much I cried when my wife and I moved her into her dormitory for her first year of college.

Labour Day is also a time for nostalgia for several people of my generation who grew up faithfully watching and supporting The Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. Labour Day is also the last chance for families and others to enjoy summer with a trip to the beach, the water park, or the lake to catch that elusive muskie.

Labour Day is also a time for reflection. The last three (3) years were difficult, and this is the most normal things have felt since 2019. Times are still challenging for much of the world as inflation, climate change, war and social justice issues persist around the globe.

However, things do appear to be moving in the right direction slowly. It’s important to be grateful that we’ve made it through these crises this far, take the wins as they come and to maintain a positive attitude. Better days await us and we must enjoy every step of the journey.

Stay well,

Mike