My aunt Lois Dallas passed away a couple of weeks ago.
I can't say that her death was a sudden shock to the system, as her health had started to decline over the last few months. Still, it hurts knowing that she's not here, even if there's at least some comfort in knowing that all of her aches and pains are now over.
She was 77 years old and she lived a good life. That's all any of us want, isn't it? Reach a respectable age and at the end of it all, take a look back on all of it and be able to say, "Yeah, it was good, I enjoyed myself"? I think so, and I think that's what Lois could've done. She raised a great family, established roots for herself in her community, and enjoyed many good years.
Aunt Lois was the absolute best kind of person. She was a rock, she was a source of comfort, and she was a tried and true prairie farm woman in the best way possible. I will always remember trips out to the farm when I was growing up and Lois's giving, light-hearted nature. I'll never forget her kindness in the wake of both of my parents' passings over these last number of years, and I was especially happy to recently spend Christmas Eve with her and the family out at the farm, which also happened to be her birthday. To my family, I say remember the good times, and remember the years enjoyed. Lois sure did.
The fact that Lois is now no longer with us made my family and I take a good long look at ourselves, and we came to the realization that too many of us have passed on far too soon. With that on all our minds, we've decided that we're holding a Dallas family reunion over the Canada Day long weekend this coming July. Of course, among the events will be a service for Lois, but the rest of the weekend is really just an opportunity to all get together and catch up on what we're all doing. It seems like as if the years can go by with a snap of the fingers, so it seems that another family shindig is long overdue.
This has made me think of past family reunions that I've enjoyed.
I think of the one way back in the summer of 2000, when I was 14 going on 15 years old. Yup, I was basically at that "grouchy, hate everyone, all of this is lame" period of my adolescence. I even had blonde highlights in my hair, ugh. Hey, it was the style at the time! I remember games, I remember music, and I remember everyone having a good ole time. There were so many of us then, and it's difficult to look back on this and compare it to now without going, 'Damn'. Where did the years go? Where did WE all go?
I also think back to the reunion we had in the summer of 2014, which was held out at the farm. A very enjoyable few days, that's for sure. It was summer, the weather was perfect, and all the pieces came together to ensure a fun few days. Now, that being said, my mom didn't have the greatest time because she felt that some aspects of it were too rigid and people could've been more relaxed, and I saw her point. But that said, it was an entertaining few days and it was exactly what a family reunion should be; a big pile of people drinking a big pile of booze, listening to a big pile of music, playing a big pile of games, eating a big pile of food, and taking a big pile of pictures to capture all of it. I look at photos of that weekend often, that's how enjoyable it was for me.
I can remember where we were the last time we called for another Dallas Family Rebellion (unofficial reunion title around here). It was, in fact, after a funeral for my aunt Hazel Nelson back in November 2019. We were all together at the Legion Hall over in Rosetown after the service, sharing memories and visiting, when the announcement was made. Summer of 2020, we'll see all of you back here in rural Saskatchewan for a Dallas family shindig!
Well, none of us knew what would be coming for the world just a few short months later, so we had to put the kibosh on that one. Until now, that is.
So then, summer 2022, I'm looking forward to seeing my family. It won't be the same without a few key people there, but I like to think they'll be there in spirit.
With that, I'd like to close this week's column by touching on something we've heard here in Saskatchewan.
We heard the news from Premier Scott Moe: proof of vaccination no longer required as of February 14, and masks no longer required as of March 1. It's a step forward as far as returning to a state of normalcy, but I think it's important to remember one thing. When February is over and masks are no longer mandated by the province, you *will* continue to see businesses, especially the smaller ones, asking their customers to wear a mask for a while. This may be a personal choice on the part of a business owner or it may even be health-related in some instances.
My hope is that people understand the vantage point of business owners in this regard. If your local flower shop or hobby store is asking you to wear a mask, then just wear the mask. It's not a big deal, and it won't be forever. The government told us what's being carried out, but it's going to be a gradual process as far as getting back to the normal we were experiencing at this time two years ago. If you want to support small and local businesses, then jump in with both feet.
I'm looking forward to NOT having to wear my mask everywhere, but I'll still have it on me, just in case.
I hope my fellow Saskatchewinners will do the same.
For this week, that's been the Ruttle Report.
