Over the weekend I was blighted with an insect bite on my eyelid that caused my cheek to puff out and my eye to swell shut.

Fortunately, the condition didn’t last long, and bumping into walls and having difficulty maneuvering my fork at breakfast really made me appreciate having two eyes. 

Sometimes reminders come in unexpected – or undesirable – packages. 

As I grumble through the cold wind of the first few days of autumn, I feel grateful for the gorgeous summer days I enjoyed this summer.

Looking out toward the yellow-speckled landscape that lies below Whistlers Mountain, I’m reminded to take in the town’s beautiful surroundings at every chance and take advantage of the slower time of year.

Though I don’t like the cold, when the first flakes of winter land on my nose, I’ll appreciate the opportunities of the season ahead.

It can be difficult, but being away from friends and family makes each phone call, each short visit that much sweeter. 

And a few tough days make a good, hearty laugh feel at least twice as good.

But most importantly, this weekend I realized the value of a few faithful comrades who will stop at no expense to put a smile on a puffy-faced friend.