A new chapter

Today is a momentous day in the lives of some of my friends.

One of them, who has been in the Canadian Military for quite some time, is on his way to a brand new assignemnt at CFB Goose Bay. His former assignment has already come to an end, and within the next couple of days, he'll be travelling (by automobile) from Northern Ontario to his new abode in Labrador.

As part of this voyage, he stopped in this weekend to spend a few days with his parents, and I happened to have the opportunity to join them for a few hours of family time. Around the supper table, stories were told of the lessons learned in his life up to this point; about his anticipation of new adventures that will unfold in the next couple of days, weeks, months and years; and the love and support of family and friends that have accompanied him all along.

Now as this new chapter in the adventure is unfolding, there is still a certain level of anxiety (I would expect nothing less), but there is certainly a sense of something new, something wonderful that will be welcomed and that will continue to mould him into the person he is yet to become.

Moments such as these are important and often pivotal times in our lives. Those who are lucky, wise and prudent enough to acknowledge them, to learn from them and to benefit from them are indeed among the most fortunate.