Goodbye 2020, and Hello to 2021. I’m weeks late in acknowledging a new year…but the past month has been a blur. With courage and honour, my father said goodbye to this world and left his body on Dec. 29 in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, as my sister and I lovingly sat together in a snowbank outside his hospital window, holding the sacred space for his soul to fly, even if separated by brick and glass. It was both magical and heart-breaking; and for his death to be one of the many Covid statistics is maddening. But we then put one foot in front of the other, first to get out of the snowbank, and then to move forward, comforting my stepmom, comforting each other, and jumping in to action to do what needed to be done during a year-end of lockdowns, holiday closures, and provincial restrictions.
Very quickly after saying that goodbye, it was hello to the business of dying. Hello to forms and phone calls, hello to decisions large and small. Hello to moments of sweet memories, and goodbye to old clothes and trinkets. One hello I am still waiting on is an actual voice from the Canada Revenue Agency…
Our whole lives are about beginnings and endings; an ongoing cycle of hellos and goodbyes. Wisdom traditions remind us to recognize this cycle and flow WITH it instead of against it; to process the goodbyes and to welcome the hellos over and over. Even in the midst of grief, uncertainty, challenge, and the inevitable roadblocks we may face, we can say goodbye to what keeps us stuck there, and say hello to the potential and possibilities that lie before us.
I love this part from Amanda Gorman’s recent speech. It is so relevant to not only the world today, but to personal challenges we all face, big and small:
“So while we once asked,
how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?
Now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?”
So with the bravery, awareness, and motivation that my Dad instilled in me, I say Goodbye and then Hello to so many things…breathing and silently chanting So Hum and Hari Om.
My online yoga offerings will be on hold for a bit longer…keep meditating and practicing and grounding yourselves and I look forward to saying hello to you again soon.
Yoga In My Backyard 
Lynde Ewert said,
January 22, 2021 at 9:30 pm
I am with you – I lost my mother inJuly…
Lynde
>
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 22, 2021 at 9:38 pm
Thanks Lynde; connecting heart to heart.
Lisa Paddle said,
January 22, 2021 at 10:16 pm
I am heartbroken over your father’s death to this vicious disease and that you couldn’t be physically by his side Anne. I am sorry the public health messages are not being taken seriously enough by some, I am doing everything I possibly can to fight this virus – so many of us are. You have the most gracious and wonderful soul and are so giving of yourself – your father must have had something to do with that! He must have been a wonderful man. Miss you my friend and can’t wait till we can practice together again.
Stachon home iPad
>
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 22, 2021 at 10:21 pm
Thank you Lisa. I know you are one of those angels who is working tirelessly to keep us all safe and I have a deeper appreciation for everyone involved in the effort. I hope we can share time on our yoga mats together in the not so distant future. Love and light xoxo
Lise Page Rogers said,
January 22, 2021 at 10:21 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad my deepest sympathies to you and the family. May your fond memories of your Dad help you through this difficult time.
Big hugs going your way.❤️🙏
Lise Sent from my IPad
>
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 22, 2021 at 10:22 pm
Thank you Lise. I feel your hugs xo
DELORES LYDALL said,
January 23, 2021 at 8:16 am
Dear Anne,
I’m very sorry to read that you and your family have had so much with which to deal. These are difficult times, and I can only imagine how painful it’s been to say goodbye to a loved parent with so many barriers in the way.
I hope that you have many cherished memories to provide you with comfort as you accept your profound loss.
With much fondness, Delores
>
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 23, 2021 at 9:49 am
Thank you Delores. Yes we have many memories to make us smile. Miss seeing you in class, but I feel your connection anyway. Namaste…
Joan Bowler said,
January 23, 2021 at 9:21 am
I am so sorry about your loss, Anne. Amanda Gorman’s quote is so meaningful to me. I lost my husband and soulmate unexpectedly from an accident. I am a survivor.
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 23, 2021 at 9:51 am
Yes Joan, survive we must after a loss as well as thrive! Sending good vibes back to you, too.
laraforscharlebois said,
January 23, 2021 at 9:48 am
❤🙏❤
On Fri., Jan. 22, 2021, 9:26 p.m. Yoga In My Backyard, wrote:
> ANNE STUBBS posted: ” Goodbye 2020, and Hello to 2021. I’m weeks late in > acknowledging a new year…but the past month has been a blur. With courage > and honour, my father said goodbye to this world and left his body on Dec. > 29 in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, as my sister a” >
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 23, 2021 at 9:51 am
Thank you Lara 🙏
Judy Johnstone said,
January 23, 2021 at 1:53 pm
I am so sorry Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 23, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Thank you so much Judy. 🙏
Elizabeth Cole said,
January 24, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Dear Anne: I am so sorry to hear of the loss Of your Father but so thankful that you and your sister were there together to bid him farewell. My sincerest condolences on your loss and may happy memories of his life encourage you on your journey With my love Elizabeth from Toronto with my two sons and families 💞🦋💐 Sent from my iPhone
>
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 24, 2021 at 6:05 pm
Thank you Elizabeth! Glad to hear you are with your family.
Glynis said,
January 24, 2021 at 5:40 pm
Wonderfully said as always. During such a hard time we wish you, Jane and your families the best. Hugs to all.
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 24, 2021 at 6:05 pm
Thank you 🙏
Dorothy Corbett said,
January 24, 2021 at 11:20 pm
Dear Anne,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I can only imagine how difficult it was for you and your family to go through this under COVID restrictions, but your calm and resilient spirit has been able to see you through and find the way forward. My thoughts are with you. Take care and stay well.
Dorothy
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 24, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Thank you Dorothy! 🙏
Jane Wright said,
January 26, 2021 at 10:43 am
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Anne. My thoughts are with you and I hope the memories of your father bring peace, comfort and strength.
💕 Jane
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 26, 2021 at 11:04 am
Thank you Jane xoxo
Ron said,
January 26, 2021 at 11:40 am
Hello Anne
We are sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our condolences to you and all your family. Our hearts and thoughts are with you as are those of your fathers spirit.
Hugs Ron and Deborah
ANNE STUBBS said,
January 26, 2021 at 11:47 am
Thank you Ron and Deborah xo