Every year is memorable in its own way, but 2016 stands out from others in its seemingly continual series of tragedies. Beloved celebrities have been dying in droves, people have been dealing with loss and health crises, and the world itself seems to be in a state of upheaval.

In fact, as I am writing this, just in the past week Donald Trump won the presidential election in the United States, and just a couple of days later Leonard Cohen passed away. The thought has occurred to me on more than one occasion that in the next year or so we’ll see a movie called 2016 directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Yet it is easy to dwell on the negative, especially when there is so much of it. During 2016 people got married, babies were born, people accomplished career milestones, and precious memories were made.

In our community, just like in our lives, we sometimes take for granted the good things and get worn down by the bad. Nothing and no one is perfect. After all, as Leonard sings, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

The thing is to keep looking for that light, the glimmer of hope that keeps shining. Sometimes it is trying to find positive solutions to the problems which plague us. When we come together with friends and neighbours and talk and actually listen to each other, we can become that light.

I won’t miss 2016 and will be glad it is behind us, but there are still some moments and memories I will cherish. Let’s hope 2017 brings more light and love.