Advent 2021

Dear Friends & Family,

We’ve had a year of ups and downs: Touched by grief, yet able to celebrate life. Isolated by Covid, yet able to travel a bit and to enjoy some time with friends.

Mark’s father died in Des Moines on July 11 of complications following surgery for a broken hip. He was just weeks short of his 99th birthday, but able to make his own decisions until just a few hours before the end. The celebration of his long life was an overwhelming tribute, the church filled with family and friends. Mark’s mother continues to do well in her independent living unit at Calvin Community.

International travel was impossible this year, but we did well. In addition to multiple trips to Des Moines, we drove to Florida for a couple of weeks in January, made it to Hawaii for a week in early May, got a few days on the North Shore of Lake Superior in August, and did a trip to view leaves in New England in October. Thanks to vaccines, masks, and tests, we managed to feel fairly safe in these ventures, though some plans had to be altered due to the pandemic.

Travel included time with Sarah and her family, including Harper, age 9, Corbin, 7, and Malcolm, almost 4. We are able to enjoy time with Katherine and her family, who live less than a half hour away from us. Granddaughter Clara, age 3, entertains us frequently.

We rejoice that we have managed to connect with several friends -- including some from college and high school years. The pandemic has made us appreciate these lasting friendships, whether with just another couple over a meal, or in larger reunions.

We pray that this season finds you well, and that our days of isolation are nearing an end. And may the year ahead offer us all more ups and fewer downs!

Mark & Mary Johns