Let’s face it, 2020 has been a weird one.

I think we can say that, and it’s not even over yet. But here we are to tell it’s tale. Soon it’ll be a distant memory… like floppy disks or non-skip walkmans….

But just like with every passing year, or trying time, I try and reflect back on what positive lessons may be squeezed out of this experience. Sometimes they’re simple, and sometimes I have a difficult time with that positive mental attitude, but let me tell you friends- it’s so darn important!

With Peterborough pulling up it’s socks and taking our Covid measures seriously, our infected numbers dropped dramatically. We all sacrificed a lot (and continue to do so). Many of us even continued working during the pandemic. And for that, I am extremely grateful. Thank you.

So when the opportunity crossed my path to give back in a small way, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Local photographer Kristen McIntyre organized a project to give small sessions to our local hospital workers- many of whom gave up a lot for their community; some even relocating to a nearby school residence to prevent their families from getting sick. These folks, are our local heroes, and I was stoked to jump on board to capture them smiling in front of my camera.

When I was fist meeting the lovely folks I was about to photograph, I asked them a bit about their journey and any lessons they took from 2020. I hope their words are as humbling for you as they were for me. As we continue on our paths, please be certain to take some of these words into consideration- be kind to your neighbours, thank your grocery store clerk, celebrate the garbage man, smile at the teachers, and call those you haven’t heard from in a while.