My Little Corner of Canada: Humour and forgiveness are the best gifts of all

JOHN AMAGOALIK

“Ring…ring.”

“Hello, Santa speaking.”

“Hello Santa, this is the Little Corner calling for our annual chat.”

“Well, hello Little Corner. I didn’t really expect to hear from you. Things have not gone well for you this year, I see.”

“Yes, 2001 has been a year of setbacks and unpleasant experiences for me. To quote Queen Elizabeth II, this was the annus horribilius.”

“Ho, ho. I am glad to see you still have your sense of humour.”

“Humour is good medicine. I think I have also learned to be more humble. You learn from this stuff. The twists and turns of life.”

“It’s important to have a positive attitude when life throws you a curve, Little Corner. What else have you learned from this … stuff.”

“I have learned that forgiveness is also good medicine. I have forgiveness in my heart. It makes the bitterness go away.”

“You must also have had a lot of support during your difficulties, I’m sure.”

“Yes, I want to thank the members of my local church, all my friends, cousins and the citizens of Iqaluit in general who have been so kind to me these past few months.”

“How is your hockey team doing?”

“It’s doing pretty well. The team is in first place in the East and I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m still concerned about defence, but if Kaberle can step up, the team might go far this year.”

“Well, I hope you will be watching your team playing in June. Did you have any special wishes for Christmas?”

“Yeah, I hope you had time to make a special visit to my grandchildren Oqai, Joanasie, Chun Chun, Alisha and Geeteeta.”

“I’ve made a note of that. Well, Little Corner, I hear Mrs., Claus calling. I think she wants me to help with the dishes, so I have to go.”

“Merry Christmas, Santa. I’ll call you again next year.”

“Good-bye, Little Corner. May God bless your house.”