Last week Friday the temperatures dropped and we were reminded that we are in the middle of Winter. Previous to this, we had experienced mild days – so mild that it felt like Spring! Old Man Winter decided to show his true colours and gave us a brutal few days.
Monday began with me stepping out into -33c temperatures and I walked hurriedly to work, bending my head against the icy winds. I did not even take time to enjoy the snow white snow that had fallen on the ground. My only thought was to escape the frigid temperatures and enter a warm building.
As always when it is so cold, my thoughts turn to those who do not have a home to protect themselves from the elements. Since I have moved to Toronto, I have noticed that the number of people living on the street has increased. Reasons for homelessness are cited as being the increasing cost of rental properties in the city, increasing poverty, the de-institutionalisation of mental health care, as well as factors of abuse. I always hope that those in charge of the city would open their hearts and step up for those without a home. I do acknowledge, though, that this is a dream that has not yet become a reality. The homeless are powerless and, as such, do not garner the attention of politicians.
The extreme cold weather has brought to the forefront of my mind how lucky I am to have a warm home that keeps me out of the cold. Not only do I have shelter, but I also have access to a reliable heating system that allows me to be comfortable. This week I am grateful for my home: a shelter that keeps me and my family warm throughout the cold Winter days.
What have you been grateful for this week? Share your comments or the link to your post below.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2019
I am grateful for my garage at home after having to clean off a frozen car, sitting outside in Ohio.
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Brr! At least when you have a garage you are protected from icy winds.
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Yes I protected at my home.
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i felt exactly the same thing, colline
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I cannot help but think this when it is so cold outside.
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The reasons you mention for homelessness are true, as well as an increasingly unforgiving world that has closed off many of the “safety nets” that used to exist…they are currently doing a count of the homeless in Los Angeles, and expect it to be around 53,000 or more…very sad
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It is sad that in our society there are those who do not have access to basic needs such as food and shelter.
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Early January was mild here in New Jersey, as well. But the beginning of this week we had the temperature was 8-16 degrees Fahrenheit. Very cold. Like you, I always think of the homeless and animals that are out in that extreme cold. I hope shelters opened to accept more people and animals.
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One can only hope they do – and that public spaces are more accepting of the homeless who wish to come in from the cold.
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-33 and you walk.. wow that must be cold..;-)
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It is – extremely. You rush to get back inside 😄
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