More thoughts of the Christmas season

By Robert Bradley

To have come to this season, part II.

They are stringing the lights for Christmas around Parque Calderon. The blue CUENCA sign across from the Cathedral is a huge hit already. Teens are grouping together in sizes that stretch beyond the limit of a selfie, so like a paddling of ducks, they wander back and forth in ever-changing conventions while smartphones are imprinting everything.

Couples chat and gaze about under the inviting lights around the fountain.  A distracted man is getting his shoes shined, a brood of children are excitedly weighing which flavor of ice cream is best while the sweetest most luminous blue ever smooths a sky that sparkles with lights shining along Gran Columbia.

But it is a different shade of blue that shadows me, this is also the season of remembrance.

This is a year best described as being momentous.

I lost a dream locked deep in my heart while I welcomed another member of the Bradley clan into a world of danger and opportunity. Crisis.

I made new and lasting friendships steeped in casual conversation, fermented in lively debate, then finely distilled into a hue of trust more earthy than golden, likely to age well and sweeten right to the end.

I began writing this column for CuencaHighLife, a decision that molds my week.

I have a contract to report my discoveries to you in whatever medium I can, be it picture or pen  — and it gives me great pleasure to do so.

I love welcoming you to sit with me as I wander deep into dreams, illustrating what I have learned and showing you photos of what wondrous events I saw.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. The greatest gift being to have come to Cuenca. And you, the readers.

We have all been through a lot this year but we have gone through it together and that makes all the difference.

Thank you.