Dr. Ashirbani Saha reflects on the three years that have passed since she and her husband, Dibyendu, moved to Hamilton, and how much the couple has enjoyed the area’s rich opportunities to be closer to nature.
Hello BRIGHT Run Family,
Happy August.
Time has flown and now we find ourselves in the eighth month of 2024. Much has transpired in my research, some of which I’ve shared in previous letters. Similarly, my personal life has seen a multitude of sweet and sour moments over the past few years.
It has been three years since I moved to Hamilton with my husband. It has brought us close to nature in several ways. We are closer to the lakes and the woods, and, of course, the waterfalls.
I am reading a book about the history of Niagara Falls these days. The geological aspects of its formation and ongoing gradual changes are fascinating to know. We have also savoured the beauty of the Grand River, both from Caledonia and Paris. We have grown fond of birds and I will write about that in another letter.
We consider ourselves very fortunate to get the opportunity to be close to nature (see some pictures, all captured by my husband Dibyendu).
Summarizing what closeness to Nature bestows upon us would be akin to the sentiments expressed by the poet Wordsworth,
For oft when on my couch I lie in vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon the inward eye which is the bliss of solitude
BRIGHT Run has brought me closer to what I love to do – research and observing nature.
We are just a few weeks away from the 17th BRIGHT Run. I am eagerly waiting to meet you and to enjoy the beauty of Christie Lake Conservation Area.
Thank you for supporting breast cancer research through all these years!
Best,
Ashirbani
Dr. Ashirbani Saha is the first holder of the BRIGHT Run Breast Cancer Learning Health System Chair, a permanent research position established by the BRIGHT Run in partnership with McMaster University.
