- I find myself in mind of fish, one of God's many fascinating creatures, isn't it !? I thought of how, for example, the Minnow may swim happily along; oblivious to the school of feeding Perch ahead. Merrily on it's way feeding of it's own, or maybe just innocently ignorant of the true danger ahead. Maybe sheepishly following the school it finds itself in, ignoring the nagging instinct to turn away. However the circumstance arises; we are all obviously aware that the moment arrives when it misses it's opportunity to flee, and in that very second the Perch will inevitably feed. Now, be it by lucky happenstance or sheer numbers, it's critical that we recognize how many don't become lunch. Have they learned from the unfortunate demise of their friend? Has the school of Perch learned that this is the very place to wait, that this is the best place to find foolish Minnows? Any way we approach it; nature teaches the same lesson every moment of every day. Once a mistake becomes a lesson learned, it is no longer a negative experience. The other Minnows have learned to be wary in that very moment. How many have escaped at their tiny friends expense? The Perch have learned where to find a meal, and will probably try their luck at this spot again. How many locust have foolishly tried to cross a river of fire ants, how many antelope have foolishly wandered from their mother's side? How many humans have foolishly left food out in the open, at a campsite?
- Time and time again, we can see throughout nature, how simple lapses in a moments' judgement can lead to the ultimate tragedy. Who could have predicted the horror endured by Leslie Mahaffey. Would any other parent even consider locking their daughter out after hearing this story? Who could ever leave their children out for such monsters to feed on? Once again, a tragic mistake is transformed into a lesson learned; in this case, an entire nation takes notice, and grieves with a family destroyed.
- I said goodbye to one of my nearest and dearest friends this weekend. I was lucky enough to be somewhat included in the process. While I could never imagine putting myself into the midst of a families grief, I was humbled and a little surprised at how welcoming they were, to an otherwise, complete stranger. To know this man, was to know a "True French Canadian". He was at home in front of a hockey game, with a fishing pole, in front of a stove, or with a toddler on his lap, and yes he happily fed our boys far too much candy. I often wonder if my own father didn't love me correctly, or if I wasn't open enough to receive the love he had to offer. It is from "Ern", I learned this. These men grew up in a different time with different moral values, there were far more gritty, dirty, tough guy pressures put on them then I could ever imagine. What it meant to "be a man", in their time is a world, and a lifetime distant from what that very statement means today. They offered love, guidance and direction in the only way they new how, and huggy, lovey, kissy, touchy meant you were alone with a warm feminine partner. That time in history, was all about "Men don't cry", and stay in the closet where you belong. They had no inkling as to the possibility of an open, loving accepting society like that which we are working to develop today. That entire concept is as foreign to that generation, as an honest politician is to ours! It is only those of us who find ourselves willing to put aside our hurts and angry feelings, that will benefit from the love that is offered, however it comes. I found myself thinking, if I'm starving, and someone offers me a sandwich, do I complain about the bread? If I'm ravaged by thirst, and someone offers me water, do I complain about the brand? It is those of us that can find gratitude for opportunity alone, that will survive. We will grow and learn. We will find ourselves evolving, and benefiting others.
- I realized how broken my own family finds itself, and then I looked up from my own thoughts. It was here that my eyes fell to Sue & Betty. I think I would be remiss if I were to suggest that these relationships were all lovey and rosy. There is obvious, palpable tension there, and yet at that moment angry thoughts, hurt feelings, bitter opinions were all gone. Two people, hurting for the very same loss, aching for the same man, became united in their grief and fell to the very human act of comforting one another. If you've read here, you know the struggles we've endured as a family of late; and we've endured, we are still very much a family. Here I can offer an answer as to why ...
- Reg Gaudette & Ernie Ranger will probably not be remembered by history as great contributors to society, they didn't; after all, research cures for devastating disease. There were no huge monetary donations to charity, nor were they responsible for earth shattering discovery. I'm not belittling here I'm simply pointing out societies standard for contribution. This is the unfortunate state of the world, in which we live. While I won't take this opportunity to break any one's anonymity, I would point out here that the only monument to Bill Wilson is a small stone tablet found in East Dorset Cemetery. These men were willing to sit around a closed table and share their experience, strength, and hope. With a fishing pole in hand, they talked about the mistakes they had made. Standing over a stove, they shared their own hurts and offered direction, toward a path few travel. These are the real contributors. It is through their efforts that I'm able to share with you today that my marriage, and my family endure. Our Lady of the Lake, and Elmdale Memorial Park, will both have small stone tablets, yet the true memorial to these lives lived will be carried by me and others like me. Much like the Minnows that lived, or the Antelope that learned from it's brothers tragic mistake; we will take what was so unselfishly offered and benefit from it. It is love that's been given freely, maybe not in the way we wanted it, definitely not the kind of love we wanted, but it is love. To benefit another, if only from your own mistakes made, is to offer a lesson learned. Allowing another to improve at your expense is a noble thing, indeed. Today, I escaped the Perch, I evaded the Lion's grasp, I sit here, in a loving marriage, my family intact. The men I can thank are many, and I said goodbye to one of the most important ...
- Love, S.
