My knotted stomach untangled itself when God whispered in my ear, "you were meant to be there that day at that exact moment." Fright and fear turned to peace of mind and thankfulness.
Thankful I followed my "spontaneous instinct" which led me to my friends' house last Wednesday evening. I was on my way to do some respite work for my former employers, who happen to live around the corner from my friends, when I decided to take a detour. I had about 15 minutes to spare before my shift started and thought I would drop by. I wasn't sure if they would appreciate an unannounced visit but thought, 'oh well...I'll do it anyway!' I also remembered I had some photos in my handbag I was to give them.
As I neared their driveway, I saw my friend's husband playing with his children outside. I was warmly greeted and then invited to go inside the house where my friend was renovating her family room. I chatted with her for a bit until their phone rang. Looking at the clock, I realized I had to go so I waved goodbye then headed out the door. I stopped to say goodbye to my friend's husband who was sitting in a camping chair on the front lawn watching his children play. Surreptitiously, a car approaches and stops to the north of their driveway.
A middle aged man of average build and small stature gets out of his car and meanders up the drive towards the two of us. I saw him before my friend's husband did and said, " oh you have company." I stood back as my friend's hubby greeted this man, "hi, may I help you?"
"Is that your child riding her bike on the street,?" he asked sternly. "She is not allowed. She is too young." ( She is actually older than she appears and was wearing a helmet) " I am off duty and was driving by, but am going to file a report." In a shocking tone, my friend's hubby said, "pardon?" The man repeated himself then proceeded to pull out a business card from his plaid shirt pocket. I was flabbergasted by the implications of his question. I immediately put two and two together and figured out he must be from Family Services. I was puzzled by his accusations. I didn't think it was against the law nor considered neglect to allow your child to be riding his/her bike on the street in order to travel to a neighbours house with the parent supervising. ( Apparently there is nothing illegal or neglectful about this according to the police)
I sighed deeply then felt the knots begin to form in my stomach as I eavesdropped on the ensuing dialogue between this man and my friend's hubby. I really needed to go, but before I left, I ran into the house to inform my friend what was taking place outside. By this time I was angry. What is this world coming to if parents can't let their children play outside in front of their homes without the fear of being scrutinized by organizations such as Family Services. Don't get me wrong.
I acknowledge that Family Services have a tough job and are invaluable and necessary in most cases. However, this gentleman, in my opinion, was way out of line. I literally felt sick to my stomach for my friends as I drove to my client's house. I started to pray because I had a strong gut feeling this man wasn't going away anytime soon. I also had the sense to document what I witnessed on the pad of paper I kept in my handbag.
I won't go into all of the details but will say this man did file a report and now my friends have to find a lawyer. Their lives have been turned upside down in an instant. They are AMAZING Christian parents who don't deserve this upheaval in their lives. I'd like to say nothing will come of this situation as it just seems so absurd. But who knows.
One thing I do know for certain is I was meant to be visiting their home during that 15 minute window for some reason. God knew I needed to be there and whispered quietly in my ear so He could guide me to the intersection of this trial, reflect His peace, bring comfort to my dear friends and present the truth, if needed, to the powers that be. No need to fear. No need to be knotted inside. Breathe and find solace in the arms of Jesus.
An old Chevy Truck at the home of someone trying to preserve the past. Oshawa, ON, May, 2009
...relocating to Mexico where labour costs are apparently less. As well, many workers in the car plant may be redundant shortly. Cost cutting measures. A sign of our times. Recession. I am shocked at what has been happening in the auto industry. I would never have imagined the supposed "secure-even-in-retirement" livelihood of the majority of the people in my hometown, including my family and friends, would be rocked to the core. 
I couldn't resist taking this photo of my mom laying flowers on the grave!
We thought the placement of this sign in the cemetary washroom was hilarious...
Joining friends for dinner...
Picnic lunch at the Boardwalk and stroll through Kew Beach Park...
