Thank you Nellie

I am a survivor. Barely, truth be told!

I was immersed in the wilds of "pre-teenage-dom" this week and let's just say it was quite the fierce adventure! I was one of four chaperones on our Grade 8 Grad Trip to our nation's capital, Ottawa. Overall it was good and I LOVED touring all the historical places and museums, including our Parliament. I have many stories and pictures I could share but choose to just highlight one moment that inspired and profoundly affected me. It caught me by surprise actually.

We were standing on Parliament Hill, looking at the statue of our first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. MacDonald. Our tour guide, whom I could write an entire novel about, was rattling on about something. The chaperones were trying to keep the students quiet, which was next to impossible! Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a group of statues in the distance. I wanted to explore but wasn't sure if I should wander away from our group. Curiousity got the better of me! As I approached this group of statues, I immediately knew who they were...

Nellie McClung and her fellow reformers who first fought to have Canadian women declared as "persons" in 1929, then fought for the women's right to vote in 1916...



As I stood in the middle of these statues taking my photos, I paused...

... for I needed to take a moment to reflect on the ramifications of this historical event.

... for I needed to take a moment to offer my gratitude for the sacrifices made by these women who forged the way enabling Canadian women to freely vote.

It was a gift. One I realized I took for granted until standing amidst their presence on "the Hill!"
It was an empowering, poignant moment for me. Thank you Nellie McClung and your fellow reformers! Thank you.

My solitude was quickly interrupted by the bellows of my students calling, "Miss W., Miss W., Miss W......"

visit with shave

A gentle, humid breeze was blowing through the open window when I quietly walked into her room where she lay sleeping. Peaceful. Beautiful. I stood at the base of her bed and just watched her for a few moments. Quiet, except for the low hum of the fan blowing on her face. I didn't want to wake her. Not yet. My mind took me back in time when I had my first sleepover with Shave here. We were vivacious, innocent teenagers ready to tackle the world. I loved coming to this house here in the country.

The drive up today was glorious. A crisp Wedgwood blue sky, with cotton-ball clouds greeted me. I could feel myself relaxing the further north I drove. Beautiful countryside. Untouched. Old, dilapidated wooden barns with their stone foundations dot the landscape. Rural Ontario. I love it!

As I drove onto the causeway and crossed the lake, I began to feel nervous. Finally Shave and I were connecting. I didn't know what to expect. There was so much I wanted to say. I rehearsed it over in my mind. As I rounded the last corner before reaching her parent's house, I took a deep breath of the fresh country air. Shave's childhood home stood on the corner. The swimming pool is gone, the trees are taller and fuller, but the same sweet energy permeates from the property.

I didn't want to wake her. She needed to sleep. But I longed to just hold her in this space. To affirm all is well. To support. To love. Just a few more moments.

I saw the scarf. It was covering what I was afraid to see. Why do we fear losing that which seems so superficial. Why is it a traumatic event losing one's hair. My sweet Shave looked beautiful in spite of this loss. Her glow was undeniable as she stirred and turned toward me. I was greeted by her famous smile and laugh- oh can she laugh! My fears immediately ceased. I knew she was my same sweet Shave. All would be well. Shave told me later she had been dreaming about me and totally knew I was in the room even though she didn't hear me enter. Unique friends are we!

I crawled into bed beside my sweet Shave because she was in too much pain to get up. We hugged for a long time. Our hug was full of hope, promise and colour! No need for words. I love that about our friendship. We "get" each other.

Later, she let me see her beautiful, bald head and I didn't even freak out! All is well. Faith is intact. Faith is strengthened. Emmanuel!

April 2010- taken from my mobile phone while driving home from work

mid-life re-focus

Niagara Falls ON, May 9, 2010 - Mother's Day

"The only limit to your life is your own imagination. The only thing that's going to stop you from doing whatever it is you want to do is your ability to envision it."

(Shonda Rhime's father)