Lest We Forget

Here I am.  Once again I find myself putting together the November NSHEA newsletter.  I want to include poems and quotes that honour the memories of those who have fought and still fight, for our freedom. But, I don't want to repeat the same ones I placed last year. ( I think it very important to gain different perspectives from people who were/are affected, hence why I would like to use different pieces this yea)r.  So I referred to last year's November issue of the newsletter.  When I did, it reminded me about a post I put on facebook a year ago.  I decided I wanted to share it with you.

November 10, 2010


I was compiling some Remembrance Day poems and quotes for this year's NSHEA November newsletter when I came across a series of poems by my great - grandfather.  He, himself, served in WWI and WWII.  He watched how war affected the town of Springhill, and the sacrifice that was made so that Canada (and other countries) would remain free.  

As November 11 approaches in near minutes, I remember, not only my great grand-father, but my grandfathers, my uncles and great-uncles, and my friends; all who have served this country either in the wars or in the armed forces years later.  I also take a moment to remember those who served along side them and those who were on the homefront, as well as those  who are presently serving.  Without them, we would not know freedom like we do.  

I know peace had its cost.  Lest we forget.

TO MY SON

You saw your duty, and did it well.

You suffered, fought, ‘mid shot and shell.

You gave your life, and where you fell,

A wooden cross doth mark it well.

My heart is full. I’m proud. I’m sad.

I’m proud that you proved your worth, my lad!

I’m sad at the loss of a manly son,

Who gave his life because of the Hun.

You are laid at rest in a foreign grave.

You didn’t shrink, your life to save,

But answered the call your country made.

You couldn’t think of her a slave!

And someday when this war is o’er,

I’ll set my feet on that distant shore,

And then to God, on bended knee,

I’ll give my thanks that we are free.

Yes, at the cross that marks your grave,

I’ll thank my God that I’m not a slave,

Because of my lad, of boys like thee,

Who fought and died to keep us free!

“Dedicated to my son: Sgt. William G. Fletcher, who was killed in action in North Africa on April 2nd, 1943.”

1943-1944

~ Q.M.S. Charles B. Letcher

Patience Always has a Way of Paying Off

As I spent my afternoon and evening waiting for my name to be called one flight after another, I began to take on a more go with it attitude than my regular go get 'em way. I was realizing that all this was out of my hands and that if I waited, good things will come. I would be rewarded.

Well, I arrived at my first destination safe and sound. Overdue from the original plan, but I am here none-the-less. I actually had 2 great flights. The one to YUL was actually in first class! Now THAT is patience rewarded. (The cheese plate and hot towel is nice, too). The second leg was a short jaunt from one gate to another and an even shorter wait for the leg to YYZ. I swear everyone had an entire row to themselves. It was great! Smooth sailing.

Patience. I got to practice and embrace it today. I remembered that patience is key in all situations, especially in ones that are out of my control. I must remember that more often (note to self on that one).

And now for the greatest reward of the whole ordeal is that I am settling in for the night at a dear friend's place who I treasure so much. That makes the wait all worth it right there!

Sent from my iPad

Waiting... A test of patience

I am presently sitting beside the gate at the airport listening and watching as they are frantically trying to figure out how to get people on the flights to their destination.

Me, I am just a "con"- an "employee" on standby, thus, I am the last priority.  I have already sat through three flights; two of which were supposed to have room but because of delays and cancelations, I am "bumped".  Once again, with sweaty palms and heart racing, straining to hear my name called last minute.

Sigh.  It is definitely a reminder to have patience and lots of them.  It's also telling me that I just need to take it all in stride.  After a busy year and summer, this is my calling.  Be patient and take it in stride.  And for me to remember that it's all art of the adventure.  Right?

Catching Up

I just realized, that in the madness of moving, settling in and summer schedule, that I had yet to post.  YIKES!  I am supposed to put one up every week - or at least it was my goal.  Oh Well!  Just like when we take a hiatus from anything, we must return.

We have now been in our house now for 3 glorious months.  I am still in awe of it.  I wake up thinking I am in someone else's home.  Slowly but surely this is becoming our home with each new thing placed on the walls or added to the rooms.  

Presently, we are finishing up the office space in the basement so that we can be ready for fall.  Its down to the finishing touches and putting the stuff into its place.  More pictures are to follow.

We're Moving!

It has been such a whirlwind few weeks.

Our house was sold within 3 days and we move out in less than a week!  It has been a non-stop adventure to say the least.

Needless to say, through all the hectic-ness of it all, we feel incredibly blessed to have such an opportunity.

More to come on life, stuff and irrelevant things very soon!

The house goes on the market tomorrow

We have toiled, sweated and stretched ourselves getting our first home ready to sell.  It has been a gratifying process, though with some sadness attached.  I had to hold back the tears as I painted over the growth chart on the edge of our kitchen entry.  Each mark represented a memory of when my children were that size and what they were doing.

So while the process of negotiations occur and time on pins and needles continues, I will be in and out - semi missing in action, let's say.

Here are a few pictures of our first home getting ready to shine for others to see and fall in love (and hopefully buy!)

Mac's Room

Classroom/den

 

Master

Rec Room

Living Room

Reno-d main bath

Kitchen

Abby's Room

Still Missing In Action

Okay.  I know I vowed to have a post up a week after my last one.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have been wrapped up in other things.

 The biggest one is prepping our house for sale!  Yep.  We're doing it.  We're putting our abode of 10 years up and diving into a new and bigger one. We have been plugging away like peons trying to get all those little jobs done.  That is where and when we hit a snag that has consumed our time for the most part...a leaky toilet.  This has meant repairs to the ceiling, taking up the ceramic and subfloor.  It has also meant new subfloor and flooring, new toilet, a semi new vanity and new trim.  And like everything else, the bathroom is in a state of chaos!

So please forgive me if I am MIA for a bit. I promise to be back very soon with pics of the whole process and perhaps with pics of our new abode, too.

Enjoy your week!

PS.  The kids are enjoying the process and learning a lot from all this... go figure! :)