We hosted a gathering at our lake property that had promised to be somewhat of a reunion.  It seems that our Lord had other plans.

My uncle had a stroke about a month before my mom died. Last summer we hosted a reunion at camp with my mom as the guest of honour. This year the guest of honour was to be my uncle.

It might have been the hot weather, or the hilly windy roads or the excitement, but what ever it was, on the way to the outing, my uncle became ill and was returned home.

As disappointing as this was, we still had a very memorable day.

Clearly the little one enjoyed the water.

Haunting Reminder

A family of loons inhabits our bay.  Daily, baby and parents swim around the bay, their haunting cries breaking the evening calm with a reminder the day's end is near.

The Price of Progress

The price of progress is in focus as Melina Laboucan - Massimo, a member of the Lubicon Cree First Nation, speaks of the changes imposed on her First Nations family due to oil company exploration and development. Well worth the 10 minutes.

Sun Over Water

A week ago we hosted a group of acquaintances at our lake front property.  While some members of this party had previously visited the property, some were visiting for the first time.
Busy with duties of entertaining and meal preparation, the time flew by for me.
Hurriedly running from one task to the next, making sure our guests were comfortable and general over-seeing of the proceedings occupied my time, while our guests shared stories and exchanged philosophies.
As the sun cast its last rays over the rippling waters, one of the guests paused to remark on the beauty of the moment. Her comment caused me to stop and reflect on the wonders of the moment.
God creates miracles everyday, I am grateful for the eyes of my friend who turned my attention to this gift.

Someday

Recently, one of my daughters suggested that I read the book, "Some Day This Pain will Be Useful to You" by Peter Cameron.
A modern coming of age story, told by a teenager with a wry sense of humour, this book captured my imagination and held my interest from page one.
If you are looking for a quick summer read, consider Peter Cameron's offering...you will not be disappointed.

Time Out

Three years ago I invited a friend and colleague to spend some time away from the stresses of family, work and living.
At long last, tonight, we left work, stopped for groceries and spent an evening enjoying the lake, taking in the sunset, sharing stories and having a couple laughs.
These moments are too few and too fleeting.  When we parted we spoke of plans to do it all again, one day...soon.

Legacy

There is a Jewish tradition of leaving a legacy document.

This 'ethical will' does not deal in financial or property matters, but rather it is the gift of wisdom and good wishes. It tells others what we stand for and what we think is important.  It can also offer guidance to the recipient.

Once the ethical will is written, it can often also shape the life of the writer, because it helps to clarify values and morals.

What would you write in your ethical will?  What are your words of wisdom to share with the next generation?

Inspired

My daughter recently forwarded this video to me, that I feel the need to share.
It is inspiring to see someone overcome adversity and resume the life that they once enjoyed.

Perspective

One of our soccer players is from another culture.  Her mother wears their traditional dress and speaks very little English.  The daughter translates for us.

At soccer games and practices, my 'traditional dress' is a pair of soccer shorts and a Winnie the Pooh t-shirt. I have t-shirts that match the many soccer team colours that I have had over the years.

Recently, our little friend commented to my daughter, "Your mother dresses funny."

I am sure that in her eyes, my fashion sense for soccer is 'funny', but I cannot imagine the comments from friends and family if I were to dress as our friend's mother does.

The Darndest Things

Art Linkletter said that "Kids do the darnedest things."

At soccer practice one of the little girls commented that there was hail on the field.

The coach explained, "That is not hail, it is fertilizer to help the grass grow."

"Well," replied our friend, "It doesn't taste very good."

Ended Too Soon

It is rare to find a piece of fiction, so intriguing that with the turning of each page, came not only curiosity but a pang of regret that I was too soon approaching the end of this piece.

Such it was with Fall of the Giants, the latest work of fiction by Ken Follett.  Set against the background of WWI and spanning the globe, the characters in this novel leapt off the page and into my imagination.

I eager await the next instalment of the trilogy.

The Invited Guest

I have known my friend for just under five years, as it was five years ago that he became our parish priest.  In this short time he has become a friend and confidant to me, my husband and even my family.

Thus as his anniversary date approached I invited him to spend the day with us.  It is wedding season, and he did have a rehearsal later that afternoon, so with those parameters in mind, my husband and I planned and prepared a leisurely lunch and mid-afternoon desert.

He and my husband even found time to cruise the lake in our boat, checking out some of the houses along the lake shore.

Of course, any time at camp is always too short.

But as our guest left, the bonds of friendship further strengthened, we agreed that he was welcome back any time.

The Uninvited Guest

It seems that St. Francis sent company to visit.

During our leisure time at the cottage, I was asked to go into the camp to get a set of keys.

At the doorway of the bedroom, I was greeted by a tan coloured snake with brown spots. Never in my time at the cottage had I ever encountered such a guest in the building.  I did, what any fainted-hearted female would do when faced with adversity...I screamed.  Apparently my scream was not too loud as my daughter who was outside, did not hear me.

However, it alerted my husband who is still recovering from surgery.  My knight in shining armour came to my rescue, but with just one good leg, it soon became apparent that he would need my assistance. So with the help of a stick, I ushered our guest towards the front door and my husband, using another stick, helped the snake regain his freedom. I am sure that if someone had a camera they would have captured some pretty humourous moments.

At 144

For as long as I can remember, in our family, Canada day began with a visit to the local celebrations that included a multicultural festival.

This year was a first.  After the passing of my dad in 2004, I found this celebration emotionally difficult.  This year, would have been my first visit to the festival without my mom.  For reasons of personal sanity, I chose deliberately to avoid the event.

That morning as I prepared for a leisurely day at our cottage, I had moments during which I felt drawn to visit the festival, but I knew that going would just be rough.

During lunch at the cottage with an invited guest, I learned that my guest had never visited this festival that I avoided this year. He never wanted to go without company with whom he could enjoy the entertainment. It is sad that the object of my avoidance, could also be the object of his longing.

My resolution: next year, if I feel up to it.  I bring him to enjoy this display of our rich cultural heritage.