THE PINE CONE

Wherever there are coniferous trees, there are pine cones of different sizes and varieties. For some gardeners they are a nuisance. For the crafter, they are an endless source of material for a abundance of craft ideas. Many Christmas wreaths contain pine cones with colourful accessories
or they are the accessory. Plain, painted or tied with a bow- pine cones become not only
a Christmas but a winter ornament. They can be used as the base for a name card on your holiday table. A basket containing pine cones makes a simple and quick decoration. Any craft store or craft sale will have a bag of pine cones to buy at an inflated price. Folks in older times used all these pine cones creating their festive environment. The real pleasure is the joy of collecting them. A walk by a small woodlot with trees will provide enough pine cones for many projects. Small children love to touch, feel and play with them learning about nature in a simple and experiential way. During the summer months, collected and stored until ideas blossom of what to do with all the pine cones! The potential is endless. If the supply is greater than the demand, pine cones burning in your winter fireplace are equally as pleasuable. Many family memories have pine cones in the picture. Do you use these natural elements in your home? Holidays? Do you have memories with pine cones and happy moments?

THE MODERN JUNK DEALER

In past generations, people made money collecting other people's junk and selling it. We now have garage sales and sell our own junk or treasures as the new purchaser will say. Stuff is sold on ebay by individuals and now all the dealers of any collectible use it as a site. Since I am now in the process of deciding what is an heirloom and if my children really will want it- so it's a keeper, what goes to a charity, what is a sellable collectible and what I really want to save into my old age. No time to manage an ebay account, so I have done the modern thing- hired my own salesman who does all the work and takes a small commission. Although many items were provided to him, my house still needs a good cleanse. There are also some items that will just go to the curb with my garbage. As we all know, there are still garbage pickers. Years ago, my daughter and I put out an old ping pong table with net, paddles and balls to the curb. Didn't want to be bothered with the bickering to ask a minimal amount for it. It was so much fun watching people trying to get it into their car, small van and finally a person with a pickup truck won the prize. Who has been the junk dealer in your family? How do you discard of those items that need a new home? It is hard parting with some things. Amazing what an emotional attachment there can be to small items.

BIRCH TREES

Birch trees are such beautiful trees. They are grown locally and in many countries around the world. Native Canadians made canoes, bowls and wigwams from this prolific tree due to the light weight and flexibility. Unlike most trees its bark is white and can be peeled in layers. A little research revealed the Hughes H-4 Hercules is made mostly from birch wood and that's why it is called " The Spruce Goose." Many homes have a birch as the front yard tree. When moving to our current home, we planted one with four distinctive trunks. Unfortunately, it became diseased and eventually died. Do you have a beautiful birch on your property?

A SNOW FLURRY MEMORY

I was a Social Work student doing my second year U. of T. Masters field practice placement at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. As part of my learning, I requested cases with patients with terminal illness. One case- Renee- will always be remembered. I was a busy student, studying, researching for my placement requirements, married with commitments at home. Always in a hurry. One day when I was arriving for placement it was snowing and I was dreading the ride home if it kept up. I had many people to see that day and a paper to write later that evening. I visited Renee. She was in her bed, very ill and quiet. We started to talk but she kept looking towards the window. She told me in her soft voice that she loved to watch the snow come down, it was so pretty. And it was. We sat quietly together and watched the snow slowly descend. We talked about matters that were on her mind. It slowed my energy and taught me to be aware of the world around me. Although it was still snowing on my way home, my view of it was so different. The first snow flurry of the winter season always reminds me of her. There was a light dusting of snow today. Life lessons come from all directions.

LESS IS MORE

In our modern times when we want to do everything possible to cram as much in a day, the holiday season is always one where most of us go into overdrive. Well, stop! Decide what are the most important aspects of the season for you. Lists, planning, and writing down your thoughts help to visualize how much you are trying to do. It is easier before you start to decide what really needs to be done and eliminate some things. For example, little children find the season magical. One parade, tree decorating, making cookies should be fun activities and not chores. The visit to Santa and picture taking can be an outing and not just a filler while other errands are done. If everyone feels rushed, then the mood changes. By slowing ourselves to enjoy the activities helps to bring joy. Family obligations can be reassessed. Group functions with everyone pitching in can lessen the work on any one individual. Each year brings something new. This year for me, if I can help lessen the load on my daughter and son-in-law with the new baby, then it will happen. Another year they may help me. In my work many families can face a hospitalization during the season. There can be additional stress of how they are going to manage Christmas and hospital visits. By deciding what is important the tasks can be decreased. Less is more!! What do you do to help lessen your load? How do you make the holidays fun and festive?
Do you have suggestions?

THE CHRISTMAS WREATH

As we begin to enter the Christmas season with shopping, wrapping, card writing, partying and tree decorating, my official Christmas season starts with placing the wreath on the door, followed by Christmas lights. Of course, gifts are purchased throughout the year as they are found.

What do you put on your door? Did you make a wreath or buy one? Mine is homemade with local pine cones collected in warmer days.

WHAT IS OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Ideas, trends, favourite items recycle with each new generation. Just think of Trivial Pursuit, for example, the in game of the early 80's. Parties, get togethers, then the game collected dust and a new generation- now on the computer. Dolls that were popular for my children now have a new market. So is it time to recycle us. Getting older does not mean outdated. Slowing down but still can use those old ideas to solve today's problems. In my field, I see old ideas, concepts recycle with new labels and charts, graphs. Wanting to study another field, I bought a number of leading business books from the Rotman Business School at the University of Toronto. Guess What? The marketing principles, integrative thinking and team playing- all concepts I studied in my early Psychology courses and have used in counselling. Victorian architecture is prevalent in the new housing developments in my area. Not everything old is great. There are some old rock bands we would like to see retired- actually surprised they are still with us. Old is new again! What ideas have you seen go around and around in circles? What new trends do you match with the old? I blend antiques with modern items.

THE BLUE JEANS CAN BE BAGGY

We know we are getting older when comfort is preferred over appearance. My blue jeans are stretch fabric so I can breath when I move. There was a time that looking slimmer than slim was the motto of the day. When the middle age rolls rolled in, it was more attractive to wear jeans slightly bigger but good quality to reflect my figure. Comfortable walking shoes are a must too. The good heels and leather boots are for short encounters and distances. When does it happen - not caring about trying to draw attention to ourselves through being the best dressed in the room? For women, it can be an age thing as men are always drawn to looking at younger women. You can be an unattractive 25 year old and an attractive 50 year old but the eyes are always on the youth. So comfortable jeans are the day! No one is noticing anyway! What kind of jeans do you wear? Are your jeans baggy? Should we dress to get attention? Should we dress for ourselves? Should we even be asking the Question???

MANNERS KEEP US CIVILIZED

Canadians have been known to be a very polite people. There are moments when we can encounter impolite ones though. Our children are taught from the cradle to say please and thank you, to wait your turn. In our modern world with all its impatience it is easy to forget one's manners. Everyone is in a hurry- so leave earlier for what you need to do! Waiting- that has become a dirty word. Remember the days when you had to go to the bank at noon on your lunch break or Friday when the bank stayed open until 6- yes you waited in a long line. If you go to the bank today and they are two people ahead of you- the huffing and puffing that goes on. Today we have choices with online banking, ATMs, longer hours and even Saturday banking. I have lots of patience. If someone else was first then I can wait. If there is a traffic jam, I can wait. If the light is red, I can wait. When I chose to do a big shop and have waited in my line and have someone with the one item, I usually let that person go ahead of me as I am loading the counter. Honestly- so I do not have to have huffing and puffing behind me. Recently, I let someone go ahead who had to mention she was in a hurry as she had a long drive- there was no consideration of my day. Since I have manners I did not mention- yes I am a busy full-time working Nana with a busy schedule and needed to get home to babysit the grandkiddies after awakening at 6 a.m. to change the bed, do two loads of laundry- well you get the picture!!! Manners do let us be civilized and not get into power struggles with others. Sincere appreciation- with a Thank you so much!! Thanking those in our lives for the little things that are done. Can you please print those labels! Excuse me when you walk between some one! Do you mind if I pass by you! So much nicer and makes a nicer world. I have been criticized for being too polite in my lifetime! However, manners do keep us in check when there are times we really want to tell someone to.... - well you know those choice expressions. Would you describe yourself as someone with good manners? Does it make you feel good to respect others? Do you have trouble waiting?

THE CANADIAN TOQUE

The Toque is a common word in Canada to name a versatile winter hat that can be crocheted or knit. It originated from the Coureurs de Bois- those early French and Metis fur traders. There can be pom poms on top or tassels and a modern version comes with braids. One colour or stripes with variety of colours can be seen. Your favourite hockey team's logo can be embossed on a toque. It keeps your head warm in the winter. Everyone has a toque or even two or three. If you are a crafty person, a toque is very easy to make. Since it is a name very unique to Canada, it is used in many sketches by comedians to make fun of Canadians. What would a good Canadian joke contain if a toque was not mentioned? Do you have a toque? Is there a joke about a toque you can share? Only in Canada, eh!

HAPPINESS IS

Happiness is a relative concept. What can make one person happy might be very boring to another. We are told money can't buy happiness but we all keep buying lottery tickets or look for the next great invention to collect royalities. Happy people chose to be happy no matter what life brings them. Yes there are times of sadness, worry or accepting unfortunate circumstances. A work mate recently told a new staff- when you're here for more than six months you will not be smiling anymore. So our happiness is dependent on other circumstances or is it. When we take responsibility for our own feelings, it can make a difference in our lives. Events do come to us that give us choices to make. Those choices can be so difficult. I like to put on my game face to the world. For example, I walk through the door at work and act as if I really love to be there- good mornings, how are you, look at the floor worksheets and try to assess what needs to be. Then it happens, I really love to be there- 8 hours is manageable if the attitude is right. I believe the people I encounter deserve my positive approach to life. Sure there are days, I am glad it's time to go home. Fridays always bring the end of the week relief. Honestly, I do not have to like everything that comes my way but I can make choices how I deal with it. What do you put in your life that brings happiness? Would you describe yourself as a happy person? Or are you the one that has to see the negative side to everything? Do you blame other people or events for your unhappiness? Are you the one that walks into a room and brings the light or joy? Happiness is...... is a favourite quote of my cousin. Thought it would be good to link our blogs.

CONNECTIONS

We are all connected in some way- by age, culture, gender, family, friendship circles, profession. In different stages of our lives different people are there. Some stay with us throughout our whole lives until death separates us. Some people are with us for a short time such as High School friends- "we'll be close forever" but often university, marriage, relocation loosens those ties. Why do we become disconnected from some individuals that shared an important part of our lives? No conflict! No reason! Just life moves on? Christmas cards are a good way to keep in touch. My family is coast to coast. If we all lived closer, special occasions would be huge. Email and Facebook and other social medias are great to keep updated but it's not the same as sitting and being with someone. Lately I want to reconnect with people. Like cousins and other high school friends and old work mates. How about you? Are you longing to seek out some old acquaintances? Are there family members worth calling? Let me know your thoughts!

SUNRISE-A NEW DAY

Every day brings us a chance to renew. My morning ritual includes a quick prayer facing east where the sun rises to thank God for this day and my blessings- and yes I always have some requests. How do you begin the day? If we start with quiet energy and reflect on what we need to do then we can gear up for all the challenges ahead. Mornings with little children are always hectic but memories are made with all the little joys and sayings they give us. Having a job has great meaning especially if you have ever been unemployed. Monday mornings have a different slant! The goodbye kiss, the heating of the car, remembering the lunch and the to do list for the errands on the way home. If we stop and think about the day, we can try not to rush our lives away. Put positive thoughts and activities in place. One of my rituals is a noon hour touch base phone call with my husband. No, I do not constantly text or check emails as I want a life! I do not not plug in earphones as I want to hear the world around me! What are your rituals? Daily habits that bring meaning to your life? How do you stop and take in the world around you?

IF LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS

Make lemonade is a saying we have all heard on many occasions. We are supposed to make something good out of something "sour" in our lives. I always felt that the lemon grower was short changed. His fruit is as good as anyone else's. Besides lemons are needed with our fish dishes, make lovely garnishes on platters, and smell fresh. No matter what happens we are supposed to pick ourselves up and get going. Or are we? If we think about the drink and picture people drinking lemonade there is no going but stopping and relaxing. Perhaps that's what the saying is really about. Actually a good lemonade on a hot day is not a compromise, but a wise choice. Can even add a favourite shot of liquor and savour it! What do you think? Have this saying been taken out of context? Is it really about making a good lemonade and enjoying?

THE SANTA CLAUS PARADE

In every corner in this country, cities and towns have their own version of the Santa Claus Parade. Sometimes the word Christmas is used, go figure it's about Christmas. Sometimes to be culturally sensitive it is the Holiday parade. But really for the children it is about Santa. Our parade occurred today in Richmond Hill, there was another one in Vaughan. The Toronto Santa Claus parade is next Sunday. It used to be called the Eaton's Christmas Santa Claus parade for years-it was the one I attended as a little girl in Toronto. Years ago it became too costly so other funding was found and continues to be a Toronto tradition. Back to our little local parade. Politicians ride in open vehicles. Floats are quite hand done, not too sophisticated.Many activities are represented such as local business, charity organizations, schools, Guides and Brownies, Baton Club. The local High School played on a float- a little out of key as High School bands tend to be. The Local Police has a good Bag Pipe Band-kilts and all. The Salvation Army Band is another regular participant. Different groups will give out a flyer and the children receive lots of candy canes. Our local hospital had a float this year and I took lots of pictures for the gang- well it is where I work. There was some rain but not too cold. Do you attend your local parade? Do you even like parades? Have you ever been in a parade? Isn't it about a little girl with innocence waving at her favourite person- Santa Claus?

AN HOUR AT THE MALL

Ater completing some errands, decided to go to a Department Store for the specials I wanted. The store did not open for another half hour so went to a coffee bar- ordered a coffee and a small muffin. Rarely do I sit and drink a coffee in the Mall ( Hillcrest Mall- Richmond Hill). The other night on Grey's Anatomy, one scene had two doctors at the Mall and commenting on the "Mall People". So today I observed some Mall People. I have always liked to people watch as it helps to establish good observation skills and to be aware of the environment. The ladies that run the Coffee Bar have some regular customers that sat at the tables and chairs where I was located. There are the Mall walkers. Some walked briskly, some saunter along while two ladies walked in the opposite direction. Some people are very intense with their arm gadgets that measure their heart rate. In Canada, malls are great places to walk in bad weather, do not need to worry about the cold or falling on the ice. Some people were annoyed the Mall was not open yet. Actually most of us should have been at church. It was good to sit and observe, write some notes for about four blogs to come. However, it was one of the longest half hours I have spent. Then another half hour to shop then home. I know now why I am not a Mall person, just a shopper. I would rather be doing other things. When I shop, I have a list, may do some window shopping or browsing in stores but usually with a short time limit to be done quickly. Are you a Mall person or shopper? Do you even like Malls? The small ones do not have the selection whereas the larger ones have greater variety but it takes longer to find your car. What are your thoughts? The malls are very pretty on special occasions especially the Christmas Season. In a modern world can not live without them!

THE OLD TRUCK

Everyone likes new cars. They smell so good and give the hope of lots of good times to come. Eventually everything becomes old. When you look at this old truck in the Distillary District in Toronto, what stories do you think it brings? It is parked beside one of the buildings and seemed like an interesting picture. My cousin Roy photographed a similar picture to this one on a farm in Manitoba outside Winnipeg. What is it about old vehicles that twigs our interest? Was it moved there or did someone park and not bother to come back?

What do you think?

SPARE THE ROD, SPOIL THE CHILD

Many people have thought this biblical quotation means spanking or hitting your child is okay. I have always believed the rod means discipline. Children need guidance, routines, structure, boundaries and love-which helps them to grow emotionally. The discipline in a home does not have to be strict. Being able to say no when necessary, yes when necessary and to bend the rules sometimes like special occasions allows a child to know he/she is safe. There are many strategies as we all know to keeping order in a home. Children fall into their own routines at a young age. Their sleeping and eating patterns get established individually. Every parent knows when their little one needs to eat or sleep. Bedtime rituals like the bath, the reading of the book while cuddling on the bed gives a strong sense of comfort not just to the child but the adult. When my children no longer wanted storytime, the realization a new phase in their life had started was met with some sadness. Do you have thoughts about discipline? Do you try not to spank? Trying to be patient and not yell takes some much discipline. Do you have it? What are your thoughts?

LEST WE FORGET

On this Remembrance Day, may we all reflect on those who have served our countries. May their efforts to bring peace to the world be part of our daily mission. To those in my family- Ernie Ellis in World War One, Dad and Uncle Norman in World War two and most recently- Jim in Afghanistan. Thank you. When you have your moment of silence is there someone you always think about? What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Is on a bumper sticker on my car. Every year for the past 19 years since the First Gulf War, I write a cheery letter for the Christmas season and send a copy to all the locations where our Armed Forces are serving. The current addresses are available on The National Defence of Canada website. There is also an email address for those who prefer to email. My reward is receiving one or two letters each year from one of those locations. I have those precious letters in my Special Binder. The cutest letter from years ago had a picture of one of our service men pointing to a Christmas decoration I had sent in a package. Since 2001, only postcards or letters- I fold mine and tape them so they can be easier to assess and sent- to any personnel are allowed. If you know someone as family then you are allowed to send a package. I am sure everything gets checked through the common address in Belleville, Ontario. I like to think my letter helps fill a wall or a string of letters and cards received and may bring some joy to those who can not be home for the holiday season- just knowing the folks back home care! Do you like this idea? Is there something you can do for our troops or those from your own country? Can we all send a collective prayer, wish for all to stay out of harm's way? Can we all hope the little children there are safe?

A WEEK TO REMEMBER

Across Canada and across the world, people will be gathering at the various war memorials to remember. As you view one of the memorials pictured here in Toronto, take a few moments to reflect on what the week means to you. Does it have special meaning in your family?

WEAR YOUR POPPY PROUDLY

We wear the poppy to remember those who served our country and those who are serving now. Do we realize 152 have died in the mission in Afghanistan? Young men and women serving their country. Let us also reflect on those who have been injured and urge the VA to provide proper compensation to those individuals. My grandfather Ernie Ellis served in World War I. My Dad served in World War II along with other members of my family and family friends. My niece's husband Jim served twice in Afghanistan. Thank you to all who have been dedicated to protecting our freedoms and helping others in the world. Do you know someone who served for our country? Will you stop and reflect on what that sacrifice means?

CANADIAN LITERATURE WORTH THE READ

The 2010 Giller Prize winner will be announced within a few days. Although I have always tried to support Canadian writers, the short list for the Giller Prize always has had interesting and varied books to read. 2008 winner, Through the Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden reflected on Northern Ontario life and culture while the 2007 winner Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay gave such insight into life in Yellowknife. We can all learn about others areas of our beloved country from the comfort of our homes. This year 2010, I have bought four of the five that were shorlisted. The Sentimentalist by Johanna Skibsrud only had 800 printed in the Maritimes by a small publisher that there has been a mad dash to have more printed by the Giller awards. The Matter with Morris by David Bergen, Light Lifting by Alexander Macleod, The Cake is for the Party by Sarah Selecky and Annabel by Kathleen Winter may be books to consider for gift giving in the next few months. Over the years the books of prolific Canadian writers such as Carol Shields, Pierre Berton, Farley Mowat, Margaret Atwood, Gabrielle Roy to name a few that have recorded a slice of Canadian culture have graced my shelves. Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery is world renown. My bookshelf includes non-fiction Canadian content as well. As a genealogist, many books are short run local history books. What books have you read? Do you include Canadian literature in your regular bookstore or library jaunts? Do you have a favourite author or topic? I do read popular best sellers and love mystery novels. But the inclusion of Canadian writers does support the literary and artistic communities. Are you doing your share?

ANTIQUES- THAT FUNCTIONAL INVESTMENT

Antiques never lose their value. I have several pieces in my home that I have enjoyed for many years. The pieces all have a story and were bought in various locations. My beautiful kitchen buffet from butternut wood. My dining room set- Honduras Mahogany. Several tables of pine wood. These pieces are mixed with modern ones. Life is like that- the old with the new. Mix and match. Not necessary to like just one style. Each of my rooms have different themes- from Canadiana to African to the basement with Canadian clutter- is it a style- well it works for me. Do you like antiques- things that are old with a story behind them. I even collect telephone insulators and have a purple one. My cousin Roy wrote an interesting blog on insulators. What do you think?

FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED

The creative process is a fun one to have. Mentioning to my cousin Roy, that the idea is easy but actually starting, and finishing a project is the work. Ideas are cheap and good to have. One idea can lead to another which leads to the piece of work needing to be done. Writing takes many drafts for me. One genealogical writing project I have been methodically doing is taking longer than I wanted. Every time I think yes I have enough information, another idea of what can be added comes along and more research is needed. The question I have - do I just write it for me and my immediate family or do I include others thus increasing the potential readership. I am obviously opting for the second choice which has extended the project. Anyone that writes- articles, poetry, stories has a collection that no one has read. There is the satisfaction that the writing occurred or is it satisfaction. Perhaps a venue to share has not existed previously. Some of my blogs have been laying dormant until the decision to share with the world occurred. For me blogging has become the venue to dust off many literary ideas and take a chance of sharing. Have you had written projects laying dormant? What have you done to share with the world? Are you trying to finish what you started?

CASSINO WAR MEMORIAL PART 2

The Cassino War Cemetery is in the Commune of Cassino, Province of Frosinone, Italy. There are 4265 grave markers of British Commonwealth Forces from World War Two. 855 Canadians are buried there. On the Monument with 4,054 names of individuals who do not have a grave there are 194 Canadian names. The cemetery is well kept. In the distance on the mountain is the Monte Cassino Monastery. The history of the battles in 1944 is well recorded and analysed. For me this cemetery represents a piece of Canada. Married to an Italian born Canadian- Adolph- I had always heard about the area and his hometown. When I visited this cemetery in 1991, I came away feeling that a part of Canada will always belong there. In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, I always ask the Veterans selling the poppies what campaign they fought. If it was the Italian campaign, I always mention my visit to Cassino. I am sure the memories of lost comrades in arms never leave them.

WAS I WORTH THEIR SACRIFICE? CASSINO WAR CEMETERY

I wrote this story several months after visiting Adolph's home in Italy in August, 1991. I tried to have it published but to no avail. Here is my recollection.

Sometimes it takes a trip abroad to discover a Canadian sense of self. While touring the local sites in my husband's hometown of Cassino, Italy, south of Rome last summer we visited the three war cemeteries in the area. They are entitled the Polish, The German and the English cemeteries.

During World War 2, the Germans had established two main lines of defense- the Gustav and Hitler lines to check the allies from advancing to Rome. During April and May 1944, there was major fighting in the area culminating with the bombing of the Benedictine Monastery on Monte Cassino. It was imperative to secure that location as it had a strategic vantage point overlooking the Liri Valley. Once captured it allowed the Allies an open road to Rome. On May 16, 1944 the First Canadian Corps received orders to advance on the Hitler line 6 miles up the Valley. The attack began May 23; Frosinone, the capital of the region was occupied by May 31. The Canadian campaign came to an end in the area as the Allies advanced to liberate Rome.

As we visited each cemetery, we noted the varying locations. The Polish cemetery is located near the Abbey where they had secured the Cassino position and the Monastery on May 18, 1944. The Polish General who died several years after the War requested to be buried with his troops. The German cemetery is located in the Valley with triple graves of soldiers as there were just too many to bury. Rows and rows of young men, which makes it difficult to picture them as an enemy now.

Our last visit was the English Cemetery or really the British Commonwealth one. Walking into the cemetery, I read the signs, inscribed on the two walls at the entrance which state,

"WITHIN THIS CEMETERY STAND MONUMENTS WHICH BEAR THE NAMES OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH AND EMPIRE WHO FELL IN ASSAULTS UPON THE SHORES OF SICILY AND ITALY OR IN LATER BATTLES TO FREE ITALIAN SOIL AND TO WHOM THE FORTUNE OF WAR DENIED A KNOWN AND HONOURED GRAVE. AROUND THEM ARE THE GRAVES OF THEIR COMRADES WHO DIED FIGHTING IN THESE PARTS TO OPEN THE WAY TO ROME AND THE NORTH."

The other wall bears this inscription, " THE LAND ON WHICH THIS CEMETERY STANDS IS THE GIFT OF THE ITALIAN PEOPLE FOR THE PERPETUAL RESTING PLACE OF THE SAILORS, SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN WHO ARE HONOURED HERE."

The Canadian section was quite large and distinguishable by the Maple Leaf adorning the top of each stone. It is one small cemetery of many in 74 countries that honour the 109,980 Canadians who died in the First and Seconds World Wars.

I began to read the names of the men of the regiments of the First Canadian Corps. From Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, West Nova Scorch, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Special Services, the Engineers and more, they were all resting in peace.. What overwhelmed me were the dates in April, May. How many had fallen together. Comrades in Life! Comrades in Death!

My Canadians! Our Canadians! Tears and emotion overcame me. I left my companions as I did not want them to see my tears. I continued to walk amongst the rows wanting a glimpse of each stone. I felt I owed them; to acknowledge their being, their worth. Young men mostly in their teens, their twenties, their thirties, who were denied a life that only those in middle age and older can appreciate that death in youth really has no rewards.

But why was I crying? I felt a sense of pride. Those men fought for us, our freedom. They believed in a greater cause. I felt a sense of anger and the realization that if every Politician and General would visit the cemeteries of the previous war, perhaps we could try to find alternatives. I felt a sense of sadness. Those men were sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, friends. They were missed at home. They did not chose that resting place. I remembered. An uncle had fought in Italy. A family friend went through there. Were those men their comrades?

All the cemeteries were very quiet and peaceful. In Europe, they are kept clean and often better maintained than the surrounding towns. Our men are honoured there. Almost fifty years buried while the living has gone on.

Would they be proud of Canada today? Would they consider us grateful of the freedoms they secured for us? Would they feel their cause was understood. Am I doing for Canada and freedom what I inherited from those men? To all those buried in the many cemeteries, am I worthy of your sacrifice?

April 1992
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A NEW MONTH

Each month brings something unique to our lives and many normal things. It always surprises me how the month starts slowly then seems to pick up speed. Is it an aging thing? November has two family birthdays, Remembrance Day and the need to prepare for Christmas. Do you find the days fly by? Or is it just me?