96 and Going Strong

Yesterday we celebrated the 96th birthday of Doris. The family and friends came together as we have on many other occasions to recognize a life of one of our oldest and respected citizens.The grand children, children and friends enjoyed the time shared with Doris and her comments were both humorous and enjoyable.

This year Doris was in good health and she was looking forward to the  visit of one of her few close relatives that being her sister in law and niece from Sussex, New Brunswick .They will be here shortly and stay with us for a week where I am sure stories will be told and news from down home will make the time fly .

At this time in the life of this lady every occasion becomes special and Doris just beams with enthusiasm when she visits with the young members of our family.Her memory is a little short but her eyes light up when she sees the Birthday cake and the realization that she really is ninety six. Her comments about life back at Coot Hill where she was born amaze the young folks as it is difficult for them to realize the changes Doris lived through her long and interesting life.

Doris has travelled extensively over the years but now she enjoys her time at home in the neighbourhood and with her immediate family. Doris loves sweets so this occasion provided a special day of cake and cup cakes to satisfy her sweet tooth. Of course her daughter Theresa is the apple of her eye and she depends on her for literally everything and her other close care givers Glenda and Lynda try to spoil her with special attention. As the day ended with the group dispersing  and travelling back home they all left with a happy feeling because of their time shared with Doris.

BEAUTIFUL DAY for a Birthday Party

Theresa loves parties specially if it is a birthday party for her. Well today friends and family gathered to celebrate her unknown birthday number. She has been looking forward to our get together for a few days and was very excited when the people came in for a family dinner complete with cake and gifts.Her Mom was about excited as Theresa was because of the mention of cake Doris get turned on as much as a 95 year old lady can. For the past week she has been trying to figure out how old Theresa is because she cannot believe she can have a daughter as old as Theresa.

Because of the summer holidays and people moving about some of the family were missing but they made their presence known through lengthy phone calls. We had perfect weather and daughter Glenda took over the job as chief cook and used the outdoors on the barbie to provide delicious food for the guests.

At all our parties we have some great discussions and today was no different. Politics ruled the day but the unrest in the USA over the verdict in a recent trial caused a heated debate.By the end of the evening we went our separate way determined to continue our debates at the very next gathering. Theresa had a wonderful day and was thrilled by the response to her special day.

Dar's Birthday

Darlene's birthday; what a wonderful day! With every one of the immediate family present we celebrated another 50th birthday with a famjam. Great food, plenty of stories and a drink or two made the hours an adventure. Everyone had a story about the guest of honor  and with laughs and bursts of energy we were treated to what we do best, enjoy our time together as a family.

Darlene is our second oldest and has had a great life enjoying her family and a running career. She has made us very proud with her great ability to energize any group with her athletic ability. During the evening the grandchildren were treated to another special guest, Darcy from B.C. Darcy is in the middle of an extended holiday where she is bonding with family members and friends. Picture taking was experienced as this has been a special occasion as every member of our family was present.

Late into the evening the young people continued to share stories and were reluctant to see the special day end.Theresa and I enjoy every family gathering but this one was exceptional in so many ways. As Dar left this morning to travel to her home we were very satisfied to have had the opportunity to celebrate her special day and wish her the very best in the future

Lynda Dianne

Our eldest daughter is having her birthday today and we will not be there to celebrate with her. On the evening of her birth I was not there as well as I was on the parade square several miles away. Before I left home that evening I asked her Mom if she was OK and she said everything was great.

Our battalion had just formed up at the beginning of our parade when  Col. Burke called me out to come front and center and to be quick about it.As I moved to the position immediately in front of the Colonel he announced that I was about to become a father and I was to get going before I missed all the action. As I left the parade square there was a cheer from the troops and I was elated to get going to Ft. William and McKeller Hospital.

Lynda was born in the evening and her mother had a difficult first birth but we were so happy to have a healthy baby girl. Through the years her presence in our family made being a father a real treat as well as an adventure. Lynda gave us some of the most humorous incidents and serious ones as well.

As the years quickly moved on so did our relationship. Growth through understanding and trust with Lynda and all our children makes for a happy and understanding family circle. Lynda was always there for her sisters and brother and specially her Mother. Her bond with her mother gave new meaning to the word  caregiver as she and her siblings helped their mother through a medical adventure like no other.

Today as I bask here in the Florida sunshine I would trade a few of these wonderful days for a few hours with Lynda and family as she celebrates her 50-something special day.

Happy Birthday Lynda Dianne and many more.

Turning 76

I used to think that people who were over 75 were very old. Being one of these old people now I have a change of heart. I know for sure I am slower but still get where I am going, quieter as I listen more - especially to the young folks who have much to say - and less judgmental as you accept many answers as all being acceptable.

On this birthday I was surrounded by all my family except number two daughter Darlene who was in Ottawa. It felt comfortable to be among the family where there were no issues that divide us but many common values that become the framework of our family. As we branch out and become inclusive and bring more people into the fold, we become stronger with our acceptance of new and exciting cultural ideas.

I feel that my life passed so quickly, and the remainder years will be filled with exciting new adventures, but there will be more looking back and cherishing the happiness received from belonging to a loving family and friends. I will have a strong desire to make sure that our young people know and understand where they have come from and the rich heritage they are so fortunate to share. I am still seeking information about my past and it helps me to understand why I am what I am. I don't mean to quote Moses but that statement by God in answer to Moses at the burning bush is profound by itself. "I am who I am."

I have a few wishes for the next period of time. The doctors  gave me a new back and I must lose weight to help in the healing process. I should begin a service to others by volunteering for a good cause. I must keep in touch with those who have made my life rich and exciting and share my joy of life with them. Finally I must advocate for Mother Earth and Mother Nature and make the world a better place in which to live. All these objectives will only be achieved with the help of my wife Theresa May.

A Milestone Birthday

Firsts of anything are important but when it is your first grand child it always remains special. Our grand daughter will be 30 in a few days and there will be a celebration for sure. There are so many memories attached to your grand children that sometimes it is hard to keep them straight. For your first it is easier and we share so many firsts with Lyndsay that were replicated by the others we think of her as the one who set the standard.

How old was she when she crawled, stood up on her own, first step and first words. Well we could go on but let us say she set a very high standard. I was fortunate to be close to her during her young years and shared experiences which I thought were important to a every young girl. Like learning how to fish, drive a boat and all those activities that make for a well rounded person.

I found out that my wishes for her were way off course as she had her own agenda. Her ideas were more complicated than mine and her level of interest was geared to her her intellect and vision. I tried to see if she would become an athlete and play sports but after trying that she decided to use her physical activities to build a strong body. Many people would admire the manner in which Lyndsay developed a consistent workout plan to acquire her desired weight and fitness level.

When I ask for help from this girl I am never surprised at her knowledge of computers. She has been so helpful with Theresa and I with computers and our limited success was because of her patience both on the phone and in person. When I write some stories she has a gift of knowing English form and syntax. I will need her more in the future as I get more forget full and needy. I know she will be there.

I am very proud of all my children and grandchildren and hold Lyndsay, our first grandchild special in every way.

Glenda's Birthday Celebration

Our youngest daughter had a birthday a few days ago and we had a double treat. Not only did she have a happy time  but made us aware of her selection to take her MBL. This is quite an honour as only 30 were chosen to partake in this unique program where leadership is the main focus. This is a challenge that she will gladly take and is a reward for her years of hard work in her leadership role in education.

Most of the family were present and it is always special when we get together. There will be another celebration when Glenda graduates and makes us all proud of her accomplishments.

Birthday

Birthdays come every year and we celebrate every one as a family gathering. Yesterday was no different as many of the family gathered to help Theresa have a happy time on her special day. This year some of the grandchildren were away on their summer projects and were missed. With so many activities going on during the summer months we just make do with the ones that are able to come and enjoy.

Ribs, chicken,sweet corn and Peter's potato wedges made up the menu and of course a home made birthday cake made by Glenda, topped with ice cream completed the dinner. Gifts and laughter made for more fun as the group had a chance to discover facts about Theresa with a 10 question Quiz. Lyn was best informed and won the prize.

For nearly four hours we were one big happy family enjoying each other's company and sharing thoughts and musings about the ones who were not present. We have a few more birthdays left and look forward to our next family gathering.

Birthday Special

In our family we always celebrate birthdays, but this date is special because three members of our clan have the same birthday. February is a big month as we celebrated two of the clan had milestone numbers as 20 and 25 are quite special when you are a university student.Normally Theresa and I are in Florida for these special days but this year we were happy to be present.

Although this B'day was for  Darcy,  the others will have their celebration at a later date with family. Our birthday girl is in second year university studying to be a world leader and has so far been involved in making a difference for less fortunate people. She is a traveller and comes back with wonderful stories about far off places and makes us all motivated to do the same. This year to be involved she has taken a dog to be socialized for the guide dog program which is centered in Oakville. I just wonder what that young dog will learn by attending class or more particularly during the off hours.

This will be the second last family gathering before we leave for Florida so it was a great occasion for picture  taking and getting caught up on all the latest news. For Darcy on her 20th, it brought memories flooding back as I had the good fortune of having shared many times with her as a very young child. I have to say she was special but spoiled then, and special today but less spoiled because she has definite goals to achieve and so much to do.

Fun Day

Our family had a fun day on Saturday. We all got together to celebrate my 75th birthday and it was just what I wished for: a low key day with some food and lots of conversation. Everyone joined in and added to the fun . Instead of cooking this time we decided to order in Chinese food. We had enough to feed twice as many so my diet for the next while will be rice and something. I asked that there be no gifts at this get together but I did receive the best gift of all: the family all in one room gathered and presenting me with beautiful cards with well wishes, and words of just how I connected with them in years past.

I always make a point of writing on a card and not just signing my name and it seems to have influenced them to do the same. All these cards will end up in the memory box or boxes as we have filled one up already. It is a beautiful thing to take time and look back through a picture album or a memory box and read or look at the past. As time goes on you are able to appreciate the development of the family and smile to yourself when one of the group mention something that they feel is significant when at the time you were just being yourself. It reminds you that little ones pick up on your demeanour and record it on their minds eye. We are ever being watched and imitated so be aware of your duty as a role model.

Theresa added a special gift in her card when she slipped in a picture of a tropical beach and a cruise line ship in the foreground. It looks like a cruise may be in the future this winter. We love the cruises but the on shore visits are best. Maybe this year we will go through the Panama Canal. People say it is worth the effort.With the summer weather we are having and will continue to have for a few more weeks Theresa and I have been taking advantage of the conditions to walk several times a day and we will get a good report from our Dr. and we will get to Florida in February.

I must say that the last days of attention from friends and family have been wonderful and I appreciate it and realize just how fortunate we are to have such a network of good people. Thank you ever so much.

Day After 75

I have been asked by a few if it feels different to be over 75. The answer is yes. I realize that from this day I have a numbered amount of time to do all the things I have planned. I realize that three quarters of my life is over and I have to hurry to fill the next quarter with useful, interesting and adventurous times. I have thought of the cruel thing called time and I welcome the challenge to race foreword and fill every day with some measure of useful and constructive energy.

Theresa and I have so many plans and any reality check would say we will be hard pressed to complete our whole list but the challenge will be to fill our time without regret. Yes life will be different in the next 25 years but different is not a negative term but a positive signal that I had better get to work and start filling those fleeting moments with happy times.

So I Am 75

When I was a young person I thought 75 was the age of an old person. This morning I realize how ridiculous I was in my youthful judgement. The physical body maybe could use a tune  up. I am slower crossing the street, take longer in the bathroom, eat mainly what I want and not what I need and spend too much time in front of the TV.

For all that I still feel great and look forward to the next 25 years. Some advice my Dad gave me when I was a young man leaving my home in Cape Breton back in the early fifties didn't pan out all that badly. He told me to pick my friends slowly and carefully. Trust those who meet your scrutiny and always watch your back.When it comes to women he said be aware of girls who cannot dance; you would never be happy with them. There is no job too big or too small so make sure you always have one. For protection in Montreal, he said to carry a sock half full of sand -it makes a wonderful weapon and is not illegal. Lastly, remember your family and real friends; in the end they are the only ones you can truly trust.

This might seem like funny advice but it worked. I have many friends with whom I started school and still maintain close ties. During my venture into life I have done nearly every job imaginable, from garbage collector, tobacco primer, teacher, coroner, mayor, store clerk, farm work, father, horseman, JP, and many others. I never was too proud to do my best at every one of these chores. The money I received from this work supported myself and my family.

Throughout my years I have been selfish insofar as I used many of the family resources to get ahead in life. I did not portion my time fairly and too often neglected my family and used their time for my personal interests. This is my greatest regret. The time I shared with my family and friends was indeed golden and made the moments all the more memorable.

Public service was always a part of my makeup and I saw need everywhere. I picked my spots to make a difference and along the way circumstances made it possible to meet many people and situations which enriched my life. Always I was, and still am, aware of the influence of my wife and family and the acid test for my actions was if they be proud of what I accomplished.

Every life has high and low points and I am a person who has experienced both. As an emotional person who tears up at weddings, at hearing our national anthem, and family gatherings, I have over the years tended to stay out of the limelight and delegate others to carry the load. As a young person I was given two afflictions which framed much of my public life. I had a terrible stutter and lisp from birth. This caused me to have a struggle every time I had to read aloud or speak publicly. This was worse as a young person and I became extremely shy. A number of teachers aided me and some pushed me into a hellish place where I was ready to drop out. The good prevailed and I persisted and in a way was challenged. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson had a lisp and on graduation day in 1964 he presented me with my university sheepskin and we smiled during our brief conversation as we lisped together at that moment.

There are many things that make me happy...watching the sun come up in the morning... seeing my family all together and getting along... driving to Florida with a great partner to share all the wonder on that 2300 km drive... gardening... attracting birds to our houses in the back yard... phone calls to friends and family.. . just being alive at 75, and looking forward to every day.

A few things which depress me include: world hunger, aboriginal living conditions, women's rights, governments who don't govern honestly, religious groups who want to change the world, and bullies throughout the world, be it in school or in the UN, wars over oil, and our environment.

Birthday Party For Doris

The years just seem to fly by and Doris never changes. She will be celebrating her 94th tomorrow. Most people look their age or older but Doris seems to have that quality which keeps her eternally young looking. We are having her birthday party a day early so as to accommodate her well wishers who have plans for the long weekend. As Theresa and I were preparing for the family and friends gathering, Doris would not be denied the fun of helping with the food and organizing and was there right in the middle of the mix. She even helped herself to the cake pan and licked the last little bit of batter as she did when her mother baked cakes for the family.

There is no putting on airs with Doris as she reminisces about her life back in Coot Hill, N.B. Her memory of those early days are filled with the happy moments and are missing those times which must have been trying for everyone who lived through the depression years. Being the only girl in a family of six brothers gave her special status and has fond memories of her father and mother and admits she was her father's favourite.

Doris is a great traveller and has been to many places during her later life and even in her nineties she drove to Florida with us every year and never slept a moment because she never wanted to miss anything. Her love of trees is amazing and as we travelled through the American countryside she always comments about the trees. Her love of nature probably comes from her early life in beautiful rural New Brunswick.

Doris is an inspiration to our family and has had this role as grand old lady down pat but never wishes to be thought of as old. In Florida she loves to swim every day and take walks in the neighbourhood with us or alone. There is a major re-construction job here where we live and she gives adequate supervision to see the job is properly carried out. I have written about Doris on every birthday for the past 13 years and my wish is that this tradition will continue for many more. So Happy Birthday Doris and many more to come.