Sunday, April 22, 2012

Year of the Rabbit



The Year of the Rabbit was a particularly challenging one for me, not the least of which because my Dad passed away in September of 2011.  I had a special bond with my Dad.  He taught me so much about values and what to expect from life- and about what we need to put back in. 

When I was a child, I had a stray baby bunny as a pet- it had been dug up by the neighbourhood dog, and 'presented' to me.  Unfortunately, the poor thing died after a few weeks, and I was devastated.  My Dad helped me dig a hole in the garden, wrapped him lovingly in an old wool sock of his, and said a few words over the grave.  I never forgot that acknowledgement of my feelings, and my father's sensitivity in wanting to comfort me.

This Easter I visited my family in Kingston, and we had a quiet celebration of spring, hopeful for the renewal that comes with a new season, in a new year.  My sister gave me some photos my Dad took before he died, saying she thought I would like to have them.  I looked through them, and saw that they were of a rabbit amongst the clover in the backyard of our family home.  I thanked my sister sincerely for her thoughtfullness.  It was like a message from my Dad.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Vimy Ridge Remembered

Few sites in my life have been as meaningful and moving as that of the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge.  Monday marked the 95th anniversary of the battle that Canadians fought to win Vimy Ridge from enemy forces.  The students who made the pilgrimmage from London to Vimy Ridge to mark their respect for those who lost their lives to ensure our freedom no doubt experienced a deeply affecting emotion standing upon that site.  Their effort to honour the fallen contrasts sharply with the students I saw the day I stood upon Vimy Ridge, who were kidding around, pushing each other, and enjoying the freedom that had been won for them by a previous generation.  May we all remember what has been won for us, and never forget what it cost those who came before.

Students mark the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge

At Vimy Ridge by S.A. Moore

Pictures of Vimy Ridge by S.A. Moore