BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Lest we forget, and let’s not, November is the bittersweet month of Remembrance. When honouring our veterans, many of whom lost life, limb, and youth defending democracy, let’s remember our freedom
is their legacy. We represent the last living generation who knew them by name. Let’s pull out old photo albums and recall their stories for our children and theirs to know and appreciate their sacrifice. On a recent Friday night, I was honoured when four young men, all of whom weren’t quite twenty, texted ‘What’s up?’ on WhatsApp until they assembled onto my deck having scouted out their buddy who worked for me. As the mother of three sons, this group was like famdamily to me. A longtime facilitator, I requested they turn off their phones except if expecting an imminent birth or death in the family. Suddenly, under the stars, around a fire pit (albeit gas-powered) we listened to Lake Erie roar, and we were present to each other. When I wondered aloud about the destination of a plane overhead, we made an exception to my rule to access an app that listed departures and destinations. It was an exhilarating experience, and I couldn’t resist the urge for a deep-dive conversation. I had just two questions: what is your greatest fear? and what is your greatest hope? The level of disclosure was moving; in every instance, the response was deeply personal and about their future. There were no interruptions, no jousting, just listening followed by silence. One of them asked me mine, and I responded about my fear for the fragility of democracy... for them and their generation. I rambled a bit about my ancestral war heroes, and something magical happened; they shared what they knew of theirs. It was late when they dispersed, we all hugged, and I felt a kinship with them. One stayed after the others left to say, “I’ve known these guys since grade one, and I know them better now than I did two hours ago.” Fast forward two weeks and I’m at a cafe with two old girls who, like myself, live alone. One, who recently lost her husband of nearly sixty years asked about Thanksgiving plans. I went full throttle and confided this Thanksgiving is the fifth anniversary of one son’s estrangement. To my astonishment, each had a comparatively heartbreaking story. We concluded by agreeing to celebrate and commemorate together more often. So what’s the thread in all this? What are the lessons to be learned again? As we embark into the holy day and holiday season, let’s remember that family by choice and family by circumstance matter as much as family by chance (blood relations). Secondly, be vulnerable; it’s a risk worth the reward of deep connection. And finally, lest they forget, let’s keep the stories of our veterans alive as long as we are. As Albert Einstein once opined: “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change. “ Badda Bing!
Now under new ownership st.thomas@mollymaid.ca
Looking for a New Shed this Winter?
Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Trust the professionals for all your moving needs! REEMAN THE MOVER LTD.
St. Thomas
• Local & Long Distance Moving • Commercial & Residential Moves • Senior Citizen & Student Discounts • Packing & Crating Service • Moving Supplies • Storage Facilities • Heavy Moving Specialist (pianos, safes, etc.)
Free Estimates 519-631-7346
COMPASSION • WORKMANSHIP • GUARANTEED QUALITY ELGIN Monuments
• Engrave on natural stones • Offer pet memorial stones • Restore older monuments • Order vases and urns 519.633.1591 www.elginmonuments.com Visit our show room at 220 Edward St., St. Thomas
To advertise here contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2024 Page 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs