Showing posts with label friend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friend. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Taking a trip in several different ways
My sister came from Vancouver…yeah!! She took a plane trip…on several planes in fact.
We took several short trips while she was in Ottawa
- to see Abracadabra
- to the Experimental Farm to check out the gardens and the animals
- to a cheese store
- to dinner with some of my former work colleagues
Then we took a driving trip over in the Toronto direction to see a mutual friend and her husband. This was a very pretty drive. We stopped at Port Perry for lunch and then we arrived.
These friends have a lovely old house which they have been fixing up for the past 10 years. We met all the resident animals
- one horse
- one horse on trial
- one donkey
- one dog
- one cat
We also took a trip back in time as we met up with long time riding friends from Lachute. Do you remember this horse or this person? My sister always seems to be better at this than I am.
We shared some nice meals together.
There was much talk about parents - still alive or not - and horse companions.
Then I took a trip home driving through the countryside until I got the 401 Highway, There were lots of country driving before seeing more signs of civilization.
I quite easily got onto the highway and was on my way home to Ottawa.
My sister’s trip ended by going into Toronto and the airport and flying home.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cleaning up and finding
After a church retirement farewell for a priest friend I went looking for some reminiscences of him. I did not find them but I found some other stuff that I had forgotten about.
I finally threw away my HTML and web pages books. Now it is so simple to use a blog or other templates for web pages.
I also threw away some old house maintenance manuals and files. I have what I need and it is all organized.
What I did find was some old diaries. I knew I had certain ones from when I was at school and university. I also found one that I wrote and did not remember having about my first months in Ottawa in 1974. It makes for very interesting reading.
What was important to me then and much still continues to be - except for work which is done.
How I fitted in with people in church communities and who mattered to me. A friend who was a good support got mentioned often. Other people in Ottawa and in Toronto whom I were missing a lot got mentioned often. This is what was happening for me then.
Just yesterday I received in my email a newsletter from the church I attended there. It has been many years since I have been in that part of Toronto.
I was concerned about horse activities and having Charisma here in Ottawa. She was in foal in 1974 and I did not bring her here until the year after. She then spent 20 years at Greenbelt Riding School.
I finally threw away my HTML and web pages books. Now it is so simple to use a blog or other templates for web pages.
I also threw away some old house maintenance manuals and files. I have what I need and it is all organized.
What I did find was some old diaries. I knew I had certain ones from when I was at school and university. I also found one that I wrote and did not remember having about my first months in Ottawa in 1974. It makes for very interesting reading.
What was important to me then and much still continues to be - except for work which is done.
How I fitted in with people in church communities and who mattered to me. A friend who was a good support got mentioned often. Other people in Ottawa and in Toronto whom I were missing a lot got mentioned often. This is what was happening for me then.
Just yesterday I received in my email a newsletter from the church I attended there. It has been many years since I have been in that part of Toronto.
I was concerned about horse activities and having Charisma here in Ottawa. She was in foal in 1974 and I did not bring her here until the year after. She then spent 20 years at Greenbelt Riding School.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Facebook again - friends and groups
“I am trying to be sociable as well. A friend’s invitation to a Facebook group does not quite do it for me. December 2010”
I must admit that I stay signed on to my Facebook page. My generation is not so much into sharing there but a couple of my younger friends do it more easily.
It is an easy way to connect with a few friends at once - as long as it is not too personal. Email is better for that.
So I went through my Facebook pages to see how I connected with different friends and groups.
Looking at my list of Facebook friends there are some who post regularly and I always read what they have to say and sometimes respond.
Most of my friends there have a church connection and then a few horsy ones.
The groups I am part of are church and horsy and other interests such as my three favourite television networks - TV Ontario, Vision TV and WPBS. Then add a few places from my past - cursillo and Trafalgar and Camp Ouareau.
Pictures and funny stories are nice to share as well.
Upcoming events and who may be there to share with.
*****
Staying connected is what it is all about.
The people I stay connected with are mostly not on Facebook. That is my generation and how we share.
So who is on my to do list to talk with on the phone and maybe meet up with?
I must admit that I stay signed on to my Facebook page. My generation is not so much into sharing there but a couple of my younger friends do it more easily.
It is an easy way to connect with a few friends at once - as long as it is not too personal. Email is better for that.
So I went through my Facebook pages to see how I connected with different friends and groups.
Looking at my list of Facebook friends there are some who post regularly and I always read what they have to say and sometimes respond.
Most of my friends there have a church connection and then a few horsy ones.
The groups I am part of are church and horsy and other interests such as my three favourite television networks - TV Ontario, Vision TV and WPBS. Then add a few places from my past - cursillo and Trafalgar and Camp Ouareau.
Pictures and funny stories are nice to share as well.
Upcoming events and who may be there to share with.
*****
Staying connected is what it is all about.
The people I stay connected with are mostly not on Facebook. That is my generation and how we share.
So who is on my to do list to talk with on the phone and maybe meet up with?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Going deeper
“Being part of the Holy Week story as well and reflecting on that.
It cannot get lost in all the busyness.”
That is a quote from my previous blog posting.
There are certainly lots of details to be attended to. I expect Maundy Thursday and Saturday - Holy Saturday - to be especially long days.
I work with others. Sometimes in person and sometimes I make arrangements via email. I always have to be conscious of those who are without a computer - two of my close colleagues are.
So why do I get involved in various church groups and activities? What really matters about having an active role in the Altar Guild or planning for the Women’s Renewal Weekend in the fall? I like to be involved with people and I have the time being a retired person.
*****
There is more to my church involvement than just being a part of groups.
I feel very much at home in the Anglican Church and at St. John’s which has it own traditions for a very long time. St. John’s style of worship and music and community has been my church home for 37 years now.
My own spiritual life has grown and changed over the years.
I have made time for various activities over the years - Bible reading, spiritual books, blogs. I have been journaling my own reflections for over 30 years.
I feel nourished and fed spiritually outside of St. John’s but still very much within my own tradition - by being involved in cursillo and as an associate of SSJD.
Sharing with others - both lay and clergy - has been important over the years. I have been part of many different groups and attending many different types of events - from prayer and praise to silent retreats and everything in between.
*****
Some clergy stand out in my mind - interesting that they are all female.
- One who started out as a young priest in our parish. I was unsure about a female priest at that time. She has since gone on to good things in the diocese.
- Another very courageous person who was in our parish and a good friend of the parish. She struggled with cancer and unfortunately died some years ago.
- One who did not want to be in parish ministry and ended being with us for 5 ½ years.
- One who I knew before she went into the ministry. She was very much a friend of St. John’s. I found it interesting that I did not connect with her so well.
Of course I am remembering all these connections and what matters for me as I miss Dana at St. John’s. What she will be doing now working with individuals and groups helping them to find where God is in their lives.
She certainly has helped me to do that and I hope that can continue - even in a different way. That connection and other connections are so important in my life and faith journey.
It cannot get lost in all the busyness.”
That is a quote from my previous blog posting.
There are certainly lots of details to be attended to. I expect Maundy Thursday and Saturday - Holy Saturday - to be especially long days.
I work with others. Sometimes in person and sometimes I make arrangements via email. I always have to be conscious of those who are without a computer - two of my close colleagues are.
So why do I get involved in various church groups and activities? What really matters about having an active role in the Altar Guild or planning for the Women’s Renewal Weekend in the fall? I like to be involved with people and I have the time being a retired person.
*****
There is more to my church involvement than just being a part of groups.
I feel very much at home in the Anglican Church and at St. John’s which has it own traditions for a very long time. St. John’s style of worship and music and community has been my church home for 37 years now.
My own spiritual life has grown and changed over the years.
I have made time for various activities over the years - Bible reading, spiritual books, blogs. I have been journaling my own reflections for over 30 years.
I feel nourished and fed spiritually outside of St. John’s but still very much within my own tradition - by being involved in cursillo and as an associate of SSJD.
Sharing with others - both lay and clergy - has been important over the years. I have been part of many different groups and attending many different types of events - from prayer and praise to silent retreats and everything in between.
*****
Some clergy stand out in my mind - interesting that they are all female.
- One who started out as a young priest in our parish. I was unsure about a female priest at that time. She has since gone on to good things in the diocese.
- Another very courageous person who was in our parish and a good friend of the parish. She struggled with cancer and unfortunately died some years ago.
- One who did not want to be in parish ministry and ended being with us for 5 ½ years.
- One who I knew before she went into the ministry. She was very much a friend of St. John’s. I found it interesting that I did not connect with her so well.
Of course I am remembering all these connections and what matters for me as I miss Dana at St. John’s. What she will be doing now working with individuals and groups helping them to find where God is in their lives.
She certainly has helped me to do that and I hope that can continue - even in a different way. That connection and other connections are so important in my life and faith journey.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Self care 101
I have been hearing a familiar story from various folks in the last while.
I need to get away sometimes. I love what I am doing but I need a break more often. This is from someone who works for himself so as he said - he gets paid the same whether he is there or not.
Work is stressful and I need to take care of myself better.
I am quite involved with people that I have known for some time. I need to be energized so I make sure I have a regular and meaningful prayer time.
This situation is too stressful - I have to get out of it. My health is suffering and I cannot be here any longer. This was Dana.
*****
For those who are still at St. John’s and going through a major transition we are encouraged to be gentle with ourselves and others - this is a difficult process.
*****
As for me my spiritual director commented that this situation at St. John’s is taking up a lot of my energy. I certainly agreed with him.
So I am making time for music and reading and reflection and writing.
I also notice a real need to keep in touch with friends at the church. We are all struggling in some way with what has happened and what will happen next. Hugs are readily shared on a Sunday morning or other times we get together.
I am doing what I need to for Easter planning re: Altar Guild, the prayer conference in May and now starting to plan for the Women’s Renewal Weekend in the fall. My life goes on.
I need to get away sometimes. I love what I am doing but I need a break more often. This is from someone who works for himself so as he said - he gets paid the same whether he is there or not.
Work is stressful and I need to take care of myself better.
I am quite involved with people that I have known for some time. I need to be energized so I make sure I have a regular and meaningful prayer time.
This situation is too stressful - I have to get out of it. My health is suffering and I cannot be here any longer. This was Dana.
*****
For those who are still at St. John’s and going through a major transition we are encouraged to be gentle with ourselves and others - this is a difficult process.
*****
As for me my spiritual director commented that this situation at St. John’s is taking up a lot of my energy. I certainly agreed with him.
So I am making time for music and reading and reflection and writing.
I also notice a real need to keep in touch with friends at the church. We are all struggling in some way with what has happened and what will happen next. Hugs are readily shared on a Sunday morning or other times we get together.
I am doing what I need to for Easter planning re: Altar Guild, the prayer conference in May and now starting to plan for the Women’s Renewal Weekend in the fall. My life goes on.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Transition time day 4: Sunday
So St. John’s life took a new turn this morning. I welcomed the temporary priest. I wore my name tag.
He preached well and sang well. He reached down to the kids and the seeing eye dog at the time of communion.
Those in the know gently directed him in the ways we do the service - the music and the movement and the sharing at the end of the service - announcements and celebrations too.
The three church wardens were very visible. They spoke briefly in introducing the priest and talking about the next steps in healing. Putting together a suitable framework for a meeting and what the meeting would be all about is going to be a challenge.
Part of me was thinking - who is this and what is he doing at St. John’s?
I was aware of Dana not being there. It was difficult to join in the singing - I was somewhat upset.
Two words we were reminded of - be gentle and pray - pray for the community and for the priest - this one and our temporary one after this and then another incumbent. This is quite a process to go through.
There was a good spirit of sharing.
A recent refugee who was sick for a long time and he appreciated the community’s prayers
A young woman from Japan.
News of an older member of the congregation who is doing well in spite of health issues.
I chatted with a number of folks and that was good. This is my church community and it is hurting but we can have hope for the future. Easter is coming after we go through the time of Lent and reflection.
He preached well and sang well. He reached down to the kids and the seeing eye dog at the time of communion.
Those in the know gently directed him in the ways we do the service - the music and the movement and the sharing at the end of the service - announcements and celebrations too.
The three church wardens were very visible. They spoke briefly in introducing the priest and talking about the next steps in healing. Putting together a suitable framework for a meeting and what the meeting would be all about is going to be a challenge.
Part of me was thinking - who is this and what is he doing at St. John’s?
I was aware of Dana not being there. It was difficult to join in the singing - I was somewhat upset.
Two words we were reminded of - be gentle and pray - pray for the community and for the priest - this one and our temporary one after this and then another incumbent. This is quite a process to go through.
There was a good spirit of sharing.
A recent refugee who was sick for a long time and he appreciated the community’s prayers
A young woman from Japan.
News of an older member of the congregation who is doing well in spite of health issues.
I chatted with a number of folks and that was good. This is my church community and it is hurting but we can have hope for the future. Easter is coming after we go through the time of Lent and reflection.
Transition time day 3: Saturday
There were a good number of people involved in many committees and groups in the parish who came out to hear some words about transition. A priest with experience in the field came to share with us for a few hours.
This is an opportunity for new directions.
Do pray and pray and pray for the wardens (legal church officials) and each other.
Be gentle in the process for everyone is at a different space with all of this.
As someone said - we did not think two weeks ago that we would be in this position.
There is a need for closure with Dana. Personally I have done some of this work already.
There needs to be time to put together some ideas about moving on.
I had several good conversations with:
- two prayer colleagues
- two servers
- four Altar Guild colleagues
- three wardens
- one new parish council member who always has plenty to say
I must admit that I am glad that my time on the parish council is finished - at least for now.
This is an opportunity for new directions.
Do pray and pray and pray for the wardens (legal church officials) and each other.
Be gentle in the process for everyone is at a different space with all of this.
As someone said - we did not think two weeks ago that we would be in this position.
There is a need for closure with Dana. Personally I have done some of this work already.
There needs to be time to put together some ideas about moving on.
I had several good conversations with:
- two prayer colleagues
- two servers
- four Altar Guild colleagues
- three wardens
- one new parish council member who always has plenty to say
I must admit that I am glad that my time on the parish council is finished - at least for now.
Transition time day 2: Friday
I met up with two different groups of people - both of which have a connection with Dana - some from a long time ago and some more recent.
A group of 4 of us who were regulars at the 7:15 a.m. service at St. John’s meet up from time to time. When I think of it now Dana was part of that group some years ago.
What happened to her?
I have heard from talking with a parishioner…
What I think happened…
Then in the afternoon I was off to a prayer conference planning meeting that Dana has recently joined.
What I heard about her.
What happened to her?
However there was a positive comment from the Committee chairperson who had an exchange with Dana who said that she would honour her commitment to this prayer conference. She is involved with worship and I hope she still is able to do this.
A group of 4 of us who were regulars at the 7:15 a.m. service at St. John’s meet up from time to time. When I think of it now Dana was part of that group some years ago.
What happened to her?
I have heard from talking with a parishioner…
What I think happened…
Then in the afternoon I was off to a prayer conference planning meeting that Dana has recently joined.
What I heard about her.
What happened to her?
However there was a positive comment from the Committee chairperson who had an exchange with Dana who said that she would honour her commitment to this prayer conference. She is involved with worship and I hope she still is able to do this.
Transition time day 1: Thursday
I was there at the church for the St. Patrick’s Day seniors service and afternoon tea.
I arrived at the church to see a note on my favourite parking spot beside the door - reserved 24/7. I went elsewhere. The new priest coming in has the best reserved spot.
There was a note on the rector’s door - I am not finished yet.
I looked around for my altar guild colleague. The altar was all ready for the service. I met my colleague in the kitchen getting ready for the tea.
There were about 10 people at the service. When Dana came in she sounded awful. She waved folks away - no hugs please. She had a dreadful cold and had major dental surgery earlier in the week. She said the cold was because of her physical and emotional and spiritual breakdown. Of course that made me feel sad.
The service was gentle and easy.
As we left the chapel together she thanked me for my personal note and said that she would treasure it. I am so glad that I did this when I did.
At tea time I sat across the table from Dana. As she left she said - I will see you soon.
I told two of my colleagues about Dana really liking my note and one said - of course she would and the other said - that is about your connection with her.
I arrived at the church to see a note on my favourite parking spot beside the door - reserved 24/7. I went elsewhere. The new priest coming in has the best reserved spot.
There was a note on the rector’s door - I am not finished yet.
I looked around for my altar guild colleague. The altar was all ready for the service. I met my colleague in the kitchen getting ready for the tea.
There were about 10 people at the service. When Dana came in she sounded awful. She waved folks away - no hugs please. She had a dreadful cold and had major dental surgery earlier in the week. She said the cold was because of her physical and emotional and spiritual breakdown. Of course that made me feel sad.
The service was gentle and easy.
As we left the chapel together she thanked me for my personal note and said that she would treasure it. I am so glad that I did this when I did.
At tea time I sat across the table from Dana. As she left she said - I will see you soon.
I told two of my colleagues about Dana really liking my note and one said - of course she would and the other said - that is about your connection with her.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Grieving and life changes
I had another email this week from the church. There are two priests who will help us out at this time of transition.
A priest in charge will take services and provide pastoral care.
A specialist in interim ministry will be at a meeting on Saturday. I will be there along with my two Altar Guild colleagues.
*****
My dear friend in Edmonton who lost his wife to cancer last year at Easter sent me an article on grieving.
*****
I have a good friend who is going through a major transition herself. She is ready to be ordained but will not know for a bit whether that will happen. She knows Dana so I shared the news about her departure with her.
She phoned me back shortly after to say that her elderly cat had died.
****
I was realizing that it is 10 years ago almost that my mom got sick and went into the hospital. That was the start of the end of her life. Where did the 10 years go to?
A priest in charge will take services and provide pastoral care.
A specialist in interim ministry will be at a meeting on Saturday. I will be there along with my two Altar Guild colleagues.
*****
My dear friend in Edmonton who lost his wife to cancer last year at Easter sent me an article on grieving.
*****
I have a good friend who is going through a major transition herself. She is ready to be ordained but will not know for a bit whether that will happen. She knows Dana so I shared the news about her departure with her.
She phoned me back shortly after to say that her elderly cat had died.
****
I was realizing that it is 10 years ago almost that my mom got sick and went into the hospital. That was the start of the end of her life. Where did the 10 years go to?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Facebook - a most interesting perusal
So on my visit to the site yesterday I found out all kinds of interesting information about friends. I wrote a few messages and commented on various pictures.
*****
Anglican deacon (soon to be priested) - writing about prayer.
Dog owner - cold and short walks with her.
Celebrating with her husband.
Celebrating a computer that now works.
What to do about a cat in distress?
What about those bunnies in the backyard - is it not too cold for them?
Updated home town to warmer climates.
Cold with the horse - 2 different friends.
Celebrating with her husband - another friend.
Celebrating as new member of the Order of Ontario.
*****
So Facebook can be fun and a good way to find out what your friends are up to.
*****
Anglican deacon (soon to be priested) - writing about prayer.
Dog owner - cold and short walks with her.
Celebrating with her husband.
Celebrating a computer that now works.
What to do about a cat in distress?
What about those bunnies in the backyard - is it not too cold for them?
Updated home town to warmer climates.
Cold with the horse - 2 different friends.
Celebrating with her husband - another friend.
Celebrating as new member of the Order of Ontario.
*****
So Facebook can be fun and a good way to find out what your friends are up to.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
RIP John Dye - Andrew on Touched by an Angel
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven(Ecclesiastes 3)
He was only 47 when he died of a heart attack earlier this week.
I first read about his death on Facebook in a note from my German friend whom I got to know through a TBAA online community some years ago. I shared tapes of the program with her. She made me 2 teddy bears and one was named Andrew Bear. You could read his story of how he came to live with me. http://vickimilcahistorical.blogspot.com/2009/06/bear-named-andrew.html
There were some nice tributes from those who worked with John - Roma Downey, Kathy Ireland and Valerie Bertinelli. I found a short news clip from his home town of Amory Mississippi. His dad spoke about him. John looked like his dad.
Last night I sat listening to my TBAA music CD. I think I may read again some of the TBAA fan fiction I saved on my computer. I could also go back and read some of my own fan fiction.
*****
I spent a lot of time sharing with others online who liked the TV program and also liked to write fan fiction. The message board is now defunct but there were good times.
In some recent online searching I came across some stories written by an online friend with someone else . I got to know Jane even though I never met her in person. She was a wonderful writer. I read that she had died a few years ago so now I am doubly thankful that I kept her stories.
*****
John touched many lives through his acting roles throughout the years - especially as Andrew the Angel of Death. I have just finished watching all the episodes of Tour of Duty which John starred in as well.
I and others online feel sad about John’s death because he was young and had lots more to offer. What he did give to others was a real gift. So did my online friend Jane.
I feel grateful for the time spent in the TBAA community and watching the programs and sharing with others.
That is why the quote at the top which happened to be a favourite of my mom’s and was read at her funeral.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven(Ecclesiastes 3)
He was only 47 when he died of a heart attack earlier this week.
I first read about his death on Facebook in a note from my German friend whom I got to know through a TBAA online community some years ago. I shared tapes of the program with her. She made me 2 teddy bears and one was named Andrew Bear. You could read his story of how he came to live with me. http://vickimilcahistorical.blogspot.com/2009/06/bear-named-andrew.html
There were some nice tributes from those who worked with John - Roma Downey, Kathy Ireland and Valerie Bertinelli. I found a short news clip from his home town of Amory Mississippi. His dad spoke about him. John looked like his dad.
Last night I sat listening to my TBAA music CD. I think I may read again some of the TBAA fan fiction I saved on my computer. I could also go back and read some of my own fan fiction.
*****
I spent a lot of time sharing with others online who liked the TV program and also liked to write fan fiction. The message board is now defunct but there were good times.
In some recent online searching I came across some stories written by an online friend with someone else . I got to know Jane even though I never met her in person. She was a wonderful writer. I read that she had died a few years ago so now I am doubly thankful that I kept her stories.
*****
John touched many lives through his acting roles throughout the years - especially as Andrew the Angel of Death. I have just finished watching all the episodes of Tour of Duty which John starred in as well.
I and others online feel sad about John’s death because he was young and had lots more to offer. What he did give to others was a real gift. So did my online friend Jane.
I feel grateful for the time spent in the TBAA community and watching the programs and sharing with others.
That is why the quote at the top which happened to be a favourite of my mom’s and was read at her funeral.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven(Ecclesiastes 3)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Connections yet again
Lachute Hospital 1943-1963
This past weekend I met some new folks at the St. John’s Women’s Renewal Weekend.
One of them knows where I ride but she had not been there in a long time. She quite admired the pictures of Abracadabra.
One of the get to know you exercises was to say where you were born.
One of the people said she was born in Lachute at the hospital on Princess Street - now Rue de la Princesse. That was right next door to where we lived in Lachute for 50 years. The new hospital (where my mom spent some time) was opened in 1963 and I presume the old one was taken down shortly after.
Interesting connections and it is always good to meet new folks.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friends
A friend is someone who will spend the day with a friend with serious family health issues.
A friend is someone who will drive a friend on a holiday Monday when the required bus does not run.
A friend is someone who looks after the cats and dogs while the owner is away. She gave up a week of her holiday time to do this. I said to her - you are a good friend.
A friend is someone who will drive a friend on a holiday Monday when the required bus does not run.
A friend is someone who looks after the cats and dogs while the owner is away. She gave up a week of her holiday time to do this. I said to her - you are a good friend.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Going back home
I saw on the St. Andrew’s web site that St. Simeon’s was having a visit from the Bishop of Montreal. It had been over a year that I had not gone to Lachute. The weather was good for driving that Sunday. I hopped into my little car that almost knows the way to Lachute by himself.
I went by the house on Princess Street. What have they done with the front porch and the old windows and what about that hose that is attached to the tap in the winter? As I was telling a friend later on - it is hard to go back and see the house that was part of our family life for 50 years. Now it is not ours but many memories from living there.
At the church I met up with a Billingham family member of the horsy place. I chatted with the clergy that I knew and I introduced myself to another one that is helping out and also the Bishop.
There were various folks that remembered me and my mom. I saw two of my mom’s close friends.
The place is so familiar and has always been part of my life. During the sermon the Bishop talked about baptism. He said he was going to ask us a rhetorical question. He never did. He talked about his own baptism - where and when and by whom. He also told us that he was a twin.
*****
So do I remember where and when I was baptized? St. Simeon’s Church Lachute June 10th?? 1951 by Cyrus Lang (who died fairly recently at a good old age.) It was only a few feet from where the bishop was preaching. It would have been a Sunday afternoon and not during the regular church time as baptisms happen now.
I went by the house on Princess Street. What have they done with the front porch and the old windows and what about that hose that is attached to the tap in the winter? As I was telling a friend later on - it is hard to go back and see the house that was part of our family life for 50 years. Now it is not ours but many memories from living there.
At the church I met up with a Billingham family member of the horsy place. I chatted with the clergy that I knew and I introduced myself to another one that is helping out and also the Bishop.
There were various folks that remembered me and my mom. I saw two of my mom’s close friends.
The place is so familiar and has always been part of my life. During the sermon the Bishop talked about baptism. He said he was going to ask us a rhetorical question. He never did. He talked about his own baptism - where and when and by whom. He also told us that he was a twin.
*****
So do I remember where and when I was baptized? St. Simeon’s Church Lachute June 10th?? 1951 by Cyrus Lang (who died fairly recently at a good old age.) It was only a few feet from where the bishop was preaching. It would have been a Sunday afternoon and not during the regular church time as baptisms happen now.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Celebration of life
This is how our rector described the two funerals which were held recently at St. John’s. Two other folks on the Altar Guild were on duty. I went to help them out and I wanted to go to the first funeral.
*****
Erika died peacefully at the age of 97 surrounded by her family. She and her husband Paul (who died in 1994) worshipped at St. John’s since 1976.
From her obituary
“Erika touched the lives of many in Germany, England and Canada with her courage, her wisdom and her friendship.”
*****
Gini was killed in a car accident just after Christmas. I do not remember her too well from St. John’s - she might have been attending more when I was not around so much because of being available for my mom.
From her obituary
“Although we grieve the tragic, sudden and unexpected loss of a truly exceptional …”
*****
I went to school at Traf with Erika’s youngest daughter. I was quite surprised when I met her at an Ascension Day supper. She said that her dad was coming to be an honorary assistant at St. John’s.
Throughout the years Erika and her daughter Monica were much involved in church life at many levels. Other family members appeared regularly for Erika’s birthday celebrations and other special events.
I have in my archives funeral programs for folks who made a significant impact on my life. Paul Busing was one of them. When I read the program I found quite a few similarities. Allen celebrated the Eucharist; Bruce was the cantor for the Psalm; at the end the choir sang In Paradisum from Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. Erika will be buried in Arundel near Lachute alongside Paul.
*****
There was a lot of family remembering at both funerals. After the second one a friend said to me - what a waste. I felt it was sad that someone my sister’s age had died so suddenly. For me the emotional impact was at the first service.
*****
This was a long two days with lots of people at both services. After the celebration in the church there was food and conversation in the parish hall.
I said to a long time friend - how are you holding up? She said - it is hard when you get older and parents die. She also said - my dad is dying. We shared a warm long hug.
*****
Erika died peacefully at the age of 97 surrounded by her family. She and her husband Paul (who died in 1994) worshipped at St. John’s since 1976.
From her obituary
“Erika touched the lives of many in Germany, England and Canada with her courage, her wisdom and her friendship.”
*****
Gini was killed in a car accident just after Christmas. I do not remember her too well from St. John’s - she might have been attending more when I was not around so much because of being available for my mom.
From her obituary
“Although we grieve the tragic, sudden and unexpected loss of a truly exceptional …”
*****
I went to school at Traf with Erika’s youngest daughter. I was quite surprised when I met her at an Ascension Day supper. She said that her dad was coming to be an honorary assistant at St. John’s.
Throughout the years Erika and her daughter Monica were much involved in church life at many levels. Other family members appeared regularly for Erika’s birthday celebrations and other special events.
I have in my archives funeral programs for folks who made a significant impact on my life. Paul Busing was one of them. When I read the program I found quite a few similarities. Allen celebrated the Eucharist; Bruce was the cantor for the Psalm; at the end the choir sang In Paradisum from Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. Erika will be buried in Arundel near Lachute alongside Paul.
*****
There was a lot of family remembering at both funerals. After the second one a friend said to me - what a waste. I felt it was sad that someone my sister’s age had died so suddenly. For me the emotional impact was at the first service.
*****
This was a long two days with lots of people at both services. After the celebration in the church there was food and conversation in the parish hall.
I said to a long time friend - how are you holding up? She said - it is hard when you get older and parents die. She also said - my dad is dying. We shared a warm long hug.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Being an early morning person it is not often that I have stayed up to see the New Year in. I do remember though from my not too distant past being at various gatherings. One of my long time friends often had a gathering at her house. She is Malaysian and the food was always very interesting. Another nice tradition was a church group that met for a meal, some fun time and sharing and then a Eucharist towards midnight.
When I was growing up in Lachute we remembered the English tradition of first footing on New Year’s Day. It was good luck for the year if the first person coming into your house was tall and dark haired. My dad’s dad did this. He was tall but quite bald!
Before we had our own colour television we went to a friend’s who was more up to date. We watched the Rose Bowl Parade on his colour set.
When I was growing up in Lachute we remembered the English tradition of first footing on New Year’s Day. It was good luck for the year if the first person coming into your house was tall and dark haired. My dad’s dad did this. He was tall but quite bald!
Before we had our own colour television we went to a friend’s who was more up to date. We watched the Rose Bowl Parade on his colour set.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Keeping up to date
“I also have online friends: people I've never met in real life, but who offer support and friendship all the same. I don't think of them in the same way as my real life friends, but I value them anyway.”
I read this recently and it made me think about how I keep in touch with folks.
Email is good and sometimes sending a group email is useful like when I sent one entitled - The new horse. It is a good way to keep in touch with friends that I do not see often.
The phone is still a great invention but no cell phone in my household.
Meeting in person is good. It is always good to have a meal with a friend. I did that over Christmas.
I do read a couple of message boards but I do not share too much. It seems like a lot of effort to get involved with people in that way. I would rather be keeping in touch in the real world.
I like to read my friends Facebook entries to see what they are up to. When they are just playing online games I am not so interested.
I do like to visit the web sites of places that I know. It is also good when they are up to date. I often go to the Web site for St. John’s, St Andrew’s in Lachute, and SSJD.
I read this recently and it made me think about how I keep in touch with folks.
Email is good and sometimes sending a group email is useful like when I sent one entitled - The new horse. It is a good way to keep in touch with friends that I do not see often.
The phone is still a great invention but no cell phone in my household.
Meeting in person is good. It is always good to have a meal with a friend. I did that over Christmas.
I do read a couple of message boards but I do not share too much. It seems like a lot of effort to get involved with people in that way. I would rather be keeping in touch in the real world.
I like to read my friends Facebook entries to see what they are up to. When they are just playing online games I am not so interested.
I do like to visit the web sites of places that I know. It is also good when they are up to date. I often go to the Web site for St. John’s, St Andrew’s in Lachute, and SSJD.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Church people
I often receive in my email notices from the Diocese of Ottawa mailing list. I recently saw a name that looked familiar from my past. A priest was appointed from outside the diocese. I think I knew her from Toronto 35 years ago or more.
When I was at the Diocesan Synod in October I saw a number of clergy that I knew. It was nice to see Carolyn back from 3 years in Uganda. She had been at my house blessing in June 1989. She did remember me.
As someone said to me - these clergy look a lot older and of course they are. Those that were ordained in the 1970s are looking forward to retirement. When I talked to one friend he said - everyone knows I am retiring!
There were some that were not there. The retired clergy were few in number - I think only a select number get to go to Synod. Some have left the diocese like our former rector. Some have left the Anglican Church of Canada for the Anglican Church in North America.
I wondered about the connections that matter to me. Many of the clergy have been involved with cursillo. As my friend Doreen used to say - this is the church family.
When I was at the Diocesan Synod in October I saw a number of clergy that I knew. It was nice to see Carolyn back from 3 years in Uganda. She had been at my house blessing in June 1989. She did remember me.
As someone said to me - these clergy look a lot older and of course they are. Those that were ordained in the 1970s are looking forward to retirement. When I talked to one friend he said - everyone knows I am retiring!
There were some that were not there. The retired clergy were few in number - I think only a select number get to go to Synod. Some have left the diocese like our former rector. Some have left the Anglican Church of Canada for the Anglican Church in North America.
I wondered about the connections that matter to me. Many of the clergy have been involved with cursillo. As my friend Doreen used to say - this is the church family.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
From friends
I have friends who regularly send me silly emails and nice Powerpoint presentations. These second often have music with them.
I was just watching one about Vietnam - the people going about their daily lives and the scenery and the rivers, etc. My friend said it would be relaxing and exotic and it was - not what one first thinks about when one thinks about Vietnam. Places and people do heal. Life goes on.
The silly emails just give me a chuckle. That is alright too.
I was just watching one about Vietnam - the people going about their daily lives and the scenery and the rivers, etc. My friend said it would be relaxing and exotic and it was - not what one first thinks about when one thinks about Vietnam. Places and people do heal. Life goes on.
The silly emails just give me a chuckle. That is alright too.
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