I started this ponderning a couple of weeks ago as I was thinking about the changes happening in and around the island, and beyond in Canada, with regards to life with the COVID-19. How does one act? How does one move forward? I have been thinking of the word change and adapting in relation to people.

Change is difficult. It is really hard to change peoples minds I have learned. Working in education for many years and having the wondrous opportunity to work with numerous teachers and leaders at a board level, not everyone likes to look at things from different perspectives. When things work they work. And education, by its very nature, albeit not always received well, is about change and adapting and refining. Yet, resistance to change takes place. So how does one approach changing people’s minds or habits or behaviours? Not by force…nope. Not by begging…nope. Not with a carrot…nope. But with knowledge, information, real talk…lots and lots and lots of it. I have always found the old saying “if its not broken why fix it” quite interesting. Can you go through life without changing at all?? I mean yes if something is working. Okay. But at the same time, like anything else, there could always be another lens to look from…a slight shifting….a shuffle even.

Getting someone to change their mind or way of being is not as easy as it would seem. Currently, the situation around the path and wake of COVID-19 has been huge in impacting change. Quickly, Promptly. Swiftly. Sometimes with little time to breathe. How many weeks of communication on social media and real actions by essential workers on the island to help people accept the seriousness of what is taking place; respond as a community for the safety and health of others? It’s like teaching an old dog new trick. I consider what Albert Bennett says as a thoughtful reminder that “any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” There are growing pains, kind of creaky at times, to adapting.

The journey has been harrowing to say the least, upending thoughts and ways of thinking and being. Now, the communication offers hope in the darkness…opening up a bit to allow Canadian visitors who own seasonal cottages to come in. Oh my. What does that even mean? And hearing that the island is in a position to allow a few more people to come visit one’s home or have a few more to gather, outside of own family dwelling. Big move. The moving forward, ready to greet a new normal; finding a way back home (or new back home).

Gratefully, here on the island, we are in a hopeful place where we have no new cases of the virus (nor any active cases) for a few weeks now. Woohoo!! I can only imagine the sense of relief as we get a glimmer of possibility both personally and professionally as the Premier, staff, and Public Health Officer collectively make decisions and send communications to assist us in living more ‘normally’ in moving forward. The word ‘normal’ has certainly taken on a relative flavour of late, as I am coming to realize. What we have on the island is not necessarily happening in other parts of Canada never mind globally. I truly count my blessings.

How to move forward? I think my brain is like a toggling acrobat wrestling with fear and hope. Social media can play havoc with the heart and mind as it bombards me with all kinds of information. What to believe? I am not sure human beings always adapt to change well nor respond to ‘no’ or ‘can’t’ in a positive way. And then once you move to adapt to a new way of thinking and behaving, now being asked to adapt again and proceed how. ‘No’ and ‘can’t’ turn into ‘proceed with caution’. My fear is the ‘proceed’ might be like a nascar driver – 0 to 150 kph.

Can you not hear the mind toggle?…can I go to the movies? No. Can I go and hang out with my friends? No. Can I visit my grannie? No. Can I go to the park? No. Can I go fishing? No. Can I go to the mall? No. Can I go downtown? Uptown? Anywhere???? No.No. NO. Can I? Can I? Can I? What can I do? But if I do get to go somewhere… did I wash my hands? Did I stay 6 feet away? Did I touch the pump handle? Did I get too close? Did I sneeze or rub my eyes or touch my face? Did I go to work, come home, put clothes in wash, have shower/disinfect? Did I? Did I? Did I? One can almost go loopy with can I and did I?

Walking in the shoes of the Premier and Public Health Officer? I cannot begin to fathom the juggling. Is there not a saying that suggests… before you judge a man (person), walk a mile in his shoes. I wanted to know where that statement came from and I believe it came from Mary T. Lathrap poem (1895) Judge Softly. I love the title and the message in it. I can only imagine what it would be like to be making decisions on an almost daily basis, telling people something that is so out of their realm of understanding and control. And yet for the safety and well being of the island community, the Premier and P.H.O. have to do what they have to do.

I wonder how the essential workers feel at this time. Because they have been in the trenches from the get go. They have lived the urgency by the way they have had to act, talk, respond, behave, plan. Not the same for me in that way and I am coming to realize that I do not have the same appreciation to moving forward because it is about being cautious. It is not a ‘been there, done that; next’ kind of moving forward.

Being respectful of where people are coming from even though I have not walked in their sandals, boots, shoes, heels…because another change is coming. Can anyone remember pre-COVID-19? Ahhhh, the good ol’ days.

Blessings this day.

Let us pray for those in need and the strength and courage to move forward together in support and care for all.

Two things are coming into my head right now…A Walk to Remember movie and songs about wind. There is a line in the movie where Jamie, one of the main characters, describes the wind like love, you can’t see it but you can feel it. A brush of warmth. Then I hop on over in my mind to an old folk song by Bob Dylan Blowin’ In the Wind which was one of the songs I sung in my school choir (another place in time). I love the line “the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind.” Get the cob webs out, let the unseen wash over you and breathe…just breathe.

Oh my, the winds have been crazy for the passed few days here on the island. Crazy windy, which come to think of it seems to be characteristic of island living….go big or go home kind of winds. It’s the power behind them that catches you off guard. Holding my 10 month old granddaughter in my arms (because I can now) while walking down my red dirt laneway, the wind whips her hat off her little head. Which of course that is what she wants as any hat bothers her. Oh to have such a problem in her tiny world…hat go away. Voila…gone. I can understand that feeling of whirling chaos as it whips its unseen blusters and billowing puffs to get your heart rate pumping. Invigorating. I watch this beautiful little being, placing her face into the wind, blowing her little wisps of hair all around. Big toothy grin (all of 6 teeth mind you), stretching out her neck, and holding her head steady, as the wind touches her with its enthusiasm. Me too!!

I never know what to expect when the wind comes a calling. My favourite is a fair feeling breezy wind coming in from the south. Oh so warm…ish. And then I go down to the seashore as the south wind (definitely not the northwind) has its way with the waves rolling into the shoreline. Standing on one of the larger rock faces, fallen from the red cliffs, the wind and waves simultaneously bring forth a torrent of fire and brim together. It feels good and refreshing. Waking my whole body up. And you feel great standing steadfast against the elements.

I have to laugh as we tried to sit outside for a bit, sun cascading its rays and the wind …well she wrestled with the umbrella. It did not matter how I put the angle of the umbrella, the wind seemed to curl around it, taking the umbrella, and wanting it to fly. Hold your horses. I got the message, no umbrella. You have to get to the point where you let nature happen…basically let go let nature.

But I love listening to the wind as it gives that comforting sound of white noise. It is soothing to the soul, bringing a constant din of voiceless humming. Especially at night, I tuck into my comforter and listen, feeling safe and sound. Yet there are times (not this weekend thankfully) when it gets kind of crazy-like, the hydro pole lines take a beating from the overhanging trees messing with its lines….I hold my breath. Hydro still on. I now understand the significance of treetop cuts along the roads across the island. Smart.

I know the wind can be a foe at times. Not so great as it demands respect when its ire gets up….the wake of it can be quite destructive. It can leave you feeling vulnerable, helpless, delicate even. Maybe it is one of the many reminders of the preciousness of life. It kind of gets close up and personal in your face, a reminder of the fragility of living. One cannot stop the unstoppable but instead, ride out the storm.

Oh wind, you do have many sides to you. I think you breathe life to give life and never know when you come. Like Bette Midler as she sings You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings. To experience the wind in all its colours but also to be the wind (not like being full of hot air kind of wind). Giving hope, being life-giving. I think about the Holy Spirit right now and how it works in believers, coming when you least expect it like the wind, bringing its strength to all to do goodness. Come Holy Spirit.

I think it might be a case that like life, the wind itself can take the wind out of your sails at times but at the same time, powerfully billows its strength and you can navigate the sail. So when someone says to ‘batten down the hatches’, don’t get a new hairdo.

Blessings this day.

Let’s pray for all those in need today.

A song keeps bopping in my head today, “You got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness, just shine your light…”. Being kind. Last night, I spent some time with my island daughters (as one is back in Ontario) and we got to talking about the kindness of others. My middle daughter had called me up early in the evening saying she is coming over and would I mind if she could cut my lawn. Oh my goodness. Bless her heart. I was humming and hawing about it all day, knowing it needed to be done. Was there a wave of ESP or something. Kick my heels and make me smile. YES. And she did. Thanking her over and over again, she finally said (not shouted or ranted or raved), “STOP thanking me mom. I wanted to”. Which funnily enough, as we kicked back in the living room afterward, led us to a conversation around how people talk to one another.

Whatever happened to being kind to one another? You know when you say something nice to someone and they in turn say something nice to you. Or you hope so. In other words, kill them with kindness. I am not sure ‘kill’ and ‘kindness’ should be in the same sentence. Odd saying but it works. I know I have found myself wishing I could take my foot out of my mouth at times. Have you ever had a time when you wish you could take back something you had said to another person? You know the feeling when you realize (after the fact) that your mouth ran away with the spoon…sort of like verbal diarrhea. And you cannot take it back no matter what. I think of that old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never break (hurt) me.” Well it is not true.

Words have the power, like the pen, to be hurtful or life-giving. I had a recent conversation with my grandson about what we say and how we say it. You know those moments… out of the mouth of babes. Watching something on TV, not always sure what he watches but in this particular instance I thought (after listening to the way the characters are talking to one another) maybe he needs to turn it to something else, or turn it off. But I am not teaching him anything. Soooooo, Rara may share a bit of wisdom (or nag).

I don’t know, it seems to me that there is more of a tendency to have less of a filter in the way we talk or be with another person. I know that saying it how you see things can hurt but REALLY a person can say whatever in a kinder way. Keeping the dignity intact for goodness sake. To me delivery is everything. There is a way of saying things and a way to not make one feel less than dirt beneath one’s feet. I believe and value it whole heartily. I do not want to leave someone feeling less as I know that feeling and it is not life-giving in any way. How you say what you say (how you do what you do) can be sweet as honey or bitter as lemon juice.

How does one curb the tongue? Put the breaks on. Whoa horsey!! I chuckle at myself because boy there are times when someone should have said to me “who peed in your soup today?” I do realize that being kind to others can also mean I can feel vulnerable, taking a risky of looking foolish, to be taken advantage of, but so, okay. Courage. Maybe to be kind is having courage?! As Mother Teresa says “Do It Anyway“.

To me, kindness to others is a simple act. Think about it, just one word or action can turn a frown upside down…the day becomes brighter, palatable, breathable. A moment given to feel moved, protected, noticed, held, loved. I think the wondrous thing about being kind is that it can spread like wildfire unbeknownst to me or you. Like an echo long after. Oh to be the beginning of that echo…

Kindness matters. Blessings.

Let us pray for those in need and for those who struggle with mental well being.

Go. Well colour me happy. Who would have thought that this day would come? With a clean house and a full larder, my grandson and granddaughter are “coming to town”:…my home down the road. Talk about humbling. To be able to be in their presence, hugging them and spending time with them….thank you Lord. Thank you island community. It is a good day.

I say a prayer for all parents who have been with their children 24/7 with little or no reprieve over the last few months. Children want love attention food entertainment love attention food entertainment…you get the drift. They are like the energizer bunny…don’t quit till their battery runs out. Two speeds – fast and sleep. But love them always. Bless them all. So now I get to spend some time with two of my grandchildren – a 9 yrs (close to 10) and 9 mths old (close to 10). Whew. What an age spread! What to do? What to do?

It’s funny as a Rara (grandmother) to be with them. There is nothing like it. I think back to raising my own three daughters and think, how did I fare? I am not so sure I paid as much attention to the little behaviours of my own as I do with my grandchildren today. Maybe when you are in mother mode, you are more on autopilot, blind leading blind, and alot of hail Mary’s and hope like the dickens they will be okay. Now it seems I have a different sense of awareness and love as I spend time with my grandchildren. Is it being more mature (or seemingly so), seasoned, not so ruffled, lesser distractions, slower even? I see them and delight in their milestones with such wonder and awe. I guess it is easier to be a grandparent because I CAN GIVE THEM BACK. Spoil. Return. Spoil. Return. Good ol’ return policy.

I remember the many summers holidays my folks took us down home to New Brunswick where my dad was grew up. I loved visiting my grandparents on their farm; life was so very different from my own Ontario living. I am not sure how old I was when I became aware of the power of the grandparent versus my folks especially my dad. We got in late from our Ontario drive and I could smell breakfast wafting up the stairwell of the old farmhouse. As we plodded down in our pjs I remember my eyes bugging out when I saw what was on the table. Grandma had cookies and cake in the center of the table amongst toast, bacon, sausage and eggs. Dessert. What? Well let me tell you when grandpa said “dig in” I looked at my dad then grandpa then dad and then my grandma…I had dessert at breakfast. The best breakfast ever. Cake and toast, eggs and cookies. No way. I remembered looking at my dad with a frown on my face (more like what happened to you dad). We rarely got dessert during the week back home never mind at the breakfast table. NOT in my life time. Bestest holiday memory. That is when I knew grandparents beat parents hands down…discipline looks like a fresh made chocolate chip cookie. Woohoo.

The funny sad things is about those times in going to visit my grandparents out east was I cried when I left. According to my folks, each and every time. Why? Do not think it was any one thing but I can say I felt freedom. My grandparents had a 100 acre property, big farm house, old barn, spring water, pantry, cousins next door, huge garden, big porch, house on a hill looking over the river bank, sitting in the cool grass, river below to go swimming in and so on and so on. And every day a table full of food at breakfast and supper time. A grandparent basket full of happiness. So I cried when I left.

So here I am. Do I want my grandchildren to cry when they leave? No. But I do want them to want to return. My parents are now great-grandparents, I am a Rara (grandmother nickname), and now two of my own daughters are moms. For me it is a privilege and honour to be in this role, able to love them as a grandmother. Not the same kind of pressure as being a mom, but still up there. A different kind of love, but still loving them. A different kind of protectiveness, but still protectiveness. They certainly keep me young at least for the first hour and then I start to age quickly. Haha. I’m no spring chick, more like an old hen but boy I feel good. They love unconditionally. And for me …whew! It feels great…like Tony the Tiger G-R-E-A-T.

Now I rest up for the next time (operative word ‘rest’). With memories of precious moments with them this weekend, I watch them leave with a smile. And knowing my middle daughter and partner got a bit of a break, its all good. Safe and sound. You can thank me by not returning too soon. Oops did I say that?? Even though I may tease my daughter (crazy nagging) when she says “see you soon”, my eyes roll (in a loving way mind you) and I respond to her with “yeah yeah yeah”. Until the next time my grandchildren….Ready Set Go! Bless your hearts.

Blessing this day.

Let us pray for all those in need today and to the parents/guardians who need to know they are loved and supported.

Nature at its best. I really enjoy living out in the country and never more aware of all the reasons I said yes to moving here than this morning. Waking up to the sounds of birds chirping away while the sun’s rays breath life into my room, what a way to greet the day! It’s not like did not notice nature and its beauty in the city for you find beauty everywhere if you just look for it. But when it comes to nature in its wild undisciplined rural fashion, with no rhyme nor reason in its movement…it just comes out breathtaking. And that is probably why I hesitate about working on creating a garden…I like the au naturale…how nature puts things together, haphazard chaotic beautiful.

And today there seemed to be a buzzing of busyness with animals, high in the sky and low on the ground. I saw five red foxes today on my travels as Maggie May and I headed up along the cliff and passed the woodlot. Three baby cubs or pups, I think they are called, poked their head out around a fallen log…cute little things. But with Maggie May, I do not trust her. She has no sense of preservation…AT ALL. Go big or go home. Anyway, I walked quickly passed them but they were smart as they took a look at us and immediately scampered up the hill back in the woods. They can stay cute at a distance. Of course mama fox was nearby. I did not see her right away as she sat real still, waiting. Not sure what she would do but not waiting around to find out. Clip the leash on Maggie and hasta la vista foxy mama.

Did I not get up the dirt road along the cliff and there in front of me was another fox with a mouth full of…eeww…I think dinner. Maybe mice. Just saw little legs hanging out of its mouth. Yummy…well, each to their own. I think we caught her by surprise. Took off like lightning. Although, It should not be so surprising to see so many foxes considering that the island’s history of harvesting red fox for their furs (not something I like to think about or support) was quite lucrative back in the day (early 1900’s). But thankfully (as far as I am aware of) they just roam the island freely now. In fact they are quite sassy in their sauntering, here there and everywhere, rural or urban, the island is their home.

Maggie May and I continue our jaunt and got to the crest of the cliff where we would turn around to head back, and there is a beautiful bald-headed eagle soaring above our heads. Unfortunately, I was initially preoccupied counting the boats out in the water; I counted 29 boats (well they look more like large dots). That is the most that I have seen at one time. Sorry lobsters. Anyway a sound of whoosh or something like that overhead and I looked up…wow! Just wow! I could almost touch the eagle – crisp white head on a deep black coat covering its wings; I could almost see its eyes. I think of the movie with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds The Proposal…you know where the little white dog and the eagle (I think) tries to swoop down go after the dog. So funny to watch. I immediately got closer to Maggie. No meal for you bird. Haha. Absolutely mighty and true to its grandeur I have to say.

I like to think that I pay attention to what is around me. It is in the details, minute at times, but seeing the gift of nature in all its glory. Gives a lift to the spirit. How does it all work? How does it look so good? Yes, nature can be cruel at times as I think of the little feeties coming out of the foxes mouth. Checks and balances…balance of nature. Yet the purity and the awesomeness of creation…especially in the looking.

Right now I am sitting outside writing my ponderings (a bit chilly with the wind mind you) and I see a bluejay. The vibrant colour of shades of bluey whitish hues of blue…brilliant and sharp. Like how does that happen?!? The colours separated so perfectly on its body from what I can see; give the physical characteristic feature of the blue jay that defines the blue of the jay. Right. Is not that unbelievable!! Then it blows its beauty by attacking the poor little mother robin as she tries to pull a worm out of the earth…are you kidding me! Oh, Mother nature…haphazard, chaotic, beautiful…you continually jostle the moment.

Blessings this day and all of creation. Grateful and thankful that I can enjoy it.

Let us pray for those in need, to the leaders leading us with safety and health in mind, and for gifts of nature that we may be stewards to all.

I have always been struck by doors that I have passed through in my life. Glass, wooden, steel, metal, screen, sliding, framed, batten, keyless, revolving, windowless…you name it, I have been through it. Even one with bars…not what you think. Just to clarify, I visited an old jailhouse turned museum in Goderich many many moons ago. Regardless of the location, doors open and close in unexpected ways. Sometimes they open without effort and other times you almost have to kick it in; then closing them, well that can take longer like when the winter seeps into the doorframe causing warpness in the opening…almost two hands to close it. Still others, you have to slam the door shut, shaking the very walls of the building. And of course you have doors that are sleek and smooth, opening and closing without a stir…perfectly set and ready to be used.

I find doors have a certain beauty to them. They can give character and charm to a room or building. In my home I have a different door for every room and entry in and out of my home. Its like each door picked has a bit of a story which of course if doors could talk…what a tale they could tell. One door that I really like is the door to my pantry as it has a frosted glass insert with the word pantry on it coupled with a design image to enhance its look. My dad, bless his heart, built the pantry for me. I always wanted to have one and I found these two doors at a local shop MoneysWorth; the doors spoke to me. So I bought them both and lo and behold, creative dad, he used not one, but both doors – one door became THE door to open and close, while the other door became part of a wall to pantry, solid and secured. Possibility.

There is a certain stir in the heart, trepidation maybe, when opening and entering through a new door. For doors if you think about it, keep things a part, separate, divided. You never know what is behind it and so when you reach for the door knob or handle, you tentatively push or pull to open it, peering in before walking across the threshold. It is like opening yourself up to the world, seeking or hoping, that what is beyond is good. Almost like a negotiation of sorts before crossing. Think of the doors weathered and worn, beat up even, and you hesitate for a moment or two because it does not look so inviting. You wonder how the door got to be the way it is and still functioning. But it has served for many years and continues to despite its wear and tear. You almost want to press your hand on it, drawing comfort from its years of purpose.

Other doors allow for an unbelievable openness, as light comes in providing a glimpse of what is in store. Then I think of the poor window cleaner as they scrub away the finger or hand prints mashed against the pane, skewing a bit a clear view of whats beyond inside. And once you enter, you receive something in some way. It is then that the door you entered may be a keeper, visiting it again, or it will be closed no matter what.

Doors have become more of a metaphor in my life. Some doors are wide open, new beginnings, a way out, or an invitation to enter. Hope. Joy, While other doors are shut tight, no key to be found. Closing down what might not be life-giving. A sign on the door “do not disturb”. I think about my daughter having a red sign with white lettering “Enter at your own risk”. N’er truer a word. Unfortunately, rattling the key chain can hammer at the door some days which makes me think I need to either open that door fully and face whatever finally or take plaster and seal it off. Yet, do I really want to have that? What makes one ready to face the music? What is the worst that can happen?

But as I reflect upon my own life, I seem to have doors that are more slightly ajar, not ready to be opened fully or closed tightly. I wonder why that is? So I find myself leaning toward the age old adage from Matthew 7:7 in Bible “ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you.” Basically do not be afraid. Is it not true, when one door closes, another door opens?

Maybe I should be looking at my closed door(s) in a different way, doors closed in front of me and doors closed because of me. How to look at the door in both ways, allowing the opportunity or accepting the closure? In other words, I face a choice. What to do, what to do? The nature of the door comes to mind, and its’ caretaker may well shape my choice – steel metal wood glass keyless keyed – all come into play.

Why thinking of doors today? For the past three months there have been many kinds of doors closed that have taken the wind out of my sails so to speak. I mean literally intellectually physically emotionally spiritually. Just shut down without regard; not intentionally or without compassion but for safeguarding, protection, safety. Whatever the reason…doors closed. So for me, I have come to point, spending time in contemplating my own way of lived life and pondering my own and others’ doors before me. So I believe that the caretaker of doors opening to me (and all of us) is being removed slowly. It is an invitation to go forward into change slowly.

Here I stand at the threshold of a new door.

Blessings today.

Let us pray for those in need and all those who seek and they shall find.

Good morning Sunday. Rise and shine. From the first peek of the morning dawn , I awakened to the day feeling a spring in my step as I went for my walk with Maggie May. So many things to be thankful for this day. Have you ever had one of those days where everything around you feels and smells of goodness. Not a cloud in the sky as the sun spreads its warmth and light up and down over and under across the water, fields and landscape as I walked. The beach was so quiet with the waves gently lapping along the shoreline. Tide low allowing me for a much easier walk in rocky section of beach, more of sand available to walk on. Lots of crabs tipped over from the seagulls feasting on them. Balance of nature alive and well. Perfect day to be reflect on my week… and what a week it was!!!

I thank the Lord for the graced moments given to me. My week was filled with unexpectedness. I got a wondrous surprise on Tuesday afternoon; my daughter and children stayed over. THEY STAYED OVER. Are you kidding me? The island has had such progress in no new cases of COVID-19 (none for 21 days). They opened up our homes, allowing family or other households in…up to five people. Well, bless my soul, my daughter strolls up my the deck walkway, holding out my 9 month old granddaughter to me. Tears in my eyes, I reach out and carefully take my granddaughter in my arms with shock. Literally. Then my grandson ran up to me squeezing me so tightly. No words. Just no words to capture my feelings inside. My heart bursted with love and gratefulness. My daughter has been a real advocate and stickler to the restrictions and so for her to do this…. oh happy day. Cautiously and carefully I hold baby girl in my arms, smelling her hair and rubbing her back. The beauty of a hug and human contact. You can’t beat it. Let’s play.

Then on Friday morn, a beautiful sunny day once again, I took my walk and surprisingly greeted with a view of cars and trucks lined up along the road each side down near the beach. I forgot for a second that it was the official launch for lobster season on the north and south shore of the island. Tradition and culture a sight to behold even in times of challenge. People had trekked down to the beach where the boats would set out….waving and celebrating the beginning of the season. Long awaited day to be sure. Blessings for a good season.

The waters were a bit crazy as the lobster boats took their place in line, the deck of boats laden with lobster traps, stacked high and wide, ready to be sent out to do their thing…lobster for dinner. You couldn’t even see the wake of the boats as they wrestled the crest of the waves from the harbour mouth. But never truer the skill and wisdom of the captain, to navigate the bow and find the right path. Sun arising, meeting the time honoured tradition with hope in its light. I’m sure if I was close enough to catch the faces of all, smiles wide and set for their big day ahead. Ahoy, mates. Lobsters…better watch out.

Later on that day, getting in my truck, I passed the little harbour down at the bottom of hill from my home. What a sight to see! Bustling with activity. More trucks than residence in the community, lined up at the wharf and along the roadside. More traps being lined and stacked up, ready for the returning boats, to load them up once again, and repeat the journey. I really felt alive and joyous for these fishermen and I am sure they were up real early… tasting the sea awaiting them.

As I left the harbour and turned on to route 20 I couldn’t help but feel hope. Like things aligned for this day. I mean lets’ face it, Mother Nature can really be crazy wicked at times but not today. Driving down the road, looking across the fields to the open sea, I see the lobster boats dotted along the deep blue waters; very few white caps to be seen. I opened my window wide, put my hand out, reaching with outstretched fingers as the cool warmth connected me to the energy flowing from my finger tips to the wind refreshing my face. I think the cobwebs untangled and were freed inside of me. Oh it felt good.

Then yesterday I had my granddaughter with me and we sat on the swing. It was heaven as she sat in front of me, held in my arms, her little head turning this way and that. She touched the wooden swing gently with her tiny fingers, just touching the wood. Everything was discovery. Oh I love her. After we got up, I walked around the yard with her in my arms, introducing her to my world and hopefully see the beauty as she ‘talks’ her language and me talking my language of what she sees. Nothing better than being a Rara. Thank you little bairn.

And today waking up to the sun, Maggie May and I just took off. Didn’t even brush my teeth (eew), I just needed to get outside for some reason. I almost found myself galloping (not really, just thought it) down the road towards the beach and cliffs. A feeling of electricity filling me up, like a new lot on life. Does that make sense? For whatever reason my eyes paid attention to my surroundings. My favorite blue herons nestled tightly on the branches overlooking the marsh down near the beach. I love those birds. And all of a sudden, I notice green. Green sprouts in the ditches, little sprigs of whatever wild flora are everywhere, and little buds on the limbs of branches. I guess life sprung up while I was sleeping.

Blessings to this beautiful day.

Let us pray for those in need and to God’s creation alive and in our care.

This is probably something that I will talk about over and over again. Motherhood. Celebrating Mothers Day and all the blessings last weekend, oh my heart beats loudly as I think about being a mother. Listening to my two daughters with their own children now, experiencing with them, the hills and valleys of this beautiful journey called motherhood. Hard work…absolutely. Easy….not in this lifetime. Regret…never. Hopeful…to the moon and back. What to do when you live in a shoe?

Firstly, I think you come to the conclusion as a mother that there are no books (or websites) that you can go and turn a page to say “aha” – the answer to my child’s cry or hurt or situation. Hints and tips galore. Yes. But that is just what they are…the found generalizations from thousands upon thousands of evidence of raising a child over time which could apply in some way yet not exactly but near enough to get a glimpse of the answer you are seeking. Google it – that’s more like a fret and regret; temporary at best. I got to my go-to ‘mothers’ in my life, practical wisdom, and then to the professionals. Sometimes all you need to hear is reassurance. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Secondly, do what I do, not what I say. Or is it, do what I say, not what I do? Sometimes being a mother, a parent, is surviving in any way possible…just to get through the day or half day. Why not go for broke? Hour of the day. I think there are times things come out of me that I have no idea how they got there. Osmosis maybe? After reading a “Top 10 Momisms” poster shared with me about the things moms’ say (or dads because I have heard them too) to their child(ren), well, where do people come up with these crazy thoughts?

I know….a mom that’s who. Me in particular suffice to say. Oh, if the walls could talk I know I have said a few of these one liners…. “Why? Because I said so, that’s why!”, “I’m going to give you until the count of five!”, “I’m not running a taxi service.” Or “Do you want me to turn the car around.” Or “I’m doing this because I love you.” Or my favourite is “Bob. Sue, Joe. Moe. whatever your name is…” Yeah that last one SHOUTS OUT. And now it is worse because I have grandchildren to add to the alphabet. LOL. The look my girls give me at times as if to say, “do you know who I am?” The jokes on them now; what goes around comes around.

Mom is a 24/7. I think each day is a lesson (at least a hundred a day give or take) wanting to do right by your child and “say what you mean, mean what you say”. If only children could read between the lines, get at what I, mom, am trying to say in a way that gets them to LISTEN. PLEASE for the love of God. For me, delivery is everything. How you say or do, what you say or do, leaves value and dignity not only to the child but you, mom. Just let me reiterate here…there is no MANUAL.

Happily, without knowing it, there is something mothers have crafted to a fine tuned instrument…”the look”. You know when the face, especially the eyes, take on a certain je ne sais quoi and plain speak…you crossed the line. Hopefully it is not a fearful, scary, punishment kind of look…not so good. Being a mother, a parent, is not so easy. It is the best role in the world but no hope really to get it right; slippery slope on a good day. Why do we say or do what we do? Quick answer, going in blindfolded, routing around, feeling your way. Long answer, the beauty of being human. To err is human, to forgive divine.

There is no job description in a posting of being a mother. Certainly not one to capture all that being a mom is and does. So, I think of that Jim Henson’s song by Kermit the Frog from Sesame Street “It’s Not Easy Being Green” and the last verse sung gently. “When green (mom) is all there is to be, It could make you wonder why, But why wonder (why wonder?) I’m green (mom), and it’ll do fine. It’s beautiful and I think it’s what I want to be.”

Blessings to being a mom.

Let us pray for all those in need today and in the hope for healing to all who suffer.

I hope it is a Happy Mothers Day for you all today. A wondrous day set aside to celebrate and honour all mothers around the world. Mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, adopted mothers, birth mothers, surrogate mothers, sisters as mothers, aunts as mothers, great grandmothers, great aunts, mentors, mother figures who have come into the role of motherhood to support and nurture in some way. There is nothing like being a mother to celebrate but just so you know it is even better to be a grandmother (or Rara, as I am affectionately called). For when a baby is born, so too is a grandmother. Yep, that’s me!

BUT do you know how valuable and worthy you are in your role as mother? Do you know the influence you have made upon, in word and deed, the life of your child(ren)? Mother bear and lioness come to mind. You have to know you make a difference every day and in every way. You touch intimately the life of your child (young or old) by your very breathing. Yes, YOU, you got the goods. Right from the first moment you held your wee babe in your arms, you became mother. I think of that story by Dr. Suess Are You My Mother? Yes, unequivocally irrevocably yes. Don’t have to search any more, little bird, mamas got you.

Of anyone, a mother knows first hand the gift and challenge of what it means to be a mother, figuring out how this thing called motherhood works as you parent and raise children. There are no rough drafts, dress rehearsals or edits, you don’t get a do over; nope (emphasis on the ‘p’) each day is a go for mama and child. On call 24/7. Oh goodness, there were so many days when I should have stayed in bed. I want to believe that I was patient, gentle, kind, forgiving, encouraging, nurturing, supporting, helpful, caring, protecting, reliable…okay lets not get carried away.

I need to say here that I am so grateful and thankful to those people in my life who have helped me to become a mother and be a mother to this day. What’s that old adage – “give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, you feed him for a life time’ – or something along those lines. There is no way I could have done it on my own even though it felt like it at times. It is kind of funny when you think about it; being a mother does not come with any training manual. And yet, moms (along with dads) are responsible for another human being. HUMAN BEING!! You bet we need to celebrate Mothers Day. You, mothers, are AWESOME.

Special and gracious. I cannot express enough with words to truly capture all that my mom has given me over the years. To celebrate Mothers Day is a testament to her. Always near by. Best hugs ever. Devotes her life to family to care and well being. More of a doer than a talker, unlike my dad…thank the Lord. Bless her for giving me the best things of her as baker, cook, gardener, guide, sewer, listener, supporter, giver, popcorn maker…unconditionally giving. And when she speaks, it comes with wisdom beyond her years, laying the ground work for me to being a better person. Feisty, humble, honest (a bit too blunt at times), kind-hearted, loyal, forgiving, and stubborn too I might add. Just to keep things real…I know she does not like to be front and center; nor believe her worthy it seems. But to me, for me, in me, you were and are the cream of the crop for moms. So thank you for being mine every day .

And to two of my daughters who are mothers now…oh how proud I am of you. My middle daughter with her two children, 9-yrs old and 9 month old and my oldest just recently gave birth to her first, almost 2 months now. Mothers, both of you!! Woohoo. The love, tenderness, and protectiveness you have for your child(ren) make me weep with heartfelt joy and delight. You are learning that being a mother is a full time vocation – not job, not career – but a calling. The things you say and do with your children you give of yourself fully to them, unconditionally…you want to be a mother. Thank you. Patience is a virtue and you got it in spades. I can chuckle here as I recall old conversations about both of your thoughts on what kind of mother you wanted to be. Now you know. And you are learning quickly that IT IS NOT SO EASY. You may be a daughter, sister, partner, friend, colleague but today you are a mother. Happy Mothers Day.

Thinking of you all, living and passed, and hoping you know that you are loved and cherished in celebration and memory. Happy Mothers Day. Have a blessed week.

A blessing to mothers and grandmothers for Mothers Day. Enjoy.

Let us pray for those in need today and for all mothers giving strength and courage to walk and nurture the path of motherhood.

It is Mothers Day weekend and for some women, like yourself, this will be your first ever Mother’s Day day as a new mother. Congratulations. Embrace and enjoy the day. Oh my, what a blessing you have been given. A day to celebrate you…only you. Can you think back to the moment when you found out that you were pregnant? When the doctor confirmed your new status with the lovely words, “congratulations you are pregnant”. What thoughts went through your head and crossed your heart? Delight. Fear. Joy, Trepidation. Giddiness. Scared. Any or all of the above and then some?

Soon afterward, you got to hear the heartbeat for the very first time. Oh that sound. Then the glorious day came…the drinking of a gallon of water so that you could have the ultrasound…pressing on your filled tummy (are you kidding)… the gender to be revealed (or not). Boy. Girl. Confirmed. Leave it? Check up. Then baby shower? Diaper shower? Another check up. Gender reveal shower? Register your baby? Another check up. Thinking of name – yes no maybe so jolly go pepper merry go round of people giving their 25 cents? Baby room? Hospital visit? Another check up. Birthing classes? Advice? from all over, everyone and their mother. Body changing dramatically. Did you think it was going to ever end? Well yeah…baby came… early or late or on time…baby arrives on baby time. And that’s the name of that tune. It is all about baby. Happy Mothers Day, life as you know it just got better.

Oh guppy mama. You are a newbie, born to a new world that you have not yet discovered until now. Holding your new baby in your arms with unbelievable love shining through your eyes as you look at her or him, a preciousness of life. No one knows what it is like to be a mother until you become one; life-changing beyond measure. This fragile tiny being is yours, dependent on you for everything. I have to say now and will say it again and again, there are no set clear instructions here; no chapter 10 p. 121 paragraph 3 page you can turn to. You, baby mama, are it. But you are no alone…just do not google everything. Please and thank you.

This day honours you as you begin to build a relationship that is crazy, intense, maddening, frustrating, unconditional love connection from day one. Respecting your role as you navigate motherhood, you need to know your are valued, worthy, loved. It takes a deal of great courage and strength to be present each and every day to this little one who basically pees, poops, eats, burp, sleeps, cries and repeats. First borns are like you, little mama, only they come first. They are learning to live in this world as you are. Only you do not get to pee, poop, eat, burp, sleep, cry and repeat as much as you would like. Nor do a heck of lot of other things…you know watch a full TV show or have a long bath or coffee with the girlfriend….get the picture. The thing is you do not know what you do not know and baby is totally beautifully unknowingly selfish. It is all about them. Boy things have come full circle. Anyway, you realize you have to figure out how to be a mom while holding baby. Welcome to motherhood.

Recently my oldest daughter had her first baby, a baby girl. She is coming up to two months now. Oh my goodness, how time flies! And being a mother of three daughters myself, I can attest to that; where does the time go? Over the last few weeks, my daughter has shared some thoughts in becoming a mother. I tear up and am most grateful in her celebration and to this day to honour her and others as new mothers. Here’s to your own stories as I share a little snippet of my daughters thoughts with her permission…

“Sleeping is so much easier that the first week. LOL…I love her so much and it is so satisfying to get her to settle when she is so upset. I am finding rocking her on the chair helps out….she likes me to walk and sway her. But I have to watch her head moving around.”

“Just had a big poop and a bottle. We didn’t get a burp out of her…PS she has a set of lungs. She cried and swatted at me until daddy brought her bottle. She is such a hungry girl….she projectile peed when I changed her LOL. She is the best”

“Anytime I gently place her in the play pen she wakes up. Hopefully tonight she will sleep….she spit up one of her bubbas so it took a bit to calm her as she needed to eat again…she is so helpless when those things happen but she has mommy and daddy to protect and her through it.”

“She even gave me smiles early this morning when she had changed and feed around 4:30 am. I want to believe they are smiles and not gas….I love being a mom, she is my whole day….I am so excited for the day when she starts to genuinely smile. I will probably cry.“

Happy Mothers Day to all the new mothers. You are so blessed this day.

Let us pray for those in need and to all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and all who are new to motherhood (or grandmother hood – best ever let me tell you)