Church

Monday at 2:00 is the funeral for Mary Muir – here at the Alliance Church.

Mary was a truck driver in her young age – in fact at 22 (1962) she had a piece written about her in the Vancouver Province.  The columnist mentions that she took particular interest in down and out women – those from skid row who needed someone to care for them.  She would bring them to church and lead them to know Jesus.

No wonder Mary ended up in the caring profession in the years that followed.  One of her areas of work was addictions counselling.  She was a great listener.  And confidential to the end.  She would sit with people for hours as they worked through their physical pain from withdrawal.  She was loyal.

Two nights ago over fifteen friends dropped in to see her, even though she was pretty well in a comatose state.  No one can say that her quiet, comforting and caring spirit has not reaped its benefits.  I could wish to die that well!

Wednesday night at 10:50 she was listening to her three friends sing familiar hymns of God and heaven.  She slipped from this world of song to the next of angelic hosts welcoming her with music beyond compare.

Mary – enjoy your new life!!

One of my sisters just bought a piano that looks just the same as our old piano.  As kids we would  bang, caress and generally blow the guts out of the piano.  It sat in various rooms, a testament to my mother’s desire that we would all have some musical training.  We all sang – four part harmony the result!!  I was employed as a music director.  Others in the family have put their hand to shaping music for the upcoming generation.

Now, another sister has bought a dog that looks just the same as our old dog.  A Bichon with fluffy white fur and bright eyes.  My deceased brother became the dog handler.  In older age my parents found him a great companion.

My next question was whether we should buy a new dining room table (we inherited the old one).  The old table creaks and groans and tips at the most inopportune times.  I’ve suggested that we get one that is stable and pristine. 

To which my sister replied:   “But then it wouldn’t be the same, now would it?? “

Some seasons just lend themselves to getting out again!!

This week Jill and I have booked in a number of “touch base” times with people.  Over the winter we tend to hibernate sometimes.  The weather is bleak and home fires beckon.

But now, the sun invites us out and so we are off to see various people.  From hospital visits to home cooked meals, easter egg painting to senior citizen complex discussions.  All give me a new perspective on this season in our community.

We are awakening once again! 

I was told to check out the pine trees.  They create a special “yellow blossom” this time of year.  I took a picture but didn’t find the golden beams other than in the sun!  Perhaps tomorrow I’ll happen upon another tree and find that the blossoms of spring have truly sprung.

Making Ukrainian Easter Eggs could never be simpler!

That’s what I told myself as I placed wax upon wax upon dye layer upon dye layer.  In the end the result was – shall I say – spectacular.  At least it was a spectacle!

Our friend Wayne Gibson had invited us out to meet Joyce Richards.  She lives just outside a town called Unity (great name!).  There on her farm she taught us how to decorate Easter eggs. 

Patient and encouraging, she coaxed us along until the final result was seen after almost four hours.  I could hardly believe how tiring it was to concentrate and focus.  I’m sure I’ll have eye strain tonight — I already took my Ibuprofen!