Every single day we are faced with a choice to walk down one road rather than another. Jack Layton was the federal Opposition Leader. Not so long ago, he had dreams of being the next Canadian Prime Minister. He was walking on the road of hope and determination and the nation applauded. He did not know at the time, I presume, that he was on another road, one that ended yesterday. The above words were left in a letter to Canadians and they have buzzed around cyberspace, ended up as a poster, and became several people’s Facebook profile photos. Orange is the colour of the last 24 hours in honour of Jack.
Love is greater than anger; hope better than fear; and optimism than despair. Tonight I listened to a tribute on CBC radio of my sister-in-law’s sister on The Late Show, a program that features the art of living through the deaths of extraordinary yet ordinary Canadians. The show opened with this Turkish proverb: No matter how far you’ve gone on a wrong road, turn back.
The show featured people from Lynn’s life, including my sister-in-law, sharing insights about Lynn, who was known as Winnipeg’s Street Angel, a woman whose life on the streets turned around to allow her to help other kids who struggled with addiction. One of her friends spoke of Lynn’s generosity of the soul. At the conclusion, a colleague and friend admitted that Lynn is going to be missed on this planet but believed she was close by, flying around. You can listen to a rebroadcast of The Late Show on August 26th on CBC Radio if you want to hear the story first hand.
There have been tributes for over 24 hours to Jack Layton who will also be missed on this planet. He, like Lynn, had reached out and tried to make a difference. How are you choosing to live your life? Are you walking down the wrong road? Turn back. There is no shame in starting anew and making a better way. Choose love, hope, and optimism. Change the world.
Peace,
Suzanne
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