Shaw was having some troubles these past 48 hours and I could not access my email or my blog so I did not post yesterday. Darn server!
I have had a busier weekend than I remembered I was having. I knew Friday I was triple booked: Rosh Hashanah supper, a 95th birthday party, and a family supper as my aunt from Montreal was in. Rosh Hashanah supper is an annual event that I enjoy but a 95th birthday party is something that happens once in a lifetime…and not in everyone’s life. I ended up forfeiting the matzah ball soup and took in the other two events.
The woman celebrating 95 years has been a mentor and inspiration to me for the 30 years that I have been in the Deaf Community. Father Time has been a hard parent to her. She lost her youngest daughter and her husband. In many ways, she has not been the same since. Losing her daughter bond us together in inseparable ways. My sister had died 8 months prior. We walked through our grief together, with me just far enough ahead that I could hold a flashlight for her in the darkest places.
She is a woman who God has definitely given a blessing to though. She is one of the most respected people I know. She was in the hospital over the summer. I came back from Alaska and went to see her. By then the fear that she would not make it had lifted. As we flipped through my photo book, her inquisitive mind and positive spirit inspired me once again. I hope if I live that long that I will maintain my joie de vivre and interest in what is going on around me.
Sadly, yesterday at my table was another woman who is elderly and who used to work with me in my early interpreting days. She was sitting beside a good friend who warned me that she forgets things that happened two minutes ago so that I should be prepared to hear the same stories. What happened was that three times during the party, she warmly greeted me, saying that I had not changed since she had lost seen me so many years ago. How was I and what was I doing? Without blinking an eye, I greeted her with equal enthusiasm, and explained three times what I was doing, that life was great and that she looked wonderful. I am undecided as to whether Father Time has been hard on her. She seemed so genuinely happy.
The guest of honour was toasted well. Many people dearly love her. In a crowded, standing-room-only party, tears were shed as her life struggles were remembered. Her habit of saying "God bless you" and flashing an I Love You sign upon leaving brought smiles and nods by those gathered. She is a remarkable woman. I value her wisdom, her openness, her ability to remain honest and non-judgmental, and her gusty attitude. She never gives up. I hope in life that I would be so gracious.
Today I attended another birthday for an elder. Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, the foundress of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), would have been 200 years old this coming Thursday. To celebrate the SNJM held a special mass and reception at the Cathedral, with both bishops in attendance. What a beautiful tribute to such a fine woman who is still influential to the present day via her community! Though she was only 38 years old when she died, Marie-Rose had a well-spent life. She had a heart and spirit full of vigour and love for God. The work that is done in this province by the Holy Name Sisters is a fine testimony to her legacy: a house for social justice, a house of peace, and a house for ex-offenders.
We cannot stop Father Time, but we can choose how we will spend our lives. When you look back at yours thus far, what do you see? Wrinkles and grey hair or hearts and spirits of vigour?
Peace,
Suzanne
No comments:
Post a Comment