"One ringy-dingy, two ringy-dingy": A tribute to a woman with a special calling

Steppin' out in style

Always ready for a party, and keen to dress up, Merle has always put herself together with stylish flair. The first dress she bought was a black and turquoise outfit, with adorable kittens on the pockets — a number that made younger sister, Beulah quite jealous.

     

     Family ties are precious things — woven through the years. Celebrating birthdays and special events have always been high on our family's priority lists. 

     This has been especially true for me, I think, having lived so far from most of my Maritime family throughout my life. 

     Celebrations, such as: birthdays, graduations and special anniversaries have helped to create a shared sense of extended family with those dear ones with whom we're nearest. 

     

Beulah and Merle holidaying in New Brunswick in 2010.

"I am pleased to have my daughter, Karen Osborne share the following, in honour of the recent 90th birthday celebration of my sister Merle Robertson." 

— beulah 

     

     Last week we celebrated my Aunt Merle's 90th birthday. What a treat it was to honour this special lady who has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. 

     

Merle and her grand-daughter Brandi.

What a special week it was for Merle: Grand-daughter Brandi flew in from Toronto for the week to share in the festivities, (including a shared salon visit to have fingernails shaped and polished); a time of honouring at a seniors' luncheon at her favourite Salvation Army church drop-in; receiving a special hardcover book of photographs and story about her life; and an evening buffet celebration with 40 of her family and friends. 

"Number, please. . . number, please. . ." 

     Numbers. . . We tend to tend to frame or define our lives by them, don't we? From important dates that are special to us, to the size of our families, to years living in an area, or, the time spent working at a particular job.

     I have become increasingly convinced that one of the most wonderful ways to use numbers is to count the many blessings, or gifts, that God so generously and loving gives to each of us. 

     In honour of my Aunt Merle's birthday, I'd like to count just a few ways that God has gifted us through her life.

     

     Did you know?. . . that Merle was a telephone operator for many years. 

     
     Yes, she worked the old magneto switchboards — putting calls through manually— helping people connect in Saint John, New Brunswick, Vancouver and in Burns Lake, B.C. 

     Merle made front page news, when technology evolved, as she was the one to connect the final switchboard call the northern British Columbia community of Burns Lake in 1967.

     I recently discovered, that as a young high school graduate, Merle had other dreams too. Chosen to give prophecies about her graduating classmates, Merle revealed each imagined future, as she gently dropped rose petals. Her own chosen prophecy, however, hinted at a profession in which she did not follow. 

Here is an excerpt from the prophecy she wrote about her own future. . .

"Far from the haunts of mice and men, in a well-secluded spot, I teach the children their lessons the rest of the world forgot. 

"And, from that old law of Shakespeare, I've learned ne'er to depart. 'Give unto every man thy voice, but unto none thy heart.'" 

— Merle 

Merle and George with groomsmen and maids-of-honour, photographed on their wedding day.

           As it so happened — Merle gave her heart to a rather wonderful, tall, dark and handsome lad, (George Robertson) and the dreams of being a teacher vanished.

     

Estabrook siblings Vincent, Beulah and Merle perform.

     Even though she did not ever pursue a teaching career — throughout her lifetime, and especially into her golden years, Merle showed a teacher's heart in her flair for creatively encouraging others; in her quiet passion to help meet people's needs for inclusion, fun, and continued learning and growing. 

     I am thankful for my Aunt Merle's caring heart; listening ears, gentle eyes, helpful hands, and purposeful feet.

     Family ties. . . Many of you are probably like Merle and my mother, Beulah. They left the family and friends of their youth to establish lives in faraway places, often isolated from kinfolk.

     

     Over the years, Merle's heart for family and extended family has been full. She has supported her immediate and extended family, as well as the ever-widening circle of friends in many practical ways. 

Estabrooks' siblings, (from left): Mary Louise, Glenna Lillian, Beulah Mae, Harvey (Vincent), Merle Jean, Josephine Helen (Joie) and Doris Kathleen. (Circa, 1996).

     

    With love, sacrifice, forgiveness, laughter, hope and prayer, Merle is always eager to gather others in, and to be gathered into, the arms of friendship and shared camaraderie. 

     As my beloved elder over the years, I have especially appreciated the example my Aunt Merle has given me. . . of her faithful trust in God, and quiet tenacity throughout times of difficulty and sorrow; her love of style and ease of laugh; her quiet acceptance in the midst of the disappointments in life.

     

Aunt Merle's infectious smile.

     If I am ever old enough to be in my Auntie Merle's shoes — I'm not sure I'll want to wear purple, (as the poem goes). 

     

     However, I do know that I will want to have the quiet grace and faith that I've observed in this special lady.

Relaxing in a hammock, Karen pens her thoughts.

"Number, please. . . number, please. . ."

     In your hearts, let's give ONE big round of applause for a very fine lady — Merle Jean Robertson. 

— karen osborne 

The honeymoon couple with a tag along traveler: honouring Hazel Eagles

Gordie and Hazel Eagles joining Beulah and sister Merle (Estabrooks) Eagles, with their sons for an extended Eagles' family celebration in Moncton, N.B. in July 2010.

     

     As the saying goes, "You can choose your friends, but not your relatives."  

     Recently, another of my relatives departed this life, and is, without a doubt, basking in the glorious presence of her Saviour. 

     Although I was not privileged to know my sister-in-law, Hazel, that well, my memories of her tell me I couldn't have had a nicer person as a friend, or as a member of the Eagles' family which she and I chose to join. 

     In the summer of '51, Nels and I became engaged to wed. All too soon, Nels' holidays were over and it was time for him to return west. However, not before he helped family and friends celebrate Gordie's marriage to Hazel Powers. 

     The bridal couple had planned their honeymoon beginning with a motor trip to regions in Ontario. 

     

     Being the generous, older brother, Gordie invited Nels to travel west as far as Ontario with them. This, being an overly kind gesture, which Gordie surmised would help defray the cost of his return across almost 4,000 miles of the Great Canadian Divide. 

     Accompanying a bride and groom on their honeymoon was an "unheard of phenomenon," even in those days! 

     Nels would have no part in it, and so he politely refused. 
  
     However, exercising his older brother status, Gordie would not take, "No" for an answer. And so, off the trio ventured. All went well enough until night time came on. Exhaustion set in following a full day of wedding celebrations and travel. Serious discussions began as they searched for a motel. It seemed that in all the wedding excitement, plans had not been made for overnight accommodations. 

     With each motel they inquired at, the lodging was inadequate for a honeymoon couple with a tag along traveler. 

     At last, (in desperation no doubt) Gordie pronounced, "We'll take this one." It was one room, with a double bed and single cot behind a divider for a wall. 

     Nels couldn't believe his brother was actually serious. Offering to sleep in the car, Nels protested, saying, "If it were my first honeymoon night, I would want more privacy; at least a room with a ceiling!" 

     With big brother, again calling the shots, Gordie simply said, "You go have your shower and get to bed!" No doubt, recalling those earlier days of obeying his older brother's commands, Nels promptly obeyed. 

     In the morning, Nels was quick to inform the bridal couple that, as always, he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. 

     Looking back, Nels often wondered how hard it must have been for a young bride to forgive her new brother-in-law for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

     Even to his last days, Nels loved relating this amusing tale of his first honeymoon, each time embellishing it just a little bit more. 

     Actually, through the years as we visited them, we found Hazel to be a quiet, soft-spoken, woman. So gracious and godly, Hazel always showered us with kindness and love. 

     

     I have recorded this story in my autobiography, Seeds of Love, on page 69.  I chose to write about it here, for the younger generation of Gordie and Hazel's family, who may not have yet heard it told. 

     I believe as we share happy memories of those we miss, we keep their memory alive.  

     Thanks, Hazel, my sister, for the example of your honourable life and legacy you have left to all of us. 

— beulah   

A brand new year in high resolution

     

     We stand once more at the gate of a brand new year. In our increasingly chaotic world, we cannot but wonder what 2016 will bring our way. 

     Each day the news tells of more global unrest and severe problems that continue throughout our world.  

     

     On New Year's Eve, 1939, King George VI addressed the Commonwealth by radio. 

     Britain had been at war for four months. Canada, along with Australia and New Zealand, had already joined to help. 

     Though only nine-years-old at the time, I vividly remember the dark clouds of fear and gloom that hovered over our little rural community. 

     
     Our family, gathered around the radio, listened to the King's speech with bated breath. The future of my own little world was in jeopardy. 

     On the precipice of what could become global ruin, King George VI made this statement, (quoting the words of M. Louise Haskins): "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown,' and he replied, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way.'" 

     This statement rings true not only at the beginning of a new year but also at the gate of each new day. In the big picture, God is still sovereign in a world we could describe as being under the control of the evil one. 

     

     I believe I must leave the unknowable to the all-knowing One. 

     Should I, at times, become fearful, Psalm 91 reminds me ...to rest in the shadow of the Almighty, and ..."I will be with him in times of trouble."  

     

     I like the message that this ancient legend teaches.  

     A monarch hired weavers to make tapestries and garments for him. 
     The king gave them silk and patterns with strict instructions to seek his help immediately should they have any difficulties. 
     One young weaver was happy and successful while the others were always experiencing trouble. 
     When asked why he was so successful, the boy replied, "Didn't you notice how often I called for the King?" 
     They replied, "Yes, but he's very busy, and we thought you were wrong in disturbing him." 
     The boy answered, "I just took him at his word, and he was always happy to help me!" 

     I know my God is like that king, never too busy to address my biggest fear or my smallest concern.    

     I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions. 

     It's been said, "A New Year resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other!"  

     Mainly, this year, I wish for eyes to see God's many provisions He sends my way. 

     Often, I become so focused on my needs of the moment — as is admonished in the Bible, Psalm 103:2 — that I am not aware of all my benefits: forgiveness, healing, ample provisions, protection, and daily strength.  

     This season can be a lonely time for many. 

     Snow accumulations, icy sidewalks, below zero temperatures, and dull, sunless skies often keep folk indoors — especially the elderly or disabled. 

     

     A friendly phone call just might brighten someone's day.  

     We often hear of surveys conducted on what makes people happy. 

     A recent online survey came up with five top answers: 

• 1 To believe in something. 

• 2 Family and enjoying good relationships. 

• 3 Having meaningful work that gives a sense of accomplishment. 

• 4 Something to look forward to: perhaps hope in a bright future. 

• 5 To live in a spirit of gratitude.  

     Recently, while grocery shopping at our local IGA, the cashier asked if I needed help taking my purchases to my car. In my usual, pleasant and in charge tone of voice, I politely said, "Oh no, thank you!" She then surprised me by asking, "What is it that makes you so chipper?" With the next gentleman customer looking somewhat impatient for his turn,   I simply smiled, thanking her for her service, not really answering her question.  

   

     Since then, I've been thinking a lot about that moment. 

     Could I have come up with an accurate, short form reason why I (most of the time), appear as a happy, contented, peaceful, wrinkled, white-haired, Great Grannie with a pep in my step?  

     All of the above would factor into my answer, with emphasis on: my deep faith in a loving God, my secure hope in a wonderful eternity awaiting me, and a grateful heart. 

     "We must believe in our tomorrows, because tomorrows are what forever is made of."

 — Unknown

— beulah