Family traditions

     "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."    

— Susan Lieberman

     Recently, our family enjoyed another of our favourite traditions, as 19 of us assembled around our thanksgiving table. 

     

     Family traditions are the rituals, practices and beliefs of a family that are handed down from one generation to the next. They help to shape the family by creating a sense of unity, warmth and togetherness. Priceless memories are created, helping our minds to be filled with peace, love, happiness and security. 

     Family ties become strengthened, and also help bridge the generational gap. 

     In earlier years, when Nels and I were parenting our young family, we had a few rituals we thought were important. One of the rules in our home was that we weren't allowed to go to bed angry. 

     ..."Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..." Ephesians 4: 26. 

     Disagreements had to be resolved and restitution made between those involved. Accompanying this ritual, after saying, "Good-night" was always, "I love you!" Even to this day, when physically parting or ending a phone conversation, the meaningful words "I love you" are still exchanged. We need to reassure and remind our loved ones how much we care. 

     Thinking back on some of our little rituals, I'm reminded of how much fun our family had playing games together. 

     

Nathan Carter (left) and Jordan Harvey share a hearty laugh.

     Nels usually led the way with his favourite suggestion — Chicken Coop. Birthdays were always special times. We honoured the birthday person-of-the-day by freeing him or her from all household chores, along with special surprises. 

     Pausing to give thanks before each meal has always been a meaningful ritual for our family. Giving thanks is not simply a matter of being polite, but of expressing dependency on God, realizing, "every good and perfect gift comes from His hand." 

     Happy families stay together by intentionally spending meaningful times with each other, but it takes planning and resolve from each family member. 

     Since our premier set aside the second weekend in February as B.C. Family Day weekend, our family has tried to make it just that — a time to share together. 

     

Recently engaged couple, Sarah Eagles and Tyler Letourneau.

 When celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving, coming together, sharing traditional dishes, and perhaps another family portrait, may just be the glue that helps keep a family unit together. For me, the value of these family rituals, is priceless!  

     Some rituals remind us of important spiritual truths. Before Jesus returned to heaven, He shared His last supper with His followers, reminding them and us, as believers, "As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death 'till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)  

     Perhaps we need to restore the meaning to some of our rituals, with a feeling of gratitude for the wonderful gifts traditions often bring.    

Tevye — "Traditions, traditions. Without traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as a fiddler on the roof!"

— beulah

Travel tales: Making the most of my Maritime moments

     

     It's been said the only story God can't use is the one that isn't told. With that thought in mind, I am grateful I felt led to write mine — "Seeds of Love." 

     

     As I reviewed my life, I was awed at the many, unexpected ways the Lord provided for and directed me. Seeds of love that were planted early in my life, have enabled me to scatter seeds of love throughout my journey. 

     Perhaps, the life and times of a young girl will somehow be an inspiration to others: born in the 30s in the maritimes; on the outskirts of a quiet country village; one, who lived in a simpler day; taught in rural settings; lived through the effects of the Second World War; and, as a young bride, left family and friends to forge a new life in the West. 

     I've learned God can do amazing things with what we often term "insignificant."  

     

     I recently donated copies of my autobiography to the New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation, and they have been directed, as per my request to the Fredericton, Moncton, Salisbury and Sussex libraries. 

     After viewing a pdf sampling of my book, they eagerly accepted this piece of recorded history, and also suggested the Provincial Archives would be pleased to own one as well. A copy has since been forwarded to them. 

     

     I am pleased that my life story will be added to the fabric of maritime history. Imagine then, my anticipation and eagerness to visit each of these libraries where my book has been placed. 

     Each library had been advised of the day I planned to drop by, and were asked to have my book available for signing. 

     So, the last stop on our day's tour of Fredericton brought us to the city library. Easily recognizing me as the author of the book now on display, I was warmly greeted with enthusiasm by the library staff at each city. 

     

     These young folk seemed anxious to connect with this white-haired "grandma" author. 

     One young man told me he had duties throughout the day that took him away from the main desk, and he feared he would miss meeting me. I was so impressed with all their kindnesses and interest.

     Though only a short visit at each library, the camaraderie and fun conversations along with the warm hugs, just might help them understand why the author entitled her book, "Seeds of Love."

     

     Though our maritime travels were coming to an end, we still had two wonderful days before us, anxious to spend it with more family in Hampton, Quispamsis and Saint John. 

     

     

     Nephew Wayne, our next chauffeur, brought us from Sussex to their quaint, village of Hampton. Not remembering ever being here before, I found it quite delightful, with playful deer freely roaming about this peaceful town. 

     We were soon enjoying Mary's gracious hospitality, along with her tasty lunch, homemade soup and all. The plan for the afternoon was for us girls and Wayne to visit his mom, my sister Glenna, at the Turnbull Nursing Home in Saint John city. 
     

     We later learned that Mary, who chose to not accompany us, was preparing a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, which we later enjoyed. My large family that I once had — five sisters and a brother, has slowly diminished with the passing of time. 

     

     Now, I must be grateful for my two remaining sisters, Merle, living nearby in Kelowna, B.C. and Glenna, all of 97 years living with the debilitating disease, Alzheimer's. 

     It is difficult to know just how much she truly grasped, as in her own way, she warmly greeted Karen and Debi.

     Recalling stories and incidents of the early years seemed to put a smile upon her face. 

     

     

     The following day, beginning with breakfast at Cora's Restaurant, we took a tour of Saint John. 

         

     A walk through the park at King's Square, and on to the sights and smells of the huge, city market, purchasing maple products to bring back home with us. 

     

     Checking out some of the shops, a glimpse once more of the Saint John High School where I spent two summers taking courses, and another visit with Glenna at the care home. 

     














     

     Seeing all of us, her eyes lit up and she seemed excited to greet us. Glenna became quite engaged, as the girls and I began harmonizing old hymns and songs, she began mouthing some words she remembered. 

     How difficult it is, when we have to say good-bye to those we love. 

     

     A very full day came to an end with a delicious dinner at Stephanie and Andrew's home. We were all so relaxed.

     Also, meeting Shelley and Dan, and finding that family bond with these second cousins — meeting for the first time — created even more special memories. 

     
     

     There was another serendipitous moment at the Saint John Airport the following morning, as we prepared to board our flight. 
     
     Because of difficult circumstances, our hopes of seeing Larry and Nancy (my nephew and wife), looked as though it was not to be. 

     What a surprise, then, to have them appear in time for lots of hugs and noisy chatter. Soon, the airplane was carrying us across our vast Canada once more, but now, to our own "nest in the west" — our hearts filled with gratitude and over-flowing with precious memories of a "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure.  

     Ernest Hemingway once said, "Never go on trips with anyone you do not love." 

     

     I'm so glad I chose three special people in my life that I dearly love  — Mark, Debi, and Karen. Even after all those days of "togetherness"  — we are still the best of friends.    
So ends our maritime saga.

 — beulah

Travel tales: Maritime memories v2.0

     

     In anticipation of another day of "travelling back to yesteryear," our chauffeur, niece Joan, appeared right on time. 

     Collecting us and our luggage, we left the Amsterdam Inn, making our way out of the city. 

     We decided to travel a quiet, country road leading to my home village of Salisbury, a route I had travelled many times during my youthful days. 

     I soon became aware just how little this area had changed. Motoring past farm homes of people I once knew, I couldn't help but wonder their whereabouts, and what life had brought to them. 

     Enjoying the peaceful drive and the morning sunshine, our eyes suddenly spotted a huge field of bright, yellow, sunflower faces.

     Joan willingly pulled to the side of the road, so the girls could capture this "feast for our eyes," on film. 

     

     To the community of my childhood, and, another trek down memory lane to show Karen and Debi the elementary school I attended, now converted to a residence; my little country church; nearby the site of our community ice rink; a visit to their grandparents' (Eagles and Estabrooks), gravesides. 

     Also, the location of my home where I was born, now a part of a highway expansion that includes a large, restaurant service station called, Irving's Big Stop. 

     

     We decided it was a good time to pause here for refreshment. While having lunch at the restaurant, I looked out across to the field where my home once stood. 

     During a few moments of reflection, I tried to remember my early days there as a child, envisioning my hopes and dreams. I realize this part of my early history laid the foundation of who I am today. 

     While the landscape of our lives keep changing, to recreate the magic and moments of by-gone times, just cannot happen.  

     

     The modest village of Salisbury had been the centre of my growing-up years.  

     Memories etched in my heart; grocery shopping with my parents as a young child, meanwhile, delightfully distracted by the assortment of penny candy, along with the sights and smells of Colpitts' country store; curiously watching the local blacksmith fit farm horses with new shoes; meeting teenaged friends to take in a Saturday night movie at the community hall; my high school days here; and years later, married in the village church. 

     Now, meandering along these same streets with my daughters, I see the many changes the passing of years always bring. 

     

     And yet, there are some things that never change, like the good 'ole down-east' welcome I always receive. 

     The hot afternoon sun reminded us that a cold treat at the nearby ice cream stand would be just what we needed. 

     
     Engaging in conversation with an amiable group of ladies who were parked on a bench — enjoying their ice cream under the shade of the elm trees — I was surprised to learn that one was the wife of Floyd, my fellow classmate at elementary school. 

     

     It was time to end our exploring for the day, and so we were off to Portage Vale and Joan's home for the night. 

     En route, a surprise stop — a quick "hello" to Brent, Joan's son, for a hug and to tour the lovely home he had recently built. 

     As Lloyd greeted us on their shady verandah, we were soon relaxing in the coolness of the late afternoon — a glass of lemonade in hand. In those peaceful moments, we became absorbed with the panorama before us — soft, rolling hills and green countryside, their lovely, picturesque farm spread out before our eyes. 

     

     After Joan's delicious supper and an evening of great conversation, we felt, indeed blessed. 

     
     Upstairs we traipsed, and laid our tired heads upon our pillows, in the quaint rooms of this delightful homestead. 

     We were delighted to hear next morning that our breakfast was to be at the Taste and See cafe at Sussex Corner. We knew that our day was off to a great start. 

     Joan and Lloyd's son Stephen, just happens to be the mayor of the town, and their daughter-in-law Janice (Stephen's wife), along with Joanne Barton, own and operate this cafe, together.

     It has quite a charming atmosphere, advertised as a place where the owners want you to see that "the Lord is good and the food is good." 

     A chalkboard hangs, where patrons can write inspirational quotes or words of wisdom. Known for their organic coffee and gluten-free muffins, I was impressed to see handwritten words of encouragement on every takeout coffee cup holder. 

     

     A "Keeping it Holy" sign on the door explaining their Sunday closure, and a cowbell that satisfied customers can ring as they leave, were just a few of the unique touches. 

     

     Goodbye hugs among the cousins, and our blessings for their continuing success, we moved into our day. A motor trip to Fredericton awaited us, with Gerry once more at the helm. 

     Her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Anne-Marie, welcomed us to their lovely home at Upper Kingsclear, a few miles beyond the city. 

     

     How we enjoyed Anne-Marie's delicious lunch she served  on their patio, along with lots of love and gracious hospitality. Rodney, another of the girl's cousins they hadn't yet met, dropped by on his lunch break, adding to the delight of it all!   

     Fredericton is the city where I attended Teacher's College as a fetching, young lass. 

     Memories of those exciting days drew me back in time, as we drove along the street, Waterloo Row, searching for No. 216. The changes over the years, made it difficult to find the exact, immense Victorian-style home that housed me and a dozen or so other university students. 

     

     But, I like to think the hilarious shouts of laughter that resounded from one of those upstairs bedrooms — as we prepared for our fall masquerade — is still echoing down the corridors of time.  

     

     While walking the streets, we came upon the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, a museum located in the heart of downtown Fredericton. 

  

     We were proud to find, among their considerable portrait collection, former professional ice hockey player Mike Eagles, who's residence we had just bid farewell to.

More stories to come... 

I'm not yet finished with "tales of a town" — Fredericton.  




— beulah