Remembering our happy, yesterday world: a tribute to Chet Eagles

     

     "We need to remember our happy, yesterday world."      

     It matters not what our age may be, we will, sooner or later, be called upon to face the harsh reality of death. It rips apart life's closest bonds, leaves our hearts broken, ushers in loneliness, and opens floodgates of tears. 

     

     This was our family's experience this past week, as Chester (Chet), my nephew, left this world for another, at much too young an age. 

     Though for many years he and his family lived far off in Ontario, I have always felt a close bond. You see, I was instrumental in helping Chet's mom and dad find each other. 

     

     Living in Vancouver during the early years of our marriage, Nels and I enjoyed having his brother Lawrence, live with us. 

     A bachelor at the time, I told him about my girlfriend, Anne, describing her fine attributes and how I could see they would make a perfect match. 

     As Anne was living in the east, in the city of Moncton, I offered Lawrence her address, hoping he would write her. 

     There were no convenient Emails back then! 

     Some time later, Nels and I were pleasantly surprised to learn that Lawrence had indeed taken the advice, and had been corresponding for months already. He even had a trip to meet Anne in person now on his agenda. 

          Of course, the rest became history, with their marriage taking place several months later in Vancouver, with brother, Nels officiating. 

Nelson and Beulah and baby Karen (left) with newly-married Anne and Lawrence.

     I felt indeed blessed to have my girlfriend living close by, and as well, to have her now part of the Eagles' clan. 

     Anne and I were soon having "baby-talk" conversations. My second child, Debi, was born just three months before Anne's first child, Chet. 

     

     Our good times of hanging out together were not to last long. 

     Lawrence, having received an appealing job offer, soon took his family to live in Thunder Bay, Ont., so far away. 

     I'm sure baby Debi missed her cousin and playmate, Chet, who at nine-months-old was confidently walking circles around her while she timidly chose to keep to a safe perimeter. 

     The years have a way of passing all too swiftly.  

     

     A trip to Thunder Bay in the summer of '73, saw our families, (most now in their teens) reuniting and bonding as true cousins. 

     Our phone calls kept us connected over the years, helping us stay abreast of the important events happening in each of our families. 

     I now look back with gratitude to a moment some two years ago — a scene around my dining room table. Our family was enjoying (what has now become) Chet's final visit with us. 

   

     The camaraderie and happy exchange reminded me that there's little in life more precious than, "family ties woven throughout the years." 

     

     The many comments from Chet's friends and co-workers posted online, would make his momma and daddy so proud. 

     Comments such as — Chet was a kind, gentle soul, pleasant, positive attitude, with a unique sense of humour, etc.. 

Chet enjoyed his visit to British Columbia, sharing time with his daughters, cousins and brother Vaughn and his family.

     Certainly his adventurous spirit and inspiration to, "enjoy life while we have it," made an impact on those around him, and I'm sure, especially on his loving daughters Jenna and Carley. 

     The strong legacy of family love continues. In the midst of death, life has brought new hope into our family. 

     

     Baby Thea Alexandra, was recently born to Kylee and Austin, making Laureen and Dave, (Chet's sister and brother-in-law) first-time grandparents.      

"Gently as the evening sun says goodnight to the trees, 

Quietly as grasses bend before a rushing breeze, 

Surely as the ocean waves advance to touch the shore, 

Silently as autumn leaves fall to the forest floor, 

So may the passing of the days heal loneliness and pain, 

Until nothing but warm memories of love and joy remain."    

     

"Some days there won't be a song in your heart — sing anyway!" 

— Emory Austin

 — beulah