Spring is finally here

     

     This past week, many were mourning the loss of former U.S. First Lady, Barbara Bush, who went to her eternal home at the age of 92. 

     

     During the days prior to her death, her request for no further treatment was granted. In her family’s words, “Her soul was settled and was at peace,” she already knew her destination. 

          This was a lady who grew up in an era when God was often acknowledged in society, reverenced and taught in the home. 

     She lived what she believed, saying “faith” to her was an “action word.” 

     Family said she held to the old-line faith of her Episcopal Church. Believing education is a civil right for all, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy was established in 1989. 

     It was said she brought levity, love and literacy to millions. I was always impressed with her. Maybe it was her lovely, white hair and/or her pearls, which she often wore, each of which, have a story. 

     Early in their marriage they lost their three-year-old daughter. 

     
     During that difficult trauma and sorrow, Bush's hair changed to pure white.  

     Throughout the years, she chose to not change it to another colour. I also learned the pearls that were a part of her classy look, were “not the real thing.” I can relate to fake pearls. 

     Her legacy will long be remembered. 

     It’s been said that the best among us is remembered for 100 years or so. The rest of us are soon forgotten. 

     Though the memory of past generations soon fade, yet we know our legacy, whatever it will look like, will be passed on to those we leave behind. I believe, how we’ve loved God and others in our lifetime is the best legacy we could pass on. 

     While we are still here, remembering to “…tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 78:4). 

     My sister, Merle and I recently found ourselves enjoying the quaint town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island. We had booked with Klassic Bus Tours for a three-day get-a-way. 

     Though every stop was usually at a casino, which pleased the majority of the passengers, Merle and I not being gamblers, focused on the beautiful scenery, the delightful ferry ride and the Chemainus dinner theatre experience. 

     

     Though previous travels had taken us there many times, seeing a live show is always a delight. It was a take-off on the Million Dollar Quartet, the Broadway musical inspired by the electrifying true story. 

     

     Juke box hits of the '50s with the characters of Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lewis, celebrating four of rock and roll’s brightest stars, who made an unforgettable place in music history. 

     For obvious reasons, my travel escapades are becoming fewer as the years pass. 

     Remembering the travel opportunities Nels and I had in those earlier years, visiting places we once never dreamed possible — those pleasant memories now fill my heart with thankfulness. 

     Whether it was a cruise on the canals in Amsterdam or on the Rhine, visiting Vatican City, the historic Colosseum in Rome, seeing Windsor Castle, the Queen’s holiday home as well as Buckingham Palace, a drive through the beautiful Austrian Alps, walking the streets of Vienna, or a city tour of Paris at the close of day. It all happened at just the right time in our lives. 

     I have been experiencing an unusually low energy level of late. Probably not surprising with my recent driving fiasco and weekend trip and being slightly older today than I was yesterday. 

     Choosing to be home-bound for two full days, which is unusual for me, I decided a breakfast at my favourite White Spot was to be first in the order of the day — with my B.C. Sunny Start of course. 

     I always enjoy relating to my servers and look for ways to encourage them in their busy day as they kindly serve and bless me. 

     

     Perhaps it’s called “scattering little seeds of love.”  Surprise! Spring is finally here! 

     Buds bursting forth on the trees, tulips and daffodils pushing their colourful heads through the soil, all tell me it’s so! 

     I am enjoying my patio already, thanks to Debi and Mark for getting my furniture out of its winter storage.     

     Frances Hodgson Burnett, who wrote the classic children’s story, The Secret Garden said, “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden."

— beulah