Grateful Heart and Helping Hands

A blank page. A busy mind. Burning issues, fingers itching to type-- all good so far! What I CAN'T believe is that I haven't posted for over 3 years. SO MUCH--so very very much-- has happened in that time! When I last posted, I have two grandchildren. Now I have six! When I last posted, I lived in Hazelton. We then moved to Stewart, sold our FAMILY home, moved back to Hazelton and now? We live in Kitwanga! KITWANGA! We lived here in 1986--and here we have come, a circle we never thought we would close! But what is burning, what is making my mind busy? I am becoming. One thing I never understood when I was young is, I would continue to 'become'. As I 'mature' (read: age) I find myself finding a focus. A narrowing of field, broadening of mind, deepening of understanding. I like who I am becoming! Sadly, it took over 55 years to LIKE myself, though that in itself is part of that 'becoming', too. Wisdom Years: quite the title. Since I have had white hair ...

Dawning. The morning whispers the breath of a new day, with the promise of vivid colours in the cold. Excitement builds, giggles and whispers heard in the halls as the young and not so young reach for stockings laid out with care. Sweet communion in the bedroom as all pile onto the big bed to open stockings, enjoying one another's thoughtfulness, thinking of the day to come. The 12 year old makes a wonderful waffle breakfast and we share summer's peaches and blackberries, whipped cream and of course, maple syrup. Coffee with gingerbread syrup is today's treat. Phone calls of merriment, best wishes sent over the miles and smiles for each one here. The candlelight service is one of the sweet moments of the year, where we have the story that does not grow old read once again. We share with rambunctious children, elderly who have trouble getting out regularly and many who have faith but not a regular time of fellowship. Candlelight and Silent Night sung by a choir, piano and o...

Wonder. Watching a two year old light up, counting angels and cookies. Seeing the delight in an adult child's eyes when the favourite meal is prepared. Anticipating the joy on faces of family when presents are given and shared, when breakfast is made together, when turkey is ready. Hearing voices of family that is away, long phone calls, cards exchanged and letters read. I have noticed that some of my posts are starting with just a word- and I may just keep this up! It helps me to focus on what to write! Wonder is a lovely feeling, right up there with anticipation. I feel awe when I think of Mary, pregnant and single, traveling on a donkey so far from home, to give birth alone (we assume) in a stable. Giving birth is a sacred time, when women receive the gift of motherhood and join with all women of all time in a sisterhood like no other. But did she have her mother there to support her? A chosen midwife? A best friend? A doula? Or was her husband her only support in a time when t...