There is a conversation coming with my daughter...and its going to be even more awkward than the one that followed my realization that she was singing, "round yon URCHIN, mother and child" mere hours before the school choir performance.
She wants to know if I believe.
Doubt is starting to flicker in her eyes. I saw it when we met a skinny, fake-bearded Santa at the Mall. I saw it when we unpacked the Christmas decorations and she lined up the photos to see the changes in Santa's visage. I saw it when we picked out food for the foodbank and she questioned why Santa didn't bring some kids as many toys as other kids.
This might be Santa's last visit to our home. The little guy's belief is likely dependant on his sister. If she stops believing, I'm sure he will too...but I'm just not ready.
I would like to believe that when the night is dark and cold, a total stranger
would be willing to fly around the world - for no other reason than to make people smile.
I would like to believe that when my bones ache with worry and I am weary from a
night without sleep, that there are good things coming - for no other reason
than that I have tried to be good all year.
I would like to believe that there are people who devote their lives to
generosity - for no other reason than that it is kind.
I would like to believe...because what I most want her to know in this world is beyond what I know how to teach her. Beyond science. Beyond reason. Beyond something that she can hold in her hands. So for at least one more Christmas, I will give her wonder and magic and hope...in a jolly red suit.
Happy Holidays to each of you. Whatever you believe, and however you celebrate, I hope that this season finds you with a feeling of certainty that joy is on its way.
Hold it close.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Esquimalt Village Project Open House Tonight!
Hope to see you tonight at the Open House!
The public is invited to attend an Open House on November 24, 2009 to learn more about the Esquimalt Village Project. The purpose of the Open House is to present revitalization concepts for the old Municipal Hall and Public Works site, and to gather input on Phase 1 Option Plans.
Where: Council Chambers, Esquimalt Municipal Hall (1229 Esquimalt Road)
When: Tuesday November 24, 2009, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The public is invited to attend an Open House on November 24, 2009 to learn more about the Esquimalt Village Project. The purpose of the Open House is to present revitalization concepts for the old Municipal Hall and Public Works site, and to gather input on Phase 1 Option Plans.
Where: Council Chambers, Esquimalt Municipal Hall (1229 Esquimalt Road)
When: Tuesday November 24, 2009, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Remembrance Day Services
Each year, I struggle to find the right words to share with my children about Remembrance Day. I tell them our personal family history and involvement and try to answer their questions as best I can. The Royal Canadian Legion has some excellent information that is appropriate for children here: http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/campaign_e.cfm
I have been fortunate to attend the last few Remembrance Day assemblies at Macaulay Elementary. The teachers and staff are outstanding. They are able to bring children and families together with Veterans to talk about Remembrance Day in a way that is deeply moving. I am always reminded that my children are blessed with health, education and freedom.
Tomorrow, we will have several opportunities to attend Remembrance Day services. In Esquimalt, there is a service at the Veteran's Cemetery at 9:30am. At 10:30 a.m. there is a Remembrance Day parade from the Esquimalt Legion to the Memorial Park cenotaph across from municipal hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. A ceremony follows at 10:55 a.m.
I have been fortunate to attend the last few Remembrance Day assemblies at Macaulay Elementary. The teachers and staff are outstanding. They are able to bring children and families together with Veterans to talk about Remembrance Day in a way that is deeply moving. I am always reminded that my children are blessed with health, education and freedom.
Tomorrow, we will have several opportunities to attend Remembrance Day services. In Esquimalt, there is a service at the Veteran's Cemetery at 9:30am. At 10:30 a.m. there is a Remembrance Day parade from the Esquimalt Legion to the Memorial Park cenotaph across from municipal hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. A ceremony follows at 10:55 a.m.
Thank You!
A very late, but very sincere thanks to the incredible volunteers that make Esquimalt a great place to raise children. Hosting the Olympic Torch Run and the Hallowe'en Bonfire back to back was an incredible undertaking for our township. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to make it all happen so smoothly!
Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visit CFB Esquimalt
DiManno: Prince Charles gets comfortable - thestar.com
Yesterday, CFB Esquimalt was visited by Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall. I have heard many happy stories from friends who had the opportunity to wave and even exchange a word with our visitors.
I found this story from the Toronto Star quite interesting as it gives a little taste of the rich history of our area. As many long time Esquimalt residents know, Esquimalt was once the home to the Royal Navy's Pacific Squadron. Yesterday was exactly 99 years to the day that the Royal Navy transferred CFB Esquimalt to the Royal Canadian Navy. It was quite significant to have a royal visit on this occasion. It was also marked by raising the flag for the Naval Centennial which will be celebrated next year.
For more on our history please visit our Esquimalt Archives. They are tucked away between the McDonalds and the Archie Browning Sports Centre. The archives are open in the mornings Monday - Thursday and they are well worth the visit!
In addition to that, we have an extraordinary Naval Museum. Details can be found here: http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/
Yesterday, CFB Esquimalt was visited by Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall. I have heard many happy stories from friends who had the opportunity to wave and even exchange a word with our visitors.
I found this story from the Toronto Star quite interesting as it gives a little taste of the rich history of our area. As many long time Esquimalt residents know, Esquimalt was once the home to the Royal Navy's Pacific Squadron. Yesterday was exactly 99 years to the day that the Royal Navy transferred CFB Esquimalt to the Royal Canadian Navy. It was quite significant to have a royal visit on this occasion. It was also marked by raising the flag for the Naval Centennial which will be celebrated next year.
For more on our history please visit our Esquimalt Archives. They are tucked away between the McDonalds and the Archie Browning Sports Centre. The archives are open in the mornings Monday - Thursday and they are well worth the visit!
In addition to that, we have an extraordinary Naval Museum. Details can be found here: http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
