Transcendence

Today I watched in peaceful recollection as my grandchildren, my daughter and her husband, and a close friend enjoyed a warm end of summer day applying chalk to sidewalks, making pictures of peace, and of family, and messages short-lived until the next rain or until life’s tread wore them all away.

When I was young I used to visit this park at least once per week.  It was part of our after Church family ritual to walk across this homage to a World War 1 battle hard won on the lives of young Canadians fighting with a regiment based from Winnipeg.  In our family Church, the flags of Vimy Ridge hang in quiet repose to the memory of those soldiers.

Once per year this park would become the remembrance place for the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders.  Wreaths were laid, the Chaplain would say meaningful words.  It was the only time I truly respected my step-father, the Chaplain.

And today my family and my friend play in this park.  They are celebrating peace at an event staged by War Child.  They are celebrating life through art. And I am eternally grateful to my friend who told me of this event.  And I am eternally grateful to my family who bring me such pleasure and joy.  And I am eternally grateful to those soldiers, for it is them who gave me back to this place, a place where humanity can enjoy a summers day, carefree, and happy.