Tuesday, March 19, 2019
I have very fond memories of spending a week, as a child, on the farm with my Aunt Mary. It was a very long time ago, perhaps early 60's, maybe even earlier. I will never forget our picnic lunches on the lawn with my sister Carol, on hot summer days under the big tree, just outside the front door which was rarely used. Carol and I spent a week or so on the farm after my father, Mary's oldest sibling Sylvester, broke his ankle.
More recently, I spent an afternoon with Mary in the Wingham nursing home. It was this past October where she was recovering from a broken hip. I was visiting Ontario (from Alberta) for a niece's wedding and this meeting was a long overdue get-together which we had talked about some years earlier.
Among the many things we talked about, I mentioned my childhood memory of that week at the farm. Mary remembered it well and added something I had forgotten ... one day I apparently disappeared for quite some time and a search party of sorts was organized to find me - I had caused so much worry for Mary and others. Apparently I wanted to help the brothers with their farm work and wondered off looking for them. I was eventually found wondering in the fields. I do not remember that part of the holiday, but Mary remembered it vividly. We shared many laughs together that day and I am so happy I had the opportunity to spend that time with her. It was my good fortune to share an afternoon when my Aunt Mary so happy and full of laughter. I shall remember that October afternoon as well as my childhood memory.
My thoughts are with all those who were friends of Mary. I am certain she will be missed; I believe she was treasured by her friends and I am certain she was a woman with a very big heart. And today I believe she is in a happy and comfortable place. Peace be with you Aunt Mary.
