Sharon Dow

Lorna and I are first cousins. Her mother, Vera, and my mother, Cora were sisters; the first and second children of my Bishop grandparents.

My first memory of Lorna was at her wedding. I was a small child at the time and have only hazy memories of that day, but I can see people at the church in my memory and I knew it was her wedding.

As I grew older, we would be together at family gatherings and I remember visiting her in her home. At that time, we lived a hundred miles apart.

Then the exciting news came that Lorna, Roland, and their young daughter, Willa Rae, were moving to Saint John, where I lived. This began a series of visits between our houses. My mom and dad often visited and I, of course, was always a willing tag-along. Willa Rae was, of course, younger than I, but we were close enough in age that I still enjoyed playing with her. We had many happy times together. My mother refused to take our Christmas tree down until they were able to visit (sometimes into January.)

I remember the thimble cookies Lorna always made at Christmas time (other goodies as well, but these were a particular favourite of mine.) I also have fond memories of their Siamese cat – quite a character! We always enjoyed hearing about its most recent antics.

But my most special memories of Lorna occurred during my high school years. Grade 10 was a difficult year for me. I missed many days from school that year for an unexplained health issue.  Many mornings I would be ready for school then would tell my mom that I just couldn’t go and dissolve into tears.  As I needed to take a city bus to get there, it complicated the problem. School was not a happy place for me to be. I had always been a good student, so part of the anxiety came because I had missed so much teaching time that I was falling behind.

All this to say that Lorna became part of the solution for me. She was a teacher in a school not far from where I was attending high school. As this was also close to their home, she and Willa Rae would walk home for lunch. She invited me to come and have lunch with them each day. It would get me away from the school for that hour; give me some fresh air and exercise, and a special time having lunch with the two of them. I would bring my own lunch but also enjoy some of theirs. 

This was a time of healing for me as Lorna is a very calm person and I was touched by her generosity in having me come. It must have been an inconvenience for her, but she graciously allowed me to have this time of sharing with her. I will never forget this act of kindness.

Later, I, too, became a teacher. Upon graduation, she recommended me for a substitute position in her school for a month (as I was through early and had this time before the end of the school year.) What a privilege it was to teach alongside of her. She was a wonderful teacher and well respected in her school.

Those of you who know her, know what a gracious and lovely lady she is. I feel very fortunate to be her cousin and to have had the special times together with her. I’m looking forward to more.

Lorna, know that you are loved and respected, not only by me, but by many others who see your gracious and generous spirit.

I encourage all those of you who read this and who know Lorna, to leave a message for her under the ‘Comments’. I will make sure she knows they are there and gets to read them.  

My Tribute to a Friend

It has long disturbed me to sit at funerals and memorial services and listen to the well-deserved eulogies being given to honor the person who has recently passed away. My thoughts always stray to wondering if the persons themselves were ever told how much they meant to the speaker. Should not the dead have heard such words when they were still alive and been encouraged and uplifted by the kind words?

My thinking has led me to ponder how I could change this pattern, at least in the lives of people I love and respect. My decision has not come lightly for I do not want anyone to think that they may not have long for this world, nor do I want to sound as though I am looking for something in return. Neither is the case. I decided it was worth the risk of being misunderstood and consequently I am starting a new blog series called, “My Tribute”. If you are reading this blog, you may one day appear as the topic of the day. And when you do, I trust you will take this as my heartfelt thanks for what you mean to me in my life. I want you to know how knowing you has made a difference to me.

What I would like from you is, if you know the person being honored, and if they have made an impact in your life, leave a positive comment expressing your thoughts and feelings. I think the featured person will come away from the blog uplifted and honored. Let’s make someone’s day!

Gil

Gil is a friend. George and I met Gil and his wife Shirley when we moved to Guelph in 1991. It was almost an instant friendship. Somehow we clicked with each other and so began a special time in our lives. Often while I was sitting at my Principal’s desk, distressed over the latest issue, my receptionist would buzz me and say, “Your friend Shirley is on line 1 for you.” Just hearing the words lifted my heart. When I took the call, she would say, “How about coming for supper tonight?” I never hesitated, we were coming.

What a warm welcome awaited us from both Gil and Shirley. A fabulous dinner (they liked to try new recipes!) and then an evening of games, laughter, and sharing. I soon learned that we could be ourselves and share what was on our hearts.

Shirley has gone to be with her Lord. It was a shock, and a sense of loss still overcomes me at times, even after almost five years. But this was when Gil began to shine. His love and trust in the Lord was obvious and outstanding. We always shared New Years and it was their turn to host. I told Gil that we could switch it to our house, or he might want to spend the time with his daughters. (New Years was only about three weeks away). He made it very plain that he wanted to continue with the plans we had made. In fact, he carried on with his life in a way that was honoring to his wife and honoring to God. I was amazed at the strength he showed through the entire grieving process. What a mature faith he exhibited. It was a lesson for me of what Christ can do when you fully trust Him as Gil does.

What a man of prayer. I know that when I share requests with him, he brings them before his Father every day. He also has a great concern and love for those who don’t know Christ. As a Gideon, I have watched him give out small Bibles. He keeps one on his person at all times so when an opportunity arises, he’s ready. Many waitresses and waiters have been recipients of his Bible giving.

And now he is moving from our area. It’s the right decision for him as he will be close to one daughter and her family, and closer to his other daughter and her family. But I will miss him. I will miss sitting with him each Sunday at church. I will miss the dinners he learned to cook (even to special desserts). But I know that God has gone before Him and planned every step of this move. I know that he will forge new relationships and minister to the people around him.

I will miss you, Gil, but we’ll visit and we’ll never forget you and the special place you have in our hearts. May you feel the leading of Christ as you move into the next chapter of your life. Go with God.