Change... with a simple flip of the hand... OR... Change... begins with "Me"

This morning during my early morning coffee ritual, I conducted a simple act ...on the surface anyway... of change. I downloaded March on my calendar to replace the freshly departed February. The year 2013 is scarcely as "New" as it was sixty days ago... but the slate is clean... well.. sort of  for the month of March to proceed. There is a red box marked around March 1st. That box was placed around all significant Sherman events such as birthdays, anniversaries, appointments or "must do's" during each month. This is a ritual right after Christmas to target these important events... to help an increasingly forgetful 'ol Bear to remember... without being reminded!

March 1st is boxed because it celebrates my parents' wedding anniversary now 79 years ago. On this date, they crossed the ice on The St. Lawrence River at Brockville to spend a brief and without cost honeymoon with relatives in Morristown / Briar Hill, NY. It was a very regular practice for residents on either side off the River to cross back n' forth to visit... without a need to check in to customs. No one owned a passport in those days either. It was in fact, a seamless border of trust and peace between the two neighbouring countries. My... how things have changed!

This morning... and in my recent memory, crossing the River where my parents crossed at The Three Sisters Islands would result in two immediate drownings. I have not seen side to side freezing at that point since I was in grade school. Global warming/... Maybe somewhat. A new Seaway which allows inland shipping and hydro electric power dams are the main reasons why the old phenomenon no longer is possible. We have changed the river's flow and currents which prevent freezing right across the river.

More changes... five new lives added to the world's population. I am one of those looking out at an open span of River which was (at times this winter) nearly frozen across. It is grey... overcast and still snowing. Deb and I have significantly changed the remainder of our lives by choosing to move back to where our lives and adventures both began. There is comfort for us in that change... but work to do to keep it so for us. Change is a continuum in all of our lives. Using the River as a metaphor... it flows in only one direction... continually changing before our very eyes. And yet, paradoxically there exist aspects... which in my own mind's view remain unchanged despite human interferences.

My parents have passed... their earthly journeys run. Gone to "Where"... I really can't say with any certainty say. They left "Me" prepared to journey without them... and because of them through their many gifts... sacrifices and unconditional acts of Love. I choose not to remember "Them" on this special day with any sadness. I choose to reflect on the fact that they left clutching their Faith and Trust... in much more than "things" to leave us. My treasures are price-less... indelible in my heart and Soul. And "I" will continue to honour  them by living my life fully and in a fashion that would assure them that all of their gifts were treasured and their lives worth while!

I love you BOTH dearly and Forever Mom and Dad!
Bruce
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"Sleep tight... and don't let the bed bugs bite!"

 "Thank You ... For the Music!"

Thank you... for bringing "Me" here... to grow freely and spiritually!