Lest We Forget...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 7:50AM It's Remembrance Day in Canada. A day that is dedicated to remembering and being grateful to the countless men and women that lost their lives in past and far too recent battles, defending the values and democracy that define the country I am proud to call my own.
As with every other Remembrance Day for as far back as I can remember, I am wearing a poppy on my left breast. I purchased this one, like all the others in years past from a veteran. When he thanked me, I replied with "no, thank YOU". As I do every year at the eleventh hour on this eleventh day of the eleventh month, I will stand for two minutes in silence and remember both of my grandfathers and remember to be grateful to them and all other soldiers for the life and freedoms I enjoy yet far too often take for granted.
Some years I shed a tear, some years I don't.
When I was young I struggled to find meaning in this day. I realized it was important to honour my Country and our history, but it always felt like just that: history. In the past couple of decades or so, as wars rage in the Middle East and as terrorism has played a starring role in some of the most horrific moments of current events; my present, our present... Remembrance Day has held a deeper meaning and I am sadly, yet paradoxically happy in my awareness of the importance of this day. We're supposed to remember so we don't repeat history. Lest we forget...
Today is also a day of remembrance for someone very special. Madeline Alice Spohr. Madeline should be turning two today. Today should be a day of celebration, cake and presents. Instead, her family and friends will be aching at the loss of her.
Maddie passed away 7 months ago very unexpectedly. It's a divine injustice that she is gone. In fact there's really no way to form into words just how cruel it is that she is gone. Such a tiny person, but her personality, charm and delightful smile has touched so many people. Her passing has inspired incredible generosity, action towards a cause and selfless giving. Maddie has reminded us all how fragile and precious life is. She's reminded me to live my own life with vigor. For that, I will be forever grateful.
So today I will wear my poppy with national pride. I will pin it to the purple and pink I will wear today with heavy heart. I will do both to remember and to honour. Lest we forget...
Madeline Spohr in Loss, Rememberance
Reader Comments (4)
beautiful post
Perfect, I too am wearing purple and will never forget Maddie. She will hold a piece of my heart ALWAYS.
Happy Birthday sweet baby girl.
Very beautiful post. Happy Birthday Miss Maddie!
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