This week
Grr. I had a very long epistle written. About my ups and downs. This time of year has so many triggers. Lisa left us on December 1, 2009. It will be 6 years. The memories of our preparations for her first Christmas back home in 10 years keep coming back. The gift i got for her the prior summer - candle sticks that I knew she would have loved them.
Andrew and Tiina were here for a couple of days. We had a lovely visit. But I kept thinking how wonderful it would have been to have Lisa and family here. Up and down, and up and down. Crap.
Then, after Andrew and Tiina left I turned on the TV and learned about the Paris terrorist attacks. I love Paris and am horrified by the senseless slaughter. I travel a lot and immediately think that but for the Grace of God, I could be there. I have lived in cities that have survived terrorist attacks. But I refuse to live in fear. I won't be foolish - I would love to visit Syria but I will give it a pass for now.
I worry for the Muslim people who only want to live a quiet life and provide for their families. I do not for one minute think that every Muslim wants to kill me. If so, I would have been dead years ago! Many of my nursing staff were loving caring people who I would trust my life to. Our mayor, Naheed Nenshi, is a devout Ismaili Muslim. He has received accolades around the world. He is the best mayor ever!! Despite the fact that our Calgary Stampede occurred during Ramadan, our mayor attended all the celebrations. There is a pancake breakfast almost every morning - Naheed was there, meeting the people and speechifying. In fact, he was hoarse most of the time. Muslims fast during daylight hours during Ramadan. He was unable to eat or drink but never missed a chance to meet with the people. During our devastating flood in 2013, he was front and centre. He rallied the troops. I am very proud to have him as our leader.
I am not so naive to think that we don't have terrorists here. I think a few Calgarians are terrorists who have gone to join El Qaida or Isis/Isil. But in my mind they are not Muslims. They are terrorists, plain and simple. They use religion to justify their slaughter.
I know there will be huge opposition to Syrian immigrants coming to Canada after the Paris attacks. I cannot in all consciousness refuse someone who is only looking for a safe place to live and raise a family. I am the daughter of an immigrant. Why am I so special? Actually, unless we are aboriginals, we are all immigrants.
So now that I have gotten that off my chest, I will close.
Lisa: I miss you so much - Cevyn is coming for the few days before Christmas. I am so excited!! I just wish you were here with her - in person. I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
I
Andrew and Tiina were here for a couple of days. We had a lovely visit. But I kept thinking how wonderful it would have been to have Lisa and family here. Up and down, and up and down. Crap.
Then, after Andrew and Tiina left I turned on the TV and learned about the Paris terrorist attacks. I love Paris and am horrified by the senseless slaughter. I travel a lot and immediately think that but for the Grace of God, I could be there. I have lived in cities that have survived terrorist attacks. But I refuse to live in fear. I won't be foolish - I would love to visit Syria but I will give it a pass for now.
I worry for the Muslim people who only want to live a quiet life and provide for their families. I do not for one minute think that every Muslim wants to kill me. If so, I would have been dead years ago! Many of my nursing staff were loving caring people who I would trust my life to. Our mayor, Naheed Nenshi, is a devout Ismaili Muslim. He has received accolades around the world. He is the best mayor ever!! Despite the fact that our Calgary Stampede occurred during Ramadan, our mayor attended all the celebrations. There is a pancake breakfast almost every morning - Naheed was there, meeting the people and speechifying. In fact, he was hoarse most of the time. Muslims fast during daylight hours during Ramadan. He was unable to eat or drink but never missed a chance to meet with the people. During our devastating flood in 2013, he was front and centre. He rallied the troops. I am very proud to have him as our leader.
I am not so naive to think that we don't have terrorists here. I think a few Calgarians are terrorists who have gone to join El Qaida or Isis/Isil. But in my mind they are not Muslims. They are terrorists, plain and simple. They use religion to justify their slaughter.
I know there will be huge opposition to Syrian immigrants coming to Canada after the Paris attacks. I cannot in all consciousness refuse someone who is only looking for a safe place to live and raise a family. I am the daughter of an immigrant. Why am I so special? Actually, unless we are aboriginals, we are all immigrants.
So now that I have gotten that off my chest, I will close.
Lisa: I miss you so much - Cevyn is coming for the few days before Christmas. I am so excited!! I just wish you were here with her - in person. I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy
I
Replies
Hugs to you at this tenderest time of the year. I also refuse to live in fear but I will be smart in my decisions. Hugs, Ann
Yes, there are many kind Muslim people out there.I went to a church function once, that was all about Muslims and Christians meeting and learning more about each other. Really opened my eyes up, and I regret not getting the contact info for the Muslim woman I sat with at the mealshe was terrific! Love, Donna
The girls from the office and I where talking about Paris, we called them the devil. They were not doing the work of God. I have many patients that are Muslims they are all nice and are against the killing of innocent people. So this world is falling apart and we do not know how to deal with it.
Kids watch over us we are dealing with a lot after losing ya\'ll and now with what the world is dealing with.
Hugs Penny
My heart is just heavy this time of year more than any other time.....((((hugs)))) Vicki
God b less your Lisa so sad and with her passing on DEC 1. makes it so hard on you. M y Daughter went into hospital Oct.30, 2002 was in that place on all the holidays Christmas was so sad for all of us. She passed away 1/18/2003. So like you as these holidays approach I just fee so depressed. This is what grief is A life long process) . Well I better close so tired. Need a nap. ha ve nice week en d bless yourLisa love m ary ann,