Two things determined the theme of this week’s article; one of little importance to most people, the other, of great importance to many. Here’s what I wrote in response to the latter.
“It is with great sadness that we, members of the Powell River Community First Aid Team, received word of the death of Heather Farrell-Sketchley. Heather passed away Wednesday night, Oct. 6, following a fairly short battle with a brain tumour. A key member of our team, a First Aid instructor, among many other community activities, she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, Ray, and her family.”
The first item to which I referred was and is important to me, though. As I combed my hair this morning, I used a brush I was given approximately six decades ago. I was about eight years old, living on Schoolhouse Road in New Westminster, B.C. Living across the street was a lovely couple; while I don’t remember how many children they had, the one who stayed in my mind was physically and intellectually challenged. I do remember taking him for “stroller rides” several times a week and I thoroughly enjoyed our times together. I know he enjoyed them too and his parents were most grateful.
Again, I don’t remember all the details but it was either on my birthday or one Christmas his parents gave me a beautiful comb, brush and mirror set. I’ve treasured and protected it all these years.
What really got me thinking was this question: How will people remember me when I’m gone? I know I have a reputation for being “religious” because I go to church, but serving God in our daily lives is so much more than that.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find faithful and wise.”
