Legacy 52

When I first heard about this particular bridge, it was referred to as ‘The Bridge to Nowhere’. That intrigued me, since bridges are usually built as a way to connect two points on opposite sides of something. So, I had to check it out.

Participating in any type of sport has many benefits, especially if the fun of playing is the primary motivator. Many great memories and friendships arise from sports.

Pauline Johnson (1861-1913), also known as Tekahionwake, (translation: ‘double-life’), was Canada’s first female poet and performer. Her father was a Mohawk chief on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, and her mother was a wealthy English immigrant. She drew upon her mixed ancestry, stories told by her paternal grandfather and her exposure to a wide range of English literature during her upbringing, to inform her writing.

Banting is probably best remembered for being the Canadian scientist who, in 1921, co-discovered and isolated insulin, thus revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes. He turned down large sums of money from various pharmaceutical companies for the patent to insulin, choosing instead to sell it to the University of Toronto for $1. He said that insulin is his gift to mankind and wanted to make it available to everyone who needed it rather than turn it into a commodity for anyone’s profit. His legacy certainly lives on today, not only because of his role in harnessing the therapeutic effects of insulin, but also because of his decision to gift it to the world.

Nunavut encompasses the traditional lands of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of Arctic Canada. This vast and rugged landscape, representing an astounding 21% of Canada’s total area, was carved out of the eastern part of the Northwest Territories, officially becoming its own territory on April 1, 1999. It is celebrated on July 9 however, since that’s the date, in 1993, when Canadian parliament passed two Acts granting them self-governance, thus it has more historical significance to the Inuit.

The Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6, 2018 was a shocking, devastating tragedy that brought many to their knees. As the news began to sink in that 16 people lost their lives and 13 suffered injuries, grief rippled through many families and communities, and lives were forever changed.

At various times throughout my life Prince has been on, then completely off my radar, for years at a time. Initially, I was intrigued with his musical genius and unique performances. I don’t think I’ve ever danced as hard as I did to songs like ‘1999’, ‘Purple Rain’, ‘Raspberry Beret’ and ‘Little Red Corvette’.

Like many who heard the shocking news, I can recall exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard that Elvis Presley had died. He was only 42, and a legend in his own time.

The photo reference for this painting is one that I absolutely adore! It’s of my grandson nestled safely against my son on the couch. In looking at it, I recall one of the few memories I have of my father during my childhood – when we’d sit beside each other on the couch, both of us leaning toward each other, our shoulders or heads touching the other’s. We didn’t have to speak, we might just be watching tv or reading, but I felt so safe, cared for, and comfortable in those moments. This photo led me to reflect on how important a father’s presence and attention is in a child’s life. It also makes my heart swell with love, pride, and hope.

During this week, June 6th marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the critical turning point in the second World War when more than 160,000 allied personnel landed on the beaches of Normandy in northern France. This important milestone conjured up thoughts of the brave men and women who played a part in securing freedom for so many people.