51 years ago…

I became a mother on this date; Ian became a father. Our lives were changed forever.

For something to do to pass the time today, I went for a bike ride early this morning. As I pedaled along the trail in Sussex, I came across these two young ladies who stopped, posed, and listened while I talked to them for a few minutes. They were more curious than frightened by both my presence and my rather large bike.

We parted ways and I pedaled on around the trail by the pond and up the hill past the dog park. I stopped for a while to visit David’s tree (and say hello to Samantha’s as well). On his tree one lone leaf has acknowledged the coming change of season and has turned red – perhaps in deference to David’s hair colour? None have changed yet on Samantha’s tree.

It warms my heart to be able to have a significant place to visit on special occasions. The ability to donate a memorial tree nearby is a huge gift, especially when a loved one dies far away. Thank you #TownofSussex for that.

Happy 51st birthday, David. Last year’s celebration was a little happier for me than this one.