Today’s an unusual day – there are actually three things to celebrate: International Immigrants Day, Father’s Day and the first official day of summer. So, first, I want to say Welcome to Canada to the many people who have chosen to come here, make a life for themselves, have families, become citizens and be a part of the wonderful mosaic that is Canada and its people. Perhaps we should also remember that ALL of us are the descendants of immigrants since the indigenous people trod this land long before the colonists arrived and claimed it.
According to the officials who know such things, summer arrived at 5:24 a.m. For those of us who enjoy warmth and sunshine, it’s a welcome event, celebrated with lots of outdoor activities. Joel and I went to a BBQ held by the Kennebecasis Valley Camera Club last night. It had rained earlier in the day, but the evening showers held off until we were on our way home – stuffed to the gills with the amazing buffet that our hostesses provided. As we approached Sussex, the rain came down, and then the sky lit up with not one, not two, but THREE rainbows. Joel was driving, so I could capture a few shots on my cell phone through the rain-soaked windows.
Sadly, we couldn’t find the proverbial pot of gold.
Since today is the first official day of summer, and the sun is shining (at least for now), my plan is to head out soon to enjoy it. But, before then, I spent some time this morning taking photos of one of the floral centrepieces from last night’s soirée. I don’t usually shoot flowers with a wide-angled (24mm) lens but I decided to give it a shot (pun intended) today. I was pleasantly surprised by how they turned out.
And, it’s also Father’s Day. I wish all of the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day. Keep in mind, though, that for many fathers who’ve lost a child or had children pulled away from them, it’s not a particularly happy day. For families who’ve lost their father, it’s difficult to see others celebrating. Still, those fathers and stepfathers who’ve lost children appreciate hearing people say their name and acknowledging that they are, indeed, fathers and worth celebrating. Children who’ve lost their father also need to hear about their father’s life and the kind of child he was and the man he grew to be.
My husband, Joel, and I are not strangers to loss. His daughter died four years ago, in her mid-thirties, leaving a huge hole in his and Samantha’s mother’s lives. My son died three years ago and will be forever 50. He left his father, Ian, stepfather Dan, and me grieving his loss, and his children lamenting the loss of their father. Even so, we all need to hear their names, listen to or tell stories about them and recognize that today is Father’s Day both for those who fathered children and those who helped to raise a child.
To Joel, Ian, Dan and all the fathers and stepfathers grieving loss, know that you are seen and cared about. Have a peaceful Father’s Day.
Capturing Cherished Memories 