Remembering to Remember

Ten days ago I made a long desired trip (with my younger brother Mark covering costs) to Vancouver Island. My initial plans were to visit some friends and associates and the do some significant swimming in the Ocean, but the latter desire did not come to fruition.

On the morning of my first full day, my friend and sister by mutual love and respect, Carolyn took me to a car rental agency and I drove away with a cute little Hyundai.

Now you are asking how I got so gutsy? Well the week before, I needed to renew prescriptions and my daughter didn't feel able to drive me to town. The prescriptions are important, but my limitations are very real. A few minutes in prayer about it brought me to ask to borrow my daughter's Ford Escape (I believe that is the name). She was willing, I was terrified and my first minutes on the dirt road that takes us to the main highway was adequate time to get the feel of the car. My trip to Cardston was successful with my capacities increasing, but my humility as governance. I could ascertain when I'd become taxed, the degree of traffic and distances in parking were in tow. That little trip became my confidence builder to rent the car on the Island.

Carolyn stood with me at the counter of the rental agency and she didn't look very confident that my renting would work out, but in respect, she didn't say one negative word. I was grateful. 

After the contracts were signed (rental, insurance, etc.) we went outside to examine the car for any damages.

NOTE: Perhaps I should mention that I have done a period of employment wherein I managed a car rental kiosk at the Calgary Airport. I renting moments for this car were comfortable for me. Carolyn offered a second set of eyes to look for scratches and dents to put on the inspection document. 

A few moments later, with keys in my hands and Carolyn off home (I was to follow) I climbed in the car and realized the agent hadn't given me a run through of things like moving the seat and wing windows, etc. I called him back out and a few minutes later I began to drive off the lot. I played the familiar review of how fast the gas pedal brought speed and how quickly the brakes stopped the car. 

I believe I had a combination of exhilaration, joy, humility, terror and determination overcome me. I drove the distance to Carolyn's home, parked the car and entered smiling and thanking her for her assistance. I knew adventures were ahead. I also knew my memories for locating friends were foggy and I would prayerfully approach finding each destination.

It was a bit warmer than this stock image shows, and the Rathtrevor Beach area did have lots of play traffic, families and shell or rock hounds such as myself. I got in the water up to my calves and it was warm like I'd just poured a bath. It was lovely. I had this ocean break - my only one, after visiting with three friends in Parksville. It may have been too short and too dry (no swimsuit) but it was only day one and I was so certain life would get wetter in the coming days.

My heart was firm, I'd be prepared tomorrow for a beach experience and join the holiday groups of families, couples and singles.

The following day I met with a dear friend who works at many things (like I always have done) and who has a life of intermittent sacrifice. She is quiet, caring, capable, and so lovely. We had a Tim Horton's breakfast at her husband's office so she could meet his front desk needs when the limited C19 traffic arrived. She said their business had dropped by 50% and they believed, due to businesses closing, that might be their new normal.  She didn't complain for even a moment. They have a publishing, printing operation, and I'd used it often in my Island working days.

I'm so sorry, but a day and a half of my trip seems not to have stayed logged in my mind. I know I had the car that much longer, but I can't recall what I did with that time. 

I suppose that doesn't matter. My memory issues are among the reasons I am writing this blog. 

I know I returned the car safely and that Carolyn and I did some adventures together - Goats on the Roof and second had stores...

Carolyn literally "ran into" her granddaughter here... rather her granddaughter ran into her. It was so good to see the child (young TWEEN) that gives Carolyn such pleasure.

The parking lots were filled with shopper's cars, and the shops were filled too. People in the Parksville district did not seem to be as concerned about C19 and "masking" as was the case in Nanaimo.

Carolyn and I both snickered when talking about C19 fears. We didn't feel fearful, but obeyed the protocols in shops, etc.

I would say more, but my holidays are not my reader's treasures. Needless to note, I went to church, which proved to be a bit bizarre. But... it did allow me to connect with 2 women I love dearly. We spent time together after the Sunday meeting and found so much to talk about. It was terrific! Diane and Luisa will be always in my heart, but others I missed visiting have left a void, like Christmas packages not opened. The Lord took the lead with my time after the car rental and with Carolyn and Diane doing the driving, I felt so comfortable.

Remembering To Remember What Lies Ahead

What my heart, mind and energy tell me as fall approaches, is that I have another "call" to action. While the world is dealing with C19, riots in city streets, mobs tearing down monuments, unemployment, the US government games toward the 2020 election, Jared Kushnar flying on the first flight between Jerusalem and the Arab Emerits area to discuss alignments that may include US jet fighter plane gifts to the Arabs, My Call is to begin a movement of people who in peace will establish Zion. 

Please find consider reviewing my FIRST newsletter to this purpose...

I'll send it to you by email or Messenger.