Hiding in the Hydrangeas

This is an updated re-blog on my neighbour, Rocco, who passed away last week from a heart attack. I admit it. When I’m overtired, I want be left alone in my garden. I’ve pretended not to notice Rocco (my elderly Italian neighbour) nearby when I’m busy weeding. He gave me several hydrangea plants two summers…

Christmas Spirit

I’m re-posting this story as a tribute to my neighbour who recently succumbed to Covid. His name (Bob) is a pseudonym as is his wife’s name (Sandy). Bob struggled with dementia from Parkinson’s yet his love for his wife always shone. Rest in peace, my friend. The doorbell rang followed by frantic knocking. I expected…

Daisy Days!

You might say I had it coming. I was warned, after all. Ten days ago, my neighbour told me, “Rita, you have a little time but not much. It’s going to get cold, very cold! Just you wait and see! All of the leaves are going to drop.” He’d been doing yard work on a…

Through a Daughter’s Eyes

Let me tell you about my mother. If you could peek inside her room in the retirement home, you may see a senior, who looks much younger than her stated 93 years. You might feel sorry for her as she’s been in isolation for weeks because of the pandemic. She’s only recently been allowed out…

Dad

By today’s standards, this story won’t pique the interest of those who choose to fault their childhood for their own actions today. I’d be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the way I was raised. How many people can truthfully say that? I come from a large family. Six of us kids. I have four…

Keep Hope Alive!

It’s funny how a simple remark can lead you to reflect on your life. Last week, my brother-in-law stopped by to visit. As we stood in the driveway, he pointed to a large bed of Cosmos flowers still standing on the first day of November. “I see you’re one of those gardeners who lets their…

Smile Cookies!

I stood in line at Tim Horton’s in Chatham. In front of me was a couple in their forties. In front of them, and being served was an older gentleman. He was furious! He repeated his order to the young girl working at the cash register. A mature employee was working alongside her. The senior…

A Mother’s Love

Call it perfectionism, call it an impossible dream, or call me crazy, but I wanted the best for my daughter’s baby shower. It was the night before the awaited event. All the food was prepared, the prizes were wrapped, and the games were printed out. The bee-themed décor was tucked into boxes waiting to be…

Priceless Heirlooms

This tale may not be of interest to everyone. It’s more of a Mother’s Day tribute than of a May Two-Four long weekend piece. My timing is off but that’s the way life’s surprises are . . . unexpected and delightful. My older daughter had asked me to keep an eye out in our home…

The Good Shepherd

Being a decent mother-in-law can be tough considering how many jokes you hear about them. There’s definitely a unique bond between in-laws. Some would call it something different, that’s for sure! Yet, you really have no say in the matter when it comes to who your children fall in love with, do you? No one…