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February 28, 2013

February 28, 2013 is a special day for two reasons. 

First, my Grampie will turn 94. Yesterday, he marched in the Remembrance Day parade with many other veterans. He said he probably won't march next year. He also implied he probably won't be around for it next year. A distinct possibility, but one I don't like to think about. 

You all know that my Grampie is one of my greatest heroes. I would like to sit down and share some thorough and thoughtful stories about yesterday - his Scripture reading at church, walking with him - very out of place in the veterans' parade, and the laughter of lunch as he told stories to some of my favourite friends. But there isn't the time today to shape all those words.

I have shaped them, in my mind. I shape them each time I hug him goodbye and wonder if it might be my last visit with him. I shape them whenever I see a soldier, or when I pass a cenotaph. When Grampie does go home to be with Jesus and his brown-eyed sweetheart, there is an obituary in my heart that will hopefully capture a sliver of his spirit and character.



February 28, 2013 is also the due date for Baby Zamora. On Saturday, I took a few photos of the parents-to-be and the growing bump. Lalo is a bit of a goofball, and there was much laughter despite the cold and the wind. I've been arguing that this baby should be named Jorge (pronounced Hor-hay) in honour of his Peruvian heritage and his great-grandfather...but it seems to be a losing battle. I may call him Jorge anyway.

I said a loud hello to my wee nephew in his momma's belly, and Sarah followed it up by telling him, "That's your Aunt Beth. She's a bit crazy, but everyone should have an Aunt Beth." We're all pretty excited that Sarah is "growing a human." I can't wait to meet this roly-poly beige baby in a few more months, and am sure you'll be inundated with many many photos of him!
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