Humanness Displayed, Trumpet Players, Floods
Good Morning,
Thank you for taking some time to spend with me today, put the kettle on, I'd love a cup of tea.
I am so proud of our community and here is why.
This was election week.
A tragic accident four days before ballots were to be cast, revealed the heart of this special place.
Josh Underhay and his son, Oliver perished in a canoeing accident. Josh was a Green Party candidate who is survived by his wife, Kerri Shea and young son, Linden.
The Island communal reaction was immediate in its shock and sense of grief.
All political parties ceased campaigning immediately. Candidates and their teams went to Josh’s district and removed all election signs but his.
The humanness displayed, is one more reason I am a proud Islander.
The election went ahead on Tuesday this week. Dennis King led the Progressive Conservative party to a minority government.
The Green Party will be the official opposition. First in Canada.
I am not one to make political statements or predictions, but...
The Green Party success will have a Butterfly Effect our national election fall of 2019.
Peter Bevan-Baker’s speech on election night was one of the best I have ever heard. He began sharing about Josh and Oliver. Peter did well to keep his tears from flowing.
I share some of Peter Bevan-Bakers words.
“For me personally I don’t think I’ve ever felt as overwhelmed with both joy and grief simultaneously, my heart is so full but also breaking.
Besides being a beloved teacher and a passionate political advocate and a devoted father, and so many other things, Josh was a brilliant musician. That’s actually how Josh and I got to know each other, through our shared love of music.
Like me, Josh played the trumpet, played it much better than I ever did or will. I don’t think Josh ever played a boring trumpet solo.
Josh’s trumpet solo was far too short.
There is often beauty in a complex arrangement of musical notes, and there is a hidden grace in complex emotions. Because today is about hope, the hope that we can create a better future for our children and grandchildren."
So well said and shared to a crowd of people who were in a very celebratory mood, but yet a pin could drop and still be heard. The power and conviction of Peter's truth come out loud and clear.
People can support Josh's family here.
His comment about Josh’s solo is poignant and reminded me of an Elizabeth Kubler-Ross quote.
“It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”
Shirley and I took a few days to drive to Quebec City for a little getaway before our busy season hits full force. We arrived home last evening after an interesting day in New Brunswick. Flood waters had many roads closed to traffic. We experienced many detours, stops and starts.
A normal two and half hour drive took six and a half. All is well. Our hearts go out to all those whose homes are underwater. Here we are touring Chipman, NB.
Before I go, I wish to thank all who involve themselves in our democracy. And to the 70 plus percent who showed up to vote, kudos to you.
Voting is important. We cannot let money dictate. Freedom is not free, it costs. The price is responsibility.
This weekend, can we all surprise a stranger with a gift. You don't know what they might be going through. From a gift card, a free coffee, or simply a hug.
When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands. - Maria Shriver
Have a great weekend and thank you again for your time today.
May you always have laughter and rainbows after the storm.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Sincerely,
Bruce
ps.
A man opens his door and finds a snail on his front porch. He picks it up and throws it across the street.
A year later the man opens his door and finds the same snail on his front porch.
The snail looks up and says, "What the heck was that all about?!?!"
Comments
Srs. Kathy an Mary, ssj said:
This is why we return each July since 1980. We are both up there in age and we drive from Western Massachusetts. We look forward to this each year and visiting the PEI Preserve is our first, last and several in between visit. Thank you Bruce for providing us with a connection to the island all year round with your wonderful blog.
April 30, 2019
Janet Wright said:
My sincere condolences to the family who is grieving the loss of a husband ,father , son and brother. Love from Vancouver Island.
April 30, 2019
Karen & Roger said:
Well said Bruce! We are truly blessed to live here on PEI…..thanks for sharing
April 27, 2019
Catherine Young said:
As Valerie said, watching the PEI election result was uplifting. First, we witnessed the kindness of Island politicians in response to the Underhay tragedy. Secondly, the Green Party is ascending. And finally, I was impressed by the conciliatory tone struck by the Premier-elect. Canadian politics doesn’t have to be mean and venal. Islanders are showing the way to all of us. No wonder people love the Garden of the Gulf! Thanks for your post, Bruce!!
April 27, 2019
Kelly Galloway said:
Lovely article Bruce. And this display by the new Premier-elect and Leader of the Official Opposition-elect also made my heart swell with joy.
https://twitter.com/mitchcormierCBC/status/1121009980952457217
April 27, 2019
Elaine Cooper said:
Beautifully said, Bruce, thank you! Hope you are all safe, and dry!🌧
April 27, 2019
Susan said:
Thank you Bruce. I am always inspired by your blog. It feels me with gratitude, allows me to pause, think and be thankful.
April 27, 2019
Marylou Sinnott said:
As always, beautifully written.
April 27, 2019
Lorel Paquet said:
Thank you Bruce for caring enough to set aside some of your valuable time to write your blog. Sometimes people need a little reminder to share more of our individual humanity. In addition, they are an interesting read.
April 27, 2019
Joyce Simpson said:
A great post. Thanks, Bruce.
April 27, 2019
Valerie, Regina, SK said:
Watching the Island election coverage was like a breath of fresh air. When I think of the Island and your “little piece of paradise” it can lift my spirit. Have a wonderful week Bruce.
April 27, 2019
denise said:
How touching. I am feeling very grateful today for all that I have.
April 27, 2019
David Arnold said:
Hello Bruce
We met some years ago at your restaurant where some very fine food was enjoyed. You took time to sit with us and have chat which was enjoyable and informative. I too found Peter Bevan-Bakers speech inspirational and one of the finest ever heard. I have searched for it on internet but no luck. Please let me know how and where you found it. Many thanks,David
April 28, 2019
Louise said:
Thank you Bruce. That was awesome.
April 27, 2019
Virginia Scott said:
Have been watching for a couple years now, and have enjoyed and love your weekly stories. .I plan to visit when it gets warm, buy some cups, and other stuff. Hoping to find a hotel close by, or any other kind of sleeping quarters close by. I love P.E.I. Keep up your wonderful work. It is all so comforting and beautiful !
April 27, 2019