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?!?!"