Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward Island
Thank you for being here with me today.
This week on September 30, 2021, was the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for Canada.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is vital for the reconciliation process.
The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Report
Bruce Cockburn is one of Canada’s greatest lyricists and guitar players wrote a poignant song in January 1990.
A few simple people try to grow a few crops
Trying to maintain a life and a home
On land that was theirs before the Romans thought of Rome
With a few woolly sheep, under gathering cloud
It's never been easy or free from strife
But the pulse of the land is the pulse of their life
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
It's kickbacks and thugs and diverted water
Treaties get signed and the papers change hands
But they might as well draft these agreements in sand
An Indian's good when he cannot be seen
And the so-called white so-called race
Digs for itself a pit of disgrace
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Will there never be an end to the Indian wars?
Thirty-one years after Bruce wrote this song, hope has arrived with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
It has been said the best disinfectant is sunshine; the stories which have been in the dark corners of our history will now have a chance to be free and heal a peoples and a country.
And we’ll change the world.” Jack Layton, 2011
(Latin for "Things to be Desired”)
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Now let’s dance!
Joy is an inside job. – Lorraine Weiss
Have a wonderful weekend.
Take care of each other.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Bruce + Millie
ps. Your Morning Smile
I overheard...
Men are like fine wine...
They start out like grapes, and it's our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you'd like to have dinner with.
Comments
Linda said:
Love quotes from the Indians…….so wise and true. I have always heard that a person is like a fine wine…..the older, the better. Have a good day and keep the blogs coming.
October 16, 2021
Valarie LaBore said:
Oh my gosh, I can’t tell you how much I needed this laugh from your morning smiles, and the one yesterday.
Val
October 06, 2021
Linda Tuttle said:
Thank you for your blog yesterday. I was unaware of this new bill passed by the Canadian Parliament. I can not believe we in the U.S. still have to have hate be a element of our culture. I am so tired of it. Bless you for sharing the videos and poems, whether in song or print. Have a wonderful week, give Millie a hug from me.
October 03, 2021
Trish Helm-Neima said:
Thank you 🙏🏼
October 03, 2021
Linda Hiltz said:
Thank you so much for sharing Bruce Cockburn’s beautiful song. It is amazing that it is so true even after all these years.
Have a great week and enjoy this beautiful October weather.
Linda
October 03, 2021
Susanne said:
My heart & soul needed this message today – thank you for sharing. Great video rendition of a great song too!❤️
October 03, 2021
Bev Shapiro MI, USA said:
Hi Bruce, didn’t get a chance to respond last week about how much I loved your blog, so many things spoke to me deeply.
This weeks blog I enjoyed too. I loved reading the Desiderata again, after all these years, especially the part about aging.
Also great to see the talent, spirit, dancing and energy of “Love Train”!!
What a nice Saturday. Thank you.
Bev S.
October 02, 2021
althea said:
❤💖❤😊😊😊
October 02, 2021
Ann Kingery said:
A meaningful way to start a Colorado sunny, blue sky day. The poetry is calming and sensitive to a variety of feelings as it lifts us up to the glory of our maker— who gave us breath to be our best while on this precious plant.
October 02, 2021
Kim Elliott said:
Bruce,
This was a most moving blog today. Thank you for bringing to us, in different countries, the recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for Canada, this week, along with Bruce Cockburn’s Indian Wars song. Tears for the past. ( I am part Native, upper Michigan. Proudest part, too.) Such beautiful photos.
And anyone who listens to this version of Love Train can’t possibly be able to sit still thru it and not have tears of joy..
Every aspect of today’s blog was spot on.
Thank you.
October 02, 2021
Derinda said:
Wonderful and Inspirational. We all need this right now.
Enjoyed the humour. better not agree with it though.
Can’t wait to be back in PEI next year.
Derinda
October 02, 2021
Sue said:
Such a joyful and inspirational blog.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sue
October 02, 2021
Gillian Keane said:
So nice to read the Desiderata. We had it read at our wedding almost 50 years ago.❤️
October 02, 2021