Second Anniversary

Today is the second anniversary of my husband's and best friend's passing.  Going through old emails, I discovered this poem that Ron had sent to me in 2006 - sent to him by his friend Lou, both retired members of the RCMP. 

Today I had every intention of being strong but it was not meant to be.  I will now embrace the day, think of Ron - as I do every day - and remember his tender love,  his gentle kiss and his loving embrace.  I miss his love, his laugh and his silly jokes.  I will continue to follow my dreams with the inspiration instilled by this amazing man.  I love you, Husband. 

THE FINAL INSPECTION
 
                            A policeman stood before his God,
                                As must always come to pass,
                            He hoped his boots were shining,
                                Just as brightly as his brass. 

                            "Step forward, now, policeman,
                                How shall I deal with you?
                            Have you always turned the other cheek?
                                To my church have you been true?"

                            The policeman squared his shoulders and
                                said "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
                            'Cause those of us who carry guns
                                Can't always be a saint.

                            "I've had to work most Sundays,
                                And at times, my talk was tough,
                            And at times, I've been violent,
                                'Cause the world is awfully rough.

                            "But, I never took a penny
                                That wasn't mine to keep,
                            Though I worked a lot of overtime
                                When the bills got just too steep,

                            "And I never passed a cry for help
                                Though at times, I shook with fear.
                            And at times, God forgive me,
                                I've wept unmanly tears.

                           "I know I don't deserve a place
                                Among the people here.
                            They never wanted me around,
                                Except to calm their fears.

                            "If you've a place for me here, Lord,
                                It needn't be so grand.
                            In life, I didn't expect or need too much,
                                So if you don't, I'll understand."

                            There was silence all around the throne,
                                Where the saints had often trod,
                            As the policeman waited quietly
                                For the judgement of his God.

                            "Step forward now, brave officer,
                                You've born your burdens well.
                            Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
                                You've served you're time in Hell."

                                                                        -Author Unknown

BAM!

If I thought last term was busy with homework, this term is over the top!  I had to cancel my weekend with the kids in order to keep up.  This weekend alone I managed to complete at least four assignments and the required shooting for other projects due soon.  I also met with our Advanced Writing instructor to discuss the magazine that our WAP class is producing – Ethos Magazine.  It is going to be a load of work on top of our regular assignments.  I am wondering how students in the past have managed….

We also have a website that is up and running but under development.  In that website, I have a page with a bio and a picture.  Please visit my page and leave a comment.  (I am having a contest with my much younger classmates to get 50 comments on my page).  Send my blog to your friends so they can comment too!  You can find me at http://ethosmagazinewap.wordpress.com/janice-hayward/ 

• I have to say that this course, the projects, assignments and classmates have introduced me to more Victoria and new ideas.  Here is a bit of what I have been up to:
• Chinese New Year – first one I have ever attended
• Royals Hockey Game – didn’t see the game ‘cause I was shooting J
• Idle No More Protests – great messages and a lot to learn
• Rugby – classmate Ty Jones was playing
• Medical marijuana – sat in the smoking room doing a photo documentary
• First Nations Adult Learning – learning about bringing their language back
• Barbara Hodgson and the Great Northern Boater’s Net
• Afternoon Tea in Victoria
• Interviewing a man terminally ill with Asbestosis
• Learning about the importance of the drum to First Nations people.
• Learning from the greatest instructors in the field
• Visiting CBC radio station
• Understanding the running of radar on the Malahat
• Interviewing Chief Jamie Graham – VicPD
• Writing for Island Gals Magazine
• Published in Metchosin Muse
• Learning, learning, learning

Thank you all for your support!  I couldn’t do it without you.