...I'm in a pensive, nostalgic mood today (but don't worry, I'll get over it!).

WE ONLY PART TO MEET AGAIN!

Roy Clark, the famous country music singer, wrote a song entitled 'Thank God and Greyhound Your Gone', expressing his great delight that this certain individual had finally exited his life.

While Diane, Philip and I are not singing this tune (well actually we are, but that's our secret, okay?), we must admit that we did have a difficult time yesterday saying goodbye to Johnny as he headed back to Ontario after an extended 4 week visit.

Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened!

It was wonderful having Johnny here...it was certainly good for Philip. They bonded...they bandied...they busted things. It was all good!

Philip received a few new movies for Christmas...and a 'lot' of new pencils. Totals? Movies...272. Pencils...238!!! When I tell Philip to get his lazy arse out of bed and 'get the lead out', he heads for the sharpener. What can I say! He's a focused, driven man!

The night before Johnny was leaving, Philip came to his brother, told him he wouldn't be up early the next day...so this was goodbye. He shook his hand and said, "I have a question for you Johnny...have a nice trip and good luck!" Johnny smiled and thanked him. Philip contentedly headed off to his bedroom. His 'question' had been answered.

The first week he was here, Johnny taught Philip to organize his movies in a way that would make it easier to keep track of the total. It worked magic and for 4 weeks 'no counting'! Until yesterday. We had barely returned from the bus station when Philip came bolting out of his room - all smiles - and smugly announced, "Guess what...I have 272 movies!" I quickly asked,"Did you count them?" "Oh yeah", he replied. "Johnny was wrong...I've got it under control now!" Ahhh...back to normal!

For some reason Philip is convinced he's returning to Ontario in the Spring with Nanny and Poppa. They're hoping to come out here to BC...but nothing's definite. Doesn't deter Philip though...he's bound and determined (keep it up buddy, you'll be bound and gagged!). I asked him who was going to shave him, shower him, clip his nails, wipe his butt in Ontario? He replied quite confidently, "Nanny!" Me thinks not!

We'll keep you posted on how this exciting new saga unfolds.

This was a very difficult weekend for us. We knew Johnny was leaving which proved to be rather emotionally trying. It was also the 20th anniversary of my mother's passing. For Diane and I the memories are strong. Not so for Philip. I asked him what he remembers about his Oma. He thought for a while and said how much he loved her fresh buns. "You know...the double ones", he said. I agreed with him. Her freshly baked German zweibach (2 buns in one) were the best.

Mom was 68 when she was suddenly taken from us. Philip was only 11. His memory bank is not as full as ours. Mom and dad are dearly missed.

By now you've guessed that I love poetry. I really enjoy writing my own...it comes rather naturally. At mom's funeral in January 1990 I wrote this one. Tried to read it at the time...couldn't. Diane joined me up at the front...stood by my side, picked up where I'd stalled, and finished it. How is it women can do that?

This poem will give you an insight into what a wonderful woman my mother was.

Margaret Thiessen

July 15, 1921 - January 15, 1990

Mom, you never lived in mansions - although you talked of such,

Your palace was a farm house - you loved it there so much.

You never lived in luxury, for that was not your way,

But mom, you showed us all because, you're living there today!

You never dressed in satin, you never did the town,

Your style was simple cotton, an apron was your gown.

No pretty lace, no fancy jewels. No crown, but that's okay,

For mom, you showed us all because, you're wearing one today!

You never rode in chariots - no limousines for you,

An orchard truck, a tractor, or the garden path would do.

You never walked on streets of gold, with crowds to cheer your way,

But mom, you showed us all because, you're walking there today!

You always talked of heaven, we sang together oft,

Your voice was like an angel, so peaceful and so soft.

You told us how you longed to be with Jesus one sweet day,

Well mom, you showed us all because, you're there with Him today!

Mom, you left us early, no warning, no goodbyes,

The memory of you lingers, bringing tear drops to our eyes.

But sadness turns to gladness, no more sorrow, no more pain,

'Cause mom we're looking forward, to the day we meet again!