From my childhood, I remember dad reciting one of his favourite seasonal quips:
Spring has sprung, the grass is riz
I wonder where the birdies is?
The annual acknowledgement of the vernal equinox was dinner table folklore that had to be endured without complaint to halt further corny “dad jokes.” You could count on it as a sign of spring.
Now, it’s nearly time to set up garden furniture, freshen up the garden and clean the BBQ, preparing for those steaks. Some priorities haven’t changed. Since the weather has come around, several people around me are juggling so many tasks that I feel I am getting off lightly. Have no doubt; I am thankful for the good fortune.
It is encouraging to see folks around me closing some loops. I recently spoke to a paramedic student in an upbeat mood with her course coming to an end and job prospects looking so positive. The job market is recovering, another good sign. On a similar note, I am hopeful our province responds to the mounting pressure to improve the wages for nurses; it’s past due.
The public protests are all but gone for the time being. Disgruntled folks have retreated, resigned to the legislated outcome, while we wait for the legal consequences for the organizers. The costs arising from the prolonged event in our capital city and others are facts. Our future is in the hands of the regulators and organizations tasked with enforcement, who seemingly never get enough support or credit.
Yesterday was the first time in a long while that I ventured out and didn’t see some form of confrontation regarding masks and the COVID rules. Meeting two friends for coffee during the day, I do and will continue to wear a mask in public locations. Some folks abandoned the masking practice with the relaxing of rules; no attention was given to either group by the other. That’s a refreshing change. I have seen people nearly come to blows over a mask at a drug store.
The news we see both locally and worldwide is challenging to digest, which is not to say I have turned it off. Please consider donating to either or both organizations I wrote about last week and continue to watch at arm’s length. In a practical sense, that’s all I got. I am keeping the Ukrainian people in my thoughts and prayers.
Our provincial and federal political system still gets me worked up. I must be a bit of a fatalist at the end of the day. I watch the action, but there is no activist in me other than stepping up to vote at election time. The antics going on provincially to buy votes takes my breath away. Our leaders will have to wait to see who the masses elect. Fingers crossed, the successors will improve the system regardless of party.
I refuse to give up, lose hope or join naysayers waving signs with negative messages. Call me an ostrich if you want. I developed broad shoulders serving as a public servant for so many years. I am biased in support of public servants for obvious reasons.
Nurses, doctors, the police, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, municipal and provincial workers do not consider themselves heroes. They are like any other person that chose their profession or calling. They happen to be in an identifiable group that we can relate to. They are just as valuable as any factory or retail worker working or serving where they choose. Roll the calendar back into the COVID schedule as a reminder to see how much we depend on the private sector.
Of course, we should be thankful for the services provided to ensure our health and safety. But! Look at store shelves that are slowly returning to normal stock levels. I believe you will agree on how vital the manufacturing, transportation, and retail industries are to us as consumers. I can’t think of a single person I would place on a pedestal ahead of another that has worked through the last two years.
Today, we need to brush the cobwebs off and get back into the fray when it really counts. Leaders need to step up to serve their constituents and not themselves. The alternative is to squander their political future when frustrated people, tired from the rigours of ill health and financial challenges, step up to make a change. As people recover, they will open their eyes wider than recently and make their wishes known. The public is getting their game face on, and some bounce back in their step.
Are we out of the woods yet? I am holding my breath on that notion. In our favour, we now possess more practical experience dealing with the health crisis and supply chain issues than we did at the onset. It will be up to the politicians and bureaucrats to apply the lessons learned to finish something that started what seems a lifetime ago. We are all on the hook to get us out of this mess. It’s not quite over.
If you are reading this post, it is very likely you have and are enjoying some success in life. If you pause and consider lighting some candles on a cake at a pity party, turn on the news for five minutes and reflect on how thankful you should be. I know I am.
Spring is my favourite season, with fresh air, sunshine and warm days ahead. Raised with the value that your glass is always half full, life is good. Nostalgia is still a personal vulnerability. I remember family, the fun times and great music. Thanks for the lessons and memories, Dad!
Gordon Robinson Darby - September 26, 1933 - March 26, 1987
R.I.P Dad
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