ST. PATRICKS DAY

I spent this afternoon at Trinity at the memorial service for Kenny Bjornson.  He was a classmate of Clare's so it was good to see several members of their class in attendance.  That's one nice thing about growing up in a rural community, it's easier to keep in touch with former classmates.

Kenny spent his 44 years in Torquay, lived with his mother on Main Street and was now a full time employee of the town.  He was such a willing worker and was quick to help out whenever someone needed a hand, whether he got paid or not.  He loved kids and enjoyed gifting them with items that he found at sales and fixed up like new.  The items came with a condition - if the item was no longer used, bring it back to Kenny and he would exchange it for something else.  No one can take Kenny's place and the town may have to hire several people to do all the jobs that Kenny did.  It's easy to take someone like Kenny for granted and then realize too late what a great contribution he made to our small community. We can all learn much from his passing.   

After I had typed the above, I got an email from another blogger entitled "A Prescription for Success: Be Nice to Everyone"  One of her quotes stated "Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom" (Theodore Rubin, psychiatrist and writer.) Kenny, you were a success, you were wise.  If we follow your example of treating others as kindly as you did, perhaps we too can become successful and wise.  Thank you for sharing your life and love with us.  Your work on earth is done and you have passed the torch on to us who are left behind.

10:00 pm.  I just had a call from my sister.  She said they had had quite a day there and went on to tell me that her youngest grandson Rhett, who is two and a half years old, had been bitten by a dog late this afternoon.  He was taken by ambulance to Shaunavon and was being airlifted by Stars Ambulance to Saskatoon for treatment of bites to his face. One good thing is that his eyes weren't damaged.  She'll update me in the morning so I'll do the same here.  Please keep Rhett and his parents, Jason and Marion, in your prayers as they cope with this serious injury.  Today is Marion's dad's birthday so not a happy ending to his day either.  Blaine and Rhett had gone with Jason to return a trailer to a neighbour.  This dog wasn't used to kids but Rhett and Blaine are dog lovers so had no fear of dogs.  Sandra and Merle took Blaine and Katie home with them.  Marion has a brother in Saskatoon so they will have a home away from home, a blessing at a time like this.  One never knows what a day will bring.

With that, I will sign off for tonight and update this post in the morning.

Tuesday am:  Rhett went into surgery at 2:30 this morning and it went well.  An eye specialist is checking him this morning.  Damage was on one side of his face.  He will be in for a couple days at least.  Scratching the stitches might be a challenge for Rhett to avoid, according to Jason's conversation with Clare this morning.  I am off to quilting and then plan to take in Eric's final hockey league game in Estevan at 6:00.  Their team is undefeated in league play so hope they can maintain that record tonight and be league champions.  Go Flyers!