“There are two ways of spreading the light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it!” ~Edith Wharton
April 18 and 19, 2020 will be a time in the history of Nova Scotia that has changed the landscape in Canada forever. 22 lives plus an unborn child were snuffed out by a man who had so many anger issues. It started with the abuse of his girlfriend who was beaten then tied up. When she was able to get away, she hid in the woods, then later she told the police who the murderer was and that he had a replica RCMP vehicle and uniform and several guns.
The facts that unfolded were horrifying. Constable Heidi Stevenson with the RCMP crashed into the murderer’s car. He would then kill her. To be pursuing someone who looked like an RCMP officer must have been mind boggling. Indeed, one RCMP officer was injured because of this.
Not only were people killed but homes were destroyed by fires. In less than 24 hours this man wrecked havoc throughout a very small community. Many people had been targeted; others just happened to be going for a walk etc. His anger knew no bounds.
I am deliberately not mentioning the murderers name as I don’t want to give him any more attention. To me the names of the deceased are so much more important. I have watched tributes to them from around the world. In Nova Scotia Remembers, I loved the fiddle session of Natalie McMaster with the 17-year-old Emily Tuck together in such a poignant moment! There is not one soul who did not impact another in this group forever linked together in death.
What spoke to me was the man who did a metal impression of a Mountie with maple leaves surrounding it, representing all the victims. The flag was at half mast. When he realized there had been an unborn child, he made an extra small maple leaf.
The grief we all feel is palpable. For those who lost loved ones it must be almost unbearable. I only hope that the outpouring of grief and loving thoughts to Nova Scotia from Canada and the world helps them a bit in these difficult times. With Covid-19 there can be no gatherings for funeral services. There can be no hugs when they are so needed. Hold strong to your family and friends. Reach out through online means to connect. Seek help through mental health services if things are becoming overwhelming for you.
Throughout these contemplative times with Covid-19 we have learned a new way of being. Less is more. We do not need to shop daily. Family is so important. Reaching out to those we care about is part of our humanity. I am so proud to live in Canada, where for the most part we care about so many people other than ourselves. We are in this together!
We have learned what is necessary in our society to carry on and who are the most important people needed for our survivor. We have seen Leadership from our various forms of Government. PPE is in everyone’s vocabulary. We now know that we really cannot work in the hot spots of the health care systems without these without dire consequences. Some countries have learned from countries that ignored initial warnings, to their peril.
I have seen so many reaching out to make and deliver masks, gowns, head shields etc. Factories have retooled to do so. Becoming independent in these areas is so important at a time when the entire whole world needs these devices. People are grateful to front line workers. The ringing out of songs, clapping, pot banging at hospitals shift changes shows an appreciation for those who work on the front lines who care for their clients and isolate from their own families. I have seen various trailer places offer recreation vehicles for front line staff to live in while self-isolating after their jobs.
Those on the streets have now been housed in hotels. Food is offered for the homeless as well as given in appreciation to front line workers. We truly have looked at how our farmers are such an integral part of our lives and how we must support them in order to keep our own food supplies going. Drivers who bring in necessary items throughout Canada & the U.S.A. are now welcomed in many places for a meal and a rest stop. How about those cashiers at drug stores and grocery stores where day in and day out they stand there serving us! They only have a small piece of plexi glass between us and them! A new way of life is to call ahead, order, pay for it, go to said place, call again and delivery is made to your trunk!
Somehow, we are surviving these times. Priorities are being made. Look at how well parents are coping with their kids’ full time at home. Not only are they their parents but their teachers too. Kids have been adjusting to all this as well! This is so hard for them, but they are coping and showing us all such creativity!
Nature is recovering from less pollution. Pictures from around the world now show vistas that haven’t been seen in years because of smog. In Australia they are planting live coral to help the Barrier Reef. Because many roads are less travelled, wild animals are emerging and giving us a show! I hope that when we gradually are able to resume our lives that we consider some of the things that this pandemic has shown us. Less is more, nature can heal if we help it along, family and friends are so important, keep in touch with those you love, be kind to each other and do not judge.
Try to be a person who is spreading the light. Caring thoughts are being sent to our sister province Nova Scotia with love & light! We hold you all in our hearts!
