Fear and Sadness this morning

My "O" post for ABC Wednesday was to focus on the word OLD in the most positive  sense, but right now, after learning of a shooting this morning in Ottawa, my heart is full of fear and sadness.  Fear for my sister who lives in Ottawa with her family (though she has confirmed they are safe, she at home with her grandson while her son, daughter and husband remain in lockdown), and heartbreak for the family and friends of.. 

the young soldier/reservist killed as he stood guarding the National War Memorial.  As I write, the situation is ongoing, with at least one killer believed to be still on the loose and Ottawa schools and offices in lockdown.

 These photos were taken two years ago when I visited at Christmas time.

I do not have solutions to lessen the anger around us.  All I can do is reach out to the things that comfort me and that I hope will help to soothe aching hearts today ..  love and laughter with family and friends, knowledge that most around us want only to live in peace, music that calms, art that stimulates and inspires, gifts of pets, wildlife and nature.

The other photos in this post were loaded yesterday.  A lithograph in an art book at Harrison Galleries by graphic artist, Charles Dana Gibson had the title, "Never Too Old To Yearn" and that made me smile yesterday.  This morning, its poignance as I contemplate that thought hits home.  One young man has forfeited the privilege of growing old even as he did his best to guard a memorial to others who also lost their lives too young.  I hope those of us who do have the opportunity to grow old will never stop yearning, and will continue for as long as we are able to do what we can to make the world a happier place. 

I took this photo last evening to share with my sister.  This plant was on the window sill in my mother's Montreal apartment.  When she died, my sister and I walked through her rooms and  I took a few small slips from the plant to bring back to Vancouver on the plane with me.  The plant was neglected at times in the years after that, but I have always made sure to keep at least a few slips rooting.  That connection is important to me. 

My thanks is extended to Mrs. Nesbitt who started ABC Wednesday and to the team of volunteers who keep it running.  We can never underestimate the power of bringing people from across the world together.  Stay safe, my friends.  Thank you for stopping by.