Hopeful 2021

DarkmoonArt_de - pixabay.com

For many of us this past year has been challenging, but with the start of a new year comes new possibilities. Maybe some of your dreams have been delayed.  Mine has, but I'm hopeful.

This past year started with optimism as my editor, Sylvia Clark and I worked towards completing the first draft of a memoir I’m writing about my Grandpa Joes’ family, before, during and after the Halifax Explosion.  

As the Coronavirus hit and spread earlier in 2020, there were massive shutdowns.  My technical ability was called into service as our church, Hope Ministries, went from meeting in person to online.  I became part of the Media Team.  It’s been hectic, but I feel more connected to our congregation now, more than ever.  Our church family has been supportive and appreciative during this time of physical isolation. 

Taking on new responsibilities left me with less time for writing and research.  My fear was losing valuable time to complete the book. Though progress was slow, I continued to write and do research when time permitted.  As 2020 was coming to close,  I wasn't able to fulfill my dream of completing first draft by its' end.   

With less assistance needed by our church, my writing time has increased exponentially.  This past month, Sylvia and I set up weekly accountability meetings and the pace has quickened.  Upon review of my writing, mixed in with the research, there are more new sections than I realized.  We're optimistic.  The book we're working on, “A Picture on the Wall” is coming to life, with plans to publish by 2022.

Has your dream or goal been delayed?  Do you see it as a possibility in 2021? 

May the new year bring you Hope, Health, Happiness, and many Blessings! 

“Cabin Fever” in November, who’d have thought?

Photo by Antranias on www.pixabay.com

Finding Ways to Cope

Well if I didn’t feel it in April, I’m sure feeling it in November.  How about you?

Sure, it would be better if “Cabin Fever” waited well into winter instead of fall, but if it keeps me and the people I love safe during this pandemic it will be well worth it.

According to en.wikipedia.org, “Cabin fever refers to the distressing claustrophobic irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended time.” 

Some of the things that have helped alleviate this feeling are:

Family and Friends

Spending time with family and friends either on ZOOM or over the phone has been beneficial.  It gives us a chance to see and hear how each of us is doing.  We seem to be more diligent about this now than we ever have.  I'm grateful for family and friends, they fuel my soul.

Learn a new skill  

Photo by FelixMittermeier on www.pixabay.com

Jim and I just started watching a show called “The Queen’s Gambit” about a young woman who is gifted when it comes to the game of chess.  During the last episode, I discovered that you can resign when playing, if there are a lot of moves left, and you know you can’t win.  I’ve played Stratego in the past and been on the receiving end of a slow loss and like the idea of not experiencing that again.  This game of chess could be enjoyable. We’ve order an inexpensive chess set and have started learning about the pieces and how they move.  This will take effort, since my mind tends to see things in reverse, but  I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Exercise

It doesn’t take as much effort as you might think to get 7,000 steps (about 3 miles) a day. Weather permitting, getting outside and taking a walk is a great mood lifter. We’re fortunate to live in an area where it’s easy to walk a mile. The hills in our neighborhood are an added bonus. Another way I can get several steps in is by walking around the house during a phone call.  We have both an exercise bike and a treadmill in our home which get a lot of use. When it comes to exercise equipment, we’ve found it more convenient to exercise at home verses a gym.  

Movie Night

Friday night is movie night. With both of us working from home at the moment it’s important to put the jobs aside and spend time together.  During this together time, we've enjoyed some lesser known films like, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” on Netflix.   We’re looking forward to streaming Christmas specials.

Photo by Cal Shook

Sunsets

We have some of the most beautiful sunsets right out our front facing windows.  I make an effort to remember, as the sun is going down, to walk over and take a few minutes to savor it.  Instant peace comes over me when I do. 

What are you doing to combat “Cabin Fever”?  Please let me know, by making a comment below. 

A Moment of Reflection

Don't know about you, but I'm having moments of feeling a bit unsettled with everything going on in my country (USA) and the world.  During this time, I'd like to encourage you to take time away from the craziness with a couple quotes and a short prayer.

"Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10

"Pure Grace

Not mapped

and unmarked

is a space 

where you 

may suddenly 

find yourself

knowing:

Always

all is 

covered in

pure grace

and life 

at its worst

is saved." - Kirk Byron Jones, Author "Soul Talk"

As you take time to "Be Still" in the presence of God, may you feel the cares of the world lift off your shoulders.  

May the renewing of your soul empower you to be an instrument of God's peace - in ways you hadn't imagined before. 

 

The Railway, WWI and the Halifax Explosion

Photo from The Canadian Encyclopedia

For some of us, our love for trains brings about images of traveling across the country with views of beautiful mountain ranges and waterways. No worries, no cooking, and an adventure in sleeping. For others, rather than a fondness, its more a matter of convenience, a way to get to work or maybe the airport. 

As I’ve continued research both online and with family interviews, for a memoir I’m writing about my Grandfather Joseph Landry’s family, it appears that not only did his father, my Great Grandfather Michael Landry work at the Willow Park Yard, but there’s a possibility, his brother Daniel Landry did as well.  What follows is a condensed version of what I’ve discovered about the railway.

In 1917, Halifax, Nova Scotia had a couple of railway systems, electric and steam powered.  Electric trams made it easy for people to get around the city.  The steam powered locomotives allowed individuals to travel and businesses to send and receive goods from places like Truro, Moncton, Montreal, and the United States.  Different companies made up the railways in Halifax – these include but aren’t limited to:  Intercolonial Railway, Canadian Government Railway, Rhodes and Curry Ltd., Nova Scotia Electric Tramways and Power Company*, and a Telegraph System that kept communications going between inbound and outbound trains. 

A variety of passenger cars and freight cars dotted the landscape. During WWI there were three railway yards in the North end of Halifax – Willow Park, Fairview, and Richmond that would not only, keep the trains in working order, but were responsible for cleaning and restocking passenger cars between trips.  The people working for the railways took pride, not only in transporting the troops as comfortable as possible, but in making sure they were well fed.  Railway cars were adapted to meet the needs of the thousands of troops they  transported.  For example, dining cars were adapted to seat 70 at a time and separate cars were used to do the cooking.  Extra staff was required.  Special hospital cars with a red cross on them were used to transport the wounded.   Railway staff were commissioned to help overseas as well.**

On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in the harbor, one a munitions ship – the Mont Blanc and the other a Belgium Relief ship – the Imo. The result – the Mont Blanc caught fire, drifted into Pier 6, then exploded, leveling both the Northern section of Halifax and causing great destruction to sections of Dartmouth, across the harbor.  Immediately after the explosion, military and civilians came together to help with the rescue.  The railways experience with adaptability came in handy. 

The Railway's telegraph systems operators were able to send out messages about the explosion and its aftermath.  This alerted cities and towns from Truro to Montreal  about the destruction, the thousands wounded, and  how the city was on fire.  Aid came quickly from throughout the province, then expanding, coming from other provinces like New Brunswick and Quebec.  By later that first day, a train arrived with Nurses, Doctors, medical supplies, as well as, cars loaded with fire fighting vehicles and equipment.  While the first relief train was headed into the city, another train was headed out, transporting some of the wounded to Truro.  More relief trains would follow providing much needed building supplies, clothes, and more items as needs became apparent.   

The communities of Halifax and Dartmouth would recover thanks to the generously of others and the  transportation services provided by the railway and its workers.

* Canadian Rail Historical Bulliten - April 1954

** Canada’s National Railway and the War 

Is It Possible to Have a Meaningful at Home Vacation?

With a little bit of apprehension my husband Jim and I started a stay-at-home vacation a week ago last Friday.  We wondered if two work-from-homers could actually find sanctuary and rejuvenation at our place of residence/work?

The night before, “out of office” email reply messages were set and our cell phone notifications turned off.  What quiet bliss.

Friday night is usually our at-home date night.  Since we are pretty introverted, this has worked well for us.  We started the first evening of vacation watching the Broadway play “Hamilton”. We are so grateful to live in a time of “online streaming services”.
 
Prior to vacation we found a sale on cushions for our lounge chairs, located in the breezeway. This is a comfortable place to read.

 

My favorite part of the day is sitting outside first thing in the morning and listening to the birds. With no other major responsibilities, this lasted much longer than usual.  No rush breakfasts, an added plus.

On our list of things to check out since we moved here, was the town beach.  End of season is a great time to go.  It wasn’t crowded.  

We went for a walk and were joined by a friendly duck.

We found a relaxing spot to sit by the water. 

During our time at our home, we got an idea.  By moving, a small table that we had off to the side, and placing it in front of the large basement window, then re-purposing two office chairs without arms, it gave us another place to eat meals and we like the view.

To answer the question, “Is it Possible to Have a Meaningful at Home Vacation?” The answer is "yes".  Our at home vacation has worked out well. We didn’t miss the usual 32-hour round trip or the packing and unpacking that goes along with it.  Along with what was shared, we watched another Broadway play and a couple movies.  There was plenty of time to relax and find sanctuary. Feeling rested.

Love verses Hate

For those of us who say that we love everyone?

Photo by Cal Shook - 2020

Do we?

I thought I did, but confess there are many feelings within me that aren’t very loving toward people who don’t act and think like me. Please God, forgive me and heal me, so I might be a help rather than a hindrance.  That I might be able to hear the fears and concerns of people not like me.

As I’ve spent time praying, I’m drawn back to the basics of my faith, of a power greater than myself, which I call God.

God lovingly created the sun, moon, stars, air, water, vegetation, animals, and humans - a creation with everything needed to survive and thrive.  Then God gave us humans the gift of choice.  How we choose to interact is up to us.  In any given situation, the choices we make have an effect on the outcome.  Will my actions emulate the characteristics of love or hate?

Love  verses  Hate

Care                  Oppress
Plenty               Want
Safe                  Fearful
Healthy Toxic
Harmony            Discord
Listen Tune-out
Solutions            Impasse
Fruitful                Unproductive
Peace                Strife
Thrive Perish

Thank you, Mother Seton!

As I work my way through a memoir about my Grandfather Joseph Landry's family and the Halifax Explosion, I've come across some interesting stories while doing research for the book, "A Picture on the Wall".  My great Aunt Anna Bella was one of my Grandfather Joe's younger sisters who shared many memories that have empowered me to move forward with the book. Below is a story that connects with her.

Photo Credit: https://scsh.org/about-us/history/founders/

Because of an Episcopalian turned Catholic, my great Aunt Anna Bella Landry was able to get an exceptional education - even though she only made it to sixth grade due to family circumstances.  Anna Bella had an ability to read, write, and express herself that appeared more advanced than a typical sixth grade education of her time. I credit her ability to the education that she received form the the Sisters of Charity.  The person responsible for the Sisters of Charity was Mother Seton who started the organization in the United States. Her organization would expand to start up several ministries in Halifax,  Nova Scotia.  One of these was St. Joseph's School where  my great aunt had attended.

Mother Seton was born Elizabeth Ann Bayley on August 28, 1774 in New York . Her father was a physician, Dr. Richard Bayley and her mother Catherine Charleton was the daughter of an Episcopalian minister. At the age of three her mother passed away.  Her father was gentle, kind, and loving and made sure that she got a thorough education and encouraged her to read from his extensive library.  She learned French and was brought up in a bilingual household. Elizabeth had a passion for education.

Elizabeth married William Magee Seton on Jan 25, 1794 at the age of nineteen.
In 1803 William died of consumption leaving her a single mom to their five children: Anna Maria age 8, William age 7, Richard age 5,  Catherine age 3, and  Rebecca age 1.

Because of kindness and support of friends she made while William was sick, the Filichini family,  she found comforted not only in their presence, but in the way they expressed their faith.  They were Catholic. They were there for her through William's illness and his passing.  The rituals they practiced seemed to resonate with her spiritually, so much so she decided to learn as much about their faith and desired to become Catholic.

Both families were very upset about her decision. They did their best to persuade her not to leave their church.  When this didn't work, they threatened to cut her off financially.  After joining the Catholic church, they shunned her.  Without their financial assistance, she left and looked for ways to support herself and her children. Though Antonio  Filicchis offered assistance, Elizabeth took as little assistance as possible, she wanted to make it on her own.

Elizabeth took her vows and became Sister Seton.  With her passion for serving the poor and providing education, especially for young girls, there came approval from the bishops.  Sister Seton soon became Mother Seton and established the Sisters of Charity. 

For more information:
"Mother Seton, mother of many daughters" by Charles White
"Life Story of Mother Seton" by Louise Malloy
"Full Biography of Elizabeth Ann Seton" 
"The sisters of Charity, Halifaxa' by Powers, Sister Maura
"The Sisters of Charity of Halifax - The Early and Middle Years" by Sister Marianna O'GALLAGHER, S.C.H.Quebec, P.Q.

In Memory of Three Fathers - The Halifax Explosion

This blog is in memory of, not only the fathers who perished, but those who survived the Halifax Explosion.

Three fathers - a stevedore, a railway car cleaner, and a carpenter, would leave their families on the morning of December 6, 1917 and only two would survive the horrors of an explosion that would devastate the section of town they called home.

Dan Landry is in 2nd row from the top on far right. circa 1917

Michael Landry - Date Unknown

My great Uncle Dan Landry (26), a carpenter, was handsome and rugged, known for his physical strength. Though quiet, he was very protective of loved ones.  He was young and healthy. Life was good with his devoted wife Annie Adams (23), a baby on the way, and his 18-month-old son Clarence, who melted his heart.


Dan’s father and my great Grandfather, Michael (60), was a railway car cleaner.  He had a gentle way about him.  Being easy going, he’d been content to leave the discipline to his wife Charlotte Bouchard, until she passed away of Tuberculosis in January of 1917 at the age 48.  His two young girls, Anna Bella (14) and Elizabeth (11) cherished his soft-spoken ways and tried their best to keep up with the chores their mother used to do like cooking, laundry, and housekeeping.  All of Michael’s children, (with the exception of Bernadette who died at 3 months, and son Leo who died in June of 1916 at the battle of Y-Press), lived in the same house.  At 38 Union Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Michael’s second oldest son, Dan and his family lived on the second floor.  Michael, his sons – Joseph (28), Abe (18), Jimmy (15) and two little girls – both small for their age, lived on the first floor.

Great Uncle Joseph Burke (53), a stevedore, was strong and quite the handyman. He was able to do all the necessary repairs around the cottage they’d been renting for many years. His wife was proud of what he’d been able to accomplish and so was the landlord, who kept their rent at its original $5 a month.  Similar accommodations, would go for close to $15 a month.  Joseph, his wife Pauline Bouchard (49), and five of their seven children, Malcolm (26), Annie (18), Marie (12), Clarence (8), and Edward (5) lived at 19 Stairs in Halifax.

Like many fathers, Dan, Michael, and Joseph were at work when two ships collided in Halifax Harbor resulting in a massive explosion that leveled the Richmond district where they lived. 

Daniel and Michael Landry, were working about a mile from home and close to a city block from each other.  Each felt the ground rumble as their work places were badly damaged and debris was scattered everywhere.  When they looked down the hill, they saw that the city below them was leveled.  Panic came over them as Dan and Michael thought of their families and made their way toward home.  The carnage and devastation got worse as they attempted to get closer.  About half way home and with Fort Needham in view, it looked like all the homes below it, including those up to the waterfront, were on fire.  They feared for the lives of their families.

Joseph Burke was at Pier 8 loading cargo on the Curaca, not far from ground zero where the munitions ship the Mont Blanc, exploded at Pier 6.  His body was never found. (Joseph's story - "Uncle Joseph Burke at Ground Zero")

Michael would discover that two of his children, Abe and Anna Bella were badly cut. Both were buried beneath the rubble when the buildings they were in were hit by the blast. Fortunately both were rescued. Abe would require months of care. All of Michael's children survived the explosion. (Micheal's story - "A Father's Love")

Dan witnessed the burned-out foundation of his home.  He soon learned that everyone, who’d been in their home at 38 Union Street when the explosion hit, except members of his little family on the second floor, had made it out alive.  Within two days he’d identify the “charred remains” of his wife and children. (Dan's story - "From Despair to Hope")

Gratitude is Like a Flower Blooming Among the Thorns of Life.

Myrtle Beach 2019 - Cal Shook

Gratitude is: 

“The quality of being thankful; 

readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” 

– Oxford 

Being grateful brings a smile to my face. How about you?

Life is a bit unsettling right now.

What if I replace worry with gratitude?

There’s power in being thankful.  It can help us put things in perspective. It helps us see the angels among us, those who give to others in a time of need. 

At one of our lowest times, 1991, my husband and I would lose our Mom’s within a month of each other. Running back and forth to hospitals that were 45 minutes apart was a challenge, so we realized we’d have to do our best for our own mothers and see each other’s when we could.   For a long time, food had no flavor and sleep was hard to come by.  We grabbed onto all the blessings we felt during that difficult time.  Like our separation on a birthday and a call from a cousin that fueled my soul - I didn’t have to eat alone.  The reason for my being alone, our car’s engine seized and died when my husband, Jim, was exiting the highway. We were thankful that the off ramp was steep enough to allow him to put it into neutral, then guide it into a mechanic’s shop at the bottom of the hill and across the street.   A friend brought Jim home, they had supper together, and he had a place to stay for the night.  These acts of kindness, along with many others that came, were fuel for our weary souls. 

During this time of uncertainty and crisis, once again, we’re turning to gratitude to help us get through it.  From this gratitude, we are attempting to do acts of kindness, in return.

How did we find this perspective? We believe in “A Power Greater than Ourselves, that can restore us to Sanity.” Though our faith is Christian, there are many different faiths that turn to God in times of need. With God’s help and a sense of gratitude, once again, we’ll get through this.

Social-Distancing - creatively finding ways to stay connected with others.

Photo by Cal Shook - Taken in Myrtle Beach, SC - 2019

The feeling of loneliness can be overwhelming for many individuals who are facing life-altering experiences and the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic is no exception.  We need each other now more than ever.  Even this introvert does, especially during this time of uncertainty.

People are getting creative not only to stay connected, but to lift each other up.  Some of us are using Facebook, Facebook Live, Zoom, and/or Skype, who have never used them before.

On social media, friends and family are posting pictures of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, flowers, pets, and more.  Videos of siblings doing gymnastics or a friend taking a walk along a river with the sound of rushing water and birds chirping, can be a welcomed diversion. For all who are doing their best to be there for others, I am grateful.  Thank You!

In an effort to share a little joy and comfort, I’ve got two links below. One represents a family and their experience with social distancing called “One Day More” and the other is a cell phone choir singing “It Is Well with My Soul.”   Feel free to share posts that have lifted your soul and/or brought you joy.

One Day More - Les Mis “LOCK Down” 

Cell phone Choir: It Is Well with My Soul

  

Making Progress – the Writing of a Memoir About the Halifax Explosion

Joseph Landry (1889-1994)

The stories are coming together and it's looking like a book.

With the help of my editor, Sylvia Clark, I’ve been busy working on edits and revisions of a memoir about my grandfather, Joseph Landry’s family and their experiences, before, during, and after the Halifax Explosion.   Our main focus is to have a completed draft of their story called, “A Picture on the Wall” done as soon as possible.  Since the beginning of this year, an Introduction and four chapters have undergone multiple edits with upcoming chapters in various stages.  We’ve set an editing schedule of every two weeks.  The hardest chapters are in progress.  There are several missing pieces that would be beneficial to have. Below are two of them that concern the Burke Family.

For example:
Harry Burke, son of Pauline and Joseph Burke was at the City Home due to mental defect before the explosion occurred.  If you know anything about Harry and/or you have any idea where I could look to find out more about his situation, please share below or on Facebook.  "Landry, Burke, and Myatt Family Chart."

With the help of Paul C. Landry, we have the names of the family members of Mrs. Myatt, oldest daughter of Pauline and Joseph Burke.  Yet we haven't been able to find the Halifax Relief Commission record for this family at the Nova Scotia Archives.  There was a card showing that a record was kept, but unable to find the corresponding documents.  If you have any ideas or information to help us uncover more about what happened to them, we'd appreciate your sharing it with us.  "Do You Know the Simon and Hilda Myatt Family - Dartmouth NS - Halifax Explosion?"

First Aid - A Life Saver - Halifax Explosion

When you see a red cross what do you think of?

When it comes to the Halifax Explosion, I think of the civilian and

military personnel who had training in First Aid.  If it weren't for them, I believe that many more people, including some of my grandfather Joseph Landry's family, would have perished that day.

Among the groups that offered assistance were members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade.  According to a Report by the Halifax Centre Nursing Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade, “Within a few (hours) of the explosion, 62 had rendered first aid - arresting (hemorrhage), removing glass, plaster and splinters from wounds, applying dressing and splints where necessary. By the application of their knowledge of asepsis, they helped to prevent serious complications."  Not only had this group provided medical attention to people in the devastated area and in the hospitals after the explosion, but before the explosion, qualified nurses and doctors gave First Aid training to some members of the Army Medical Corps, police officers and firemen.

Many soldiers and sailors from other countries, who had similar medical training and access to supplies, would join the relief effort.  Rescue parties would come ashore with stretcher bearers. The stretcher bearers carried the wounded out of areas where access roads were blocked.

The first aid provided to the wounded before they were transported to the hospitals, saved many lives. I wasn't aware that there were so many people who had this kind of training until reading some of the Archibald MacMechan reports and doing further research related to these reports.  This shows that being prepared for a disaster can save lives.  If you have the time and/or feel led, why not seek out some first aid training.

Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross

Resources:
Report: Halifax United Nursing Davison, No. 17, St. John Ambulance Brigade
Reference: Archibald MacMechan Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 2124 number 33 - page 4 - Note: The parenthesis () in quote are possible word corrections like (hour) instead of "house".

The Military in Disaster Relief after the Explosion in Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 1917  -  by Lieutenant Charles E. Matykiewicz, U.S. Navy