Play It Forward

It's been a very good day, and the day isn't over yet.

During the summer of 2009 Ron found himself more and more unsteady as he tried to transfer himself from his wheelchair to our living room chair.  This situation was not only uncomfortable for him but becoming dangerous.  At that same time our dear friend Mary's mother was being transferred to a facility where she would get more physical care.  All of a sudden a miracle happened, a "lift" chair was made available to us, Mary's mother's chair couldn't go with her and needed a new home.

That autumn and winter preparations were under way for the 2010 Winter Olympics to be held in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.  Excitement was in the air here in the Pacific Northwest.  Our neighbors just minutes north of us were gearing up for this momentous occasion.  Ron and I watched our television every day enjoying the updates about this wonderful event, wondering about border crossing times, would there be enough snow, how many tourists would come through our area into Canada?  Excitement was in the air, and we were ready to enjoy it.

 Our daughter Tracy's friend Michelle is a member of the Twawwassen  First Persons Reserve which was hosting the "Blessing of the Olympic Torch".  Michelle knew we didn't go too far from home any more and felt we might enjoy watching this spectacle with her and her family. 

On that sunny, blue day we shared the excitement with her family, elders, olympians, and many spectators.  We were invited into their long house for a feast and celebration, watching village children dance, enjoying an event that we would remember forever.

Today that "lift" chair was passed on to Michelle for her mother, who is now finding it harder to transfer herself into her living room chair.  Michelle said she wanted to pay us for this chair, but we told her it was our gift and to "Play it forward" when her mother no longer needed it.

I bought Ron a new "lift" chair for our anniversary, one that is heated (he is chilly all of the time)., and one that is more suited for his size.  Mary's mother's chair has served us well, but it was time to go to a new home.

Who knows where that chair may go in the future and what stories it will have told, but I do know it's lived a very good life wrapping wonderful people in it's warmth and will continue to do so for a long, long time.

Yes, it's been a very good day, and the day isn't over yet.

Greetings from Nancy at the Boat House