A poem to offer hope to Humboldt

Dear friends,

With the tragic losses so many of you are bearing, I respectfully offer condolences and my own healing thoughts:

Though not of the magnitude of loss you suffered, the premature death of my heroic partner of 51 years (an elite athlete and top-ranked Saskatchewan tennis player) severely affected hundreds of students and teachers she trained across Canada and the U.S., as well as my immediate family.

I once read that: “A loved one is never gone until you stop talking about them.” I find that helpful and even wrote a poem about her (a winning entry in a U of R poetry contest).

I awake each morning, thankful for all the “good” I have, recognizing that so many people around the world have less. I carry on alone, meeting as many friends as possible, volunteering and keeping fit. The latter has me walking a kilometre three times a week to play ball with 30 friends at my local gym. Along the way I talk to as many people as possible. As former United Church missionaries serving in Africa, my wife and I witnessed the healing power of service.

In the following poem, I grieve with you all and offer hope: Healing Highways

The crossings

Icy roads and cliffs of pain, Slowing cars, forcing smiles. The daycare 3 year-olds

“Do you know my mother?” The immigrant

Needing direction,

The wheelchair veteran Earning respect,

The elementary school, Black, white and brown Playing together,

The church of ages “hello” to neighbours Walking dogs,

The gym at last,

The smiles, the play, “Highways of Hope”. David Butt, Regina