From the Archives - Remembering . . .
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 08:15PM 
Their fears.
Their hunger.
Their shivers.
Their volleys.
Their commands.
Their commitment.
Their determination.
Their comraderie.
Their sacrifice.
I thank them, and I thank you for remembering yesterday’s soldiers and supporting today’s.
There is so much to remember and to be thankful for.
Norma Jean Barrett
Sooooo, a cool thing happened to me today …
a.m. As Z and I approach the school I see one of his classmates run back to her Mom’s car.
“Mama … mama” she wails, and I wonder what’s gotten her so upset.
“H must be having a hard time getting to school today” I say to Z.
I decide to approach the car to say hello to H and her mom. As I lean into the window, her mom says “H has forgotten her poppy and she’s upset.”
I see in her Mom’s expression that she has appropriately drawn the line and will not entertain the thought of going home to retrieve the poppy, instead choosing to console H by reminding her that she will likely get another poppy later in the day.
I reach around and pull the poppy off of Z’s backpack. The very poppy he nicked off my coat just five minutes before. I pass it to her and whisper “Shhhh, don’t tell Z.” She wipes her tears and we stroll up the walkway after Z.
1030ish - I duck into the local pharmacy next to Z’s school to grab a fresh poppy for my tunic. I’m in uniform now and walking with pride in my step, my medals clapping against my chest creating an upbeat that matches my mood. I observe Remembrance Day with Z at his school this year. As the only one present in uniform, I create quite a stir. The room is especially abuzz when I rise to salute. I speak with his class for a few minutes afterwards, and am reminded how sharp and witty young fresh minds can be. This is truly my most memorable day of Remembrance yet.
p.m. - I return to Z’s school at the end of the day to pick him up. I’m plain clothed again, having returned my formal uniform to its usual spot hung neatly awaiting the next occasion for wear, my poppy still pinned to the lapel. As I walk, I hear footsteps behind me. They seem to pick up speed, but I don’t look back. I realise they are now beside me and glance at the hi-tops their owner is wearing. I look up at the tall teen with curly hair tousled under his toque.
“How are you doing today?” he says.
“I am good” I say with a hint of curiosity layering my tone.
“I notice you’re not wearing a poppy” he remarks.
“That’s right” I say. “I gave mine to a little girl who needed it this morning” I say with a smile, and add “and I’ve left the replacement on my other coat.”
“I have an extra here” and he passes it along, adding “it’s important to support our troops you know.”
“I know” I say. “Thanks” I add, hoping he can sense just how thankful I am.
I pin the poppy on and at the edge of the same schoolyard walkway H and I strolled up earlier that day, I turn back to catch his eyes and say “Thanks again … keep spreading the word to support the troops.”
Karma …
It’s a cool thing.