On Watch in the Rain

I watch as the water bounces across the surfaces and here at our window it gathers. The droplets as if heavy tears from the sky. Peace here but not so much in this entire world we know as home. The wind not gentle in its breath but manageable, I stand by familiar tree – some eight years have past at this my familiar perch. Others will be here – beside me. Perhaps the same vantage point but it’s the passing figures and impressions that will make this day my remembrance.

As I watch one perhaps newly retired from the Canadian forces joins nearby. Wearing jeans and hoodie. The baseball cap is creased…wet from this day. Medals at the chest, poppy above. This is today’s veteran and I believe the first I have seen that reflects those who will continue to be here after this visitor is no longer at this tree. There were others before him, my father who when unable to march with his own, brought camera instead and puttered amongst the crowd to take pictures. His camera, his lens became my view finder. And then of course the naval veteran…the last time I saw him…supported by others as his ratings cap took him across the horizon. This is how I can remember.

I move forward to amplify the sky as the bend of colour provides backdrop to the bronze soldier. Rainbows seem hopeful. I watch as others take their pictures…a sea of camera phones captures the phenomenon. I return to my tree and in the turning about, the vision has left us. I wonder what else might pass by or appear to capture the heart, the soul of all who gather? And then there are those who provide support. Another heartbeat in the home…those who seek only mutual love…and in an instance I am reminded of the parachuting dog Brian, and the Blitz rescue dog Rip. They too served.

Then too there are other reminders this day…we will remember them…we will remember those who served and those who died in this nation’s sacrifice. We can remember those left behind to remember and those left with memories they must carry every day. This is a day that we can help carry all those through to tomorrow, to always carry on, to always do our bit, to always remember.