Image credit: Ross Macdonald 2023 Location: Loch Eck, Argyll Quote: Maya Angelou
I can't take credit for the following written piece (I'm not sure of the source), but I love the sentiment:
"After a long day at work, I was walking to my car when a row of Canadian Maple trees caught my eye. Their leaves glowed with a vivid, almost neon red against the cool autumn air. The sight was breathtaking. A final flourish of beauty before the leaves began their slow descent to the ground. Weeks later, the same leaves lay faded and broken underfoot, barely recognisable. And yet, what remained was just as striking: delicate impressions etched into the pavement, quiet reminders of a former brilliance.
This description makes me think of the people in our lives who leave a lasting impression, not only in the prime of their lives (like gorgeous maple trees), but also in their quiet acts of love, and beyond their presence among us."
I often think about the many volunteers who gave their time to teach me when I attended free extra-curricular activities as a child. My parents never wanted to spend money on these activities, so they sought out ones that had minimal or no fees: PCYC T-ball, gymnastics and Ju-Jitsu; Brownies, Guides & Venturers; Little Athletics, basketball, tap dancing (this did cost something), Shopfront Theatre, youth group... there are probably a few I have missed! Needless to say, I was a busy child, barely at home, and I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful for the many adults who gave up their time to teach, nurture and guide me. People who weren't even my own parents, who weren't remunerated, but gave a lot to me and others, just for the sake of giving back. It seems as though this type of altruism has faded in modern society, or at least it has where I live.
I write this post in memory of May (Ballamara) Jones, who served the Girl Guide movement with dedication, sincerity and wisdom. She was strict and never let me off the hook! (lol) She had such high expectations of me. She used to tell me that my 'badge preparation' impressed her. At times, she would fail me for sections I had completed in a half-baked fashion. She gave so much of herself and I will always remember her effort. I can't recall how often I went to her house for badge assessments! She passed away during a difficult time in my life, and I had not visited during her convalescence. For that, I am deeply sorry. - Mel
