I wanted to leave you all with perhaps some insight into where I come from. And to thank you all for the privilege of your company these past several years.

I believe most of you know how concerned I am about the division and rancour amongst our people. Both in the U.S. and here in Canada. The political and social issue differences have been used as tools for dividing us from one another by those who would use this division to assist them in achieving their political aims, breeding mistrust and yes, even hatred between us. In my opinion this has created a chasm across which at times it seems to be impossible to navigate. The harm this has done to our peoples and their well being is still to be fully understood or recognized. This concerns me greatly. We are all decent God fearing people who work together much better when united as one to meet the obstacles and threats we face today.

Communication among us is an imperative if our nations are to survive in this perilous time.

Reaching out to one another is the only answer. In finding common ground and achieving understanding no matter what belief system we may embrace, we will only become infinitely stronger. We most assuredly don't need to agree in every instance. We all, in the final analysis, believe in the One Supreme Being and if we are to follow His teachings there is no other way.

In humility we must all remember that we are all flawed. We all make bad judgments. We all make decisions in haste, ignorance, and confusion. We all have made bad decisions based not on moral reflection, but on the basis of emotions such as fear and despair. We are all mortal and as such will falter at times and live to regret our actions. The key to unity is understanding this and reaching out to those from whom they would divide us. In doing so we can, and I believe will, achieve harmony and accord..

Knowing how outspoken I have been at times in recent years the acceptance and generosity shown to me by so many here has gone a long way toward restoring my faith that there is hope for the unity I so desire to see in my lifetime among our peoples.

Allow me to share with you something I read and saved in my files several years ago although I unfortunately neglected to record the author's name. "In the midst of global crises such as pollution, wars and famine, kindness may too easily be dismissed as a "soft issue" or a luxury to be addressed after the urgent problems are solved. But kindness is the greatest need in all those areas … toward the environment, toward other nations, toward the needs of people who are suffering. Until we reflect kindness in everything we do, our political gestures will be fleeting and fragile. Simple kindness may be the most vital key to the riddle of how we human beings can live with each other in peace, and care properly for this planet we all share."

Perhaps it is just possible the politics of today are not as destructive a force after all when confronted with the basic goodness of our people. Martin Luther King is associated in everyone's mind with the phrase " We Shall Overcome". I venture to suggest we would be well advised to set that as our goal in the days to come.



When I think back on these past several years I have shared with you I find the following quote to be particularly appropriate.



I sincerely thank you all for the many blossoms you have strewn in my path all these years..

I hope you are not saying goodbye Betty!

Assuming you are not I agree with you much of the time and you know I see you as a friend.

I found in my memory one day a poem. Not much of one and I truly don't know where it came from. I use it as a touchstone in times of crisis and when I remember it it serves to rmind me of what you are talking about.

In all the Fribbish and Froth of Life

Two things stand like Stone

Kindness to others in their Trouble

And Courage in your Own

C-O:

Your presence is needed here to keep us from becoming even more ingrown. If you are moving on, I want to tell you that your participation has been one that has kept me attracted to this forum. At the present I am also feeling a strong beckoning to move onward. I have visited your impressive web site and realize you have invested a lot of time in that - what great results. On my website I wrote a bit about my cross Canadian rail trip, at the end of which I took an extension in Victoria, and visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens. Your country is another beautiful part of our Eden.

If this is farewell then all the best to you and your talented, gifted husband. One thing I most miss about mine since his death in 1992 is his music. He was a classical violinist by avocation, engineering executive by career.

Maybe we each only need a Sabbatical from CGCS - give it some thought.



Meantime:

Vaya con dios,

lenal

CO,

You and I... to coin a phrase... are as kindred spirits... we love each other as only true friends can... absolute and unconditionally... with humble forgiveness and a welling of pride and respect for one another... our nations are scorched of the same fires throughout history... our sons and daughters have crossed man made borders as freely as the wind... and there is trust... and there is an infinite depth of devotion to each other... as you so touchingly demonstrated on 911... we are not that different at all... it is the diversity of our cultures that enrich us and makes for spicy conversation... We, the people, the true Americans know who our friends really are... Canada is and always will remain our dearest and closest friend... as will you.