The 24th Annual Bridge School Benefit

It’s been almost five months since I sat down and dedicated the time necessary to update my journal. I don’t know where the time is going to. Every week, at the top of my list of things to do, I write “WRITE”…update blog, work on Shane’s story, pen some tunes…just write!! Somehow it’s been hard to get to, I don’t know why. But it’s time.


Last week I heard that Neil Young will receive the 2011 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at the Juno Awards on March 27. I decided with that, that I need to dedicate this entry to our trip last October to Mountainview, California.


I’ve mentioned in other posting that at the time of my son Shane’s passing, we’d been saving for him to take a trip in his last year of high school to go to San Francisco to explore the Bridge School and to take in the Bridge School Benefit concert. I won’t repeat the details about the school, that I know I’ve written about before, but you can go to http://www.bridgeschool.org/ if you want to learn more. When he passed away, we turned the money he’d been saving into the “Shane Dickson Memorial Award” and carried on. But last October 15th, I was out doing my morning walk, and for some reason remembered the concert and that it must be happening soon. When I finished my walk, I went and checked, and sure enough it was to take place on October 23rd and 24th. My mind started ticking.


When Cecil came in later that day we talked it over and decided that we had the Airmiles to get us to San Francisco, and we both still really wanted to attend and support the cause in Shane’s memory, so we purchased two tickets online, and packed our bags!


It was a quick trip, only 4 days, because the decision was made very last minute. There were other commitments that needed to be considered, and promises that had been made, but 4 days was enough to get this off my own life’s bucket list.


We flew into San Francisco Friday morning, rented a car and headed to Santa Cruz, California. As always, we look to be close to the water when we vacation, and Santa Cruz seemed to be close enough to all we wanted to take in, while still putting us on the ocean’s doorstep. It was the perfect choice, as we spent Friday and Saturday taking in the Boardwalk with all it had to offer, the Annual Chili Cookoff, The Cold water Classic Surfing competition, and the treasures on the town’s pier. It was like we’d jammed a weeks’ worth of vacationing into those few hours.

Lighthouse veiw at Santa Cruz, California

Sunday morning we headed back to Mountainview, to the Shoreline Amphitheatre to pick up our tickets and enjoy the concert that had been a heart’s desire for so long. The weather didn’t look like it wanted to cooperate, but the show goes on rain or shine, so we’d come prepared for whatever happened. We learned a few things too! Like there’s no point running around town to buy lawn chairs, because if they’re over 10 inches off the ground, they can’t be used at the amphitheatre anyhow! So, sadly, our newly purchased chairs got left behind, but we were able to rent the proper ones right on sight. We’d arrived early, not sure about how things worked, but that naivety allowed us to get some excellent seating once we got through the gates and into the show!

When the concert started, I felt the tears well up in my eyes, and the familiar tightening in my chest that always accompanies events that my heart says should have happened with Shane rather than without him. This had been his trip, his adventure, but instead there we were. For a few moments emotions got the best of me, as I watched them bring out all the children who benefit from the school, and alumni who had attended in the past, including Neil and Pegi’s son Ben for whom they had created Bridge School for initially, back in 1987. As I looked skyward to try and still the flow of tears, and eagle soared overhead. I was reminded Shane wasn’t so far away after all.

The concert was nothing less than amazing! Merle Haggard was ill and unable to attend, but we did enjoy almost 8 hours of acoustic performances including Kris Kristofferson, Pearl Jam and other’s I myself had never heard of, but it was obvious many other attendees had! The Speaking Clock Review was incredible as Elton John and Leon Russell introduced their collaboration, but the highlight had to have been listening to Buffalo Springfield in their first public performance in 42 years! You wouldn’t think they had missed a night of playing together! It was powerful! It felt so surreal to be a part of it all, and the ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to attend has us now thinking…maybe we’ll do it again!

Of Course, my very favorite part!!!

The next day we had one day to spend in San Francisco before heading home. Our thought had been to take in Alcatraz when we were there..but believe it or not, by 10am on a Monday in October all tours for the day were already sold out! Where do the people come from I’d wondered! Unable to do that, we instead wandered along Fisherman’s Wharf, and enjoyed the local fair.

Sea Lions who have made their home on Fisherman's Wharf.

The day was going well, up until I got a call from a friend I’ve yet to meet, to tell me her son Owen had passed away. Owen had captured my heart the year before after seeing him on television. He was like a younger version of Shane…only with beautiful, wildly curly hair. Having the chance to someday meet him had also been on my list of things to one day do, but sadly that’s one that can’t happen. The call reminded me once again how quickly tides can turn, and how fragile life can be, and my heart ached for my friend, knowing too well the journey she was about to embark on. I still think of them both so often these days.

We did finish off our day in San Francisco however. The following morning, we headed back home, and twenty four hours later, it was like a dream! But oh what a dream it was! Who knows…the 25th Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert may be on this fall’s agenda yet!

till next time!

Lynda

www.musicwriter.ca

Milestones and McGregor Camp

Well, July has come and gone, and a lot of really wonderful things happened. We had the last of the kids get married as our son tied the knot at a beautiful ceremony at Belle Acre’s Golf Course north of Winnipeg. We were able to spend time at the lake with friends, venturing out to Sportsman’s corner at Westbourne, and Delta north of Portage. We even tried golf for ourselves for the first time, although people are telling me that shooting 100 on a par 39 course is not the same as getting 100%...I still had fun! I’ve decided that it’s not one of my strengths, but is still a great way to put in a summer morning! There were a couple of other really notable things that happened in July I want to share as well.

Me 50 years ago!

That’s me! Can’t believe I reached the day…the big 5-0….wow, it’s been something to wrap my head around. Although looking at the picture of me 50 years ago, not that much has changed I guess. Still have short fingers, chubby arms and still have that smile (although today it’s fortunately still equipped with a full set of teeth!). Wow…fifty years. Who’d have ever thought…we the children of lead painted cribs, and cars with no baby seats…we made it in spite of everything that is considered to be so unthinkable in today’s world!
It was kind of a hard day, and was a bittersweet milestone. Knowing that there are more years behind then are likely to lie ahead, thinking of all those that aren’t here to celebrate this day, reminiscing of those that didn’t get to make this leg of the journey. There were lots of mixed emotions to be sure, but upon returning home from a birthday lunch in Treherne, I was greeted by a surprise party and all my family and friends. Suddenly the sadness of what’s been lost was overridden with the appreciation for all that I have, and it was a marvelous day of celebration with the people that matter most in my world!

The beautiful birthday cake designed by my daughter Bianca

July offered another opportunity for which I’m still on an adrenalin high from. It started with an email I received back in December from Faye Mc Gregor in Switzerland, asking how she would go about getting several copies of my most recent CD. She also wondered if I’d be available to come out to Lake of the Woods to perform at the first McGregor Leadership Camp that she and her husband Mark were going to be hosting there come July. I’ve known Mark and Faye since high school, and was thrilled that they’d think of me for this opportunity! I was honored.

Our Hosts, Mark and Faye McGregor

Mark and Faye are one of those amazing couples that seem to have accomplished so much in their lifetime together! They’ve taken the lessons learned in pursuing their own goals and passions, and have turned them into a career focusing on leadership trainings that have taken them around the world, opening doors and changing the lives of the people that come to the sessions.

At home in the cottage

Although Mark is the front man, a former professional hockey player, coach and manager, he has taken his message to the public forums that have supported him to become one of the most popular management-trainers, coaches and keynote-speakers on an international level, there is no question that it is a family team effort that has enabled so much success. (for more about Mark’s offerings go to http://www.markmcgregor.ch/1_frameset_eng/frameset_eng.htm )

Explaining the activity to be accomplished during

July 201o's McGregor Leadership Camp

One of their family dreams had been to finally have their own place to hold the leadership camps and trainings, and McGregor Camp on beautiful Lake of the Woods was the summation of that dream!

So on July 8th, my wonderful friend Dixie accompanied me as I headed off towards Kenora for a evening of friendship and singing. The first McGregor Leadership camp involved 5 remarkable people from Germany and the Czech Republic, who had come so far to focus on developing their leadership skills, and enhance the quality of their personal lives through the tools and lessons that Mark shared with them. We also got to meet another terrific couple from a little closer to home who share my passions for writing and photography, so there was never an end to great conversation! My participation for the evening was to perform a house concert to entertain their guests for the week, and give them a bit of a change up from the work that they focused on during their days. At the last minute, during our phone conversation earlier that week, Mark had thrown something out about a sing-a-long…so not knowing what to expect, we went prepared for the unexpected! I put together some songbooks of songs that I hoped even folks from across the big pond may have been familiar with, and Dixie and I stopped at the Dollar store on our way through Portage to stock up on tambourines and other assorted percussion instruments, so that even if the singing didn’t work, everyone could participate!

McGregor Leadership Camp on Beautiful Lake of the Woods

Upon arrival I realized that the cottage at the centre of my vision board was not in fact on Falcon Lake, but right in front of me! They’ve built a beautiful place there, that seconds as a learning camp, as they’ve developed a second building on the site into a center that has a large seminar room for trainings, an exercise facility for down time, and even a space for massages or experiencing the yoga that Faye teaches. They really offered a little bit of everything to those that attended!

Off to explore Lake of the Woods with our new aquaintances!

Shortly after arriving, we were all treated to a boat ride to explore a bit of Lake of the Woods, heading out from the sheltered bay that their camp inhabits. It was beautiful! The night was perfect, and the company was wonderful!

Dixie and I enjoying our evening boat ride.

The view of the Lake from the boat dock at McGregor Camp.

Upon returning from our ride, we were treated to an amazing dinner prepared by our hostess with the help of her Mom and her friend, shared a glass or two of wine, then moved into the veranda to share an evening of music. With Dixie as my supporting manager, I shared an hour of my music, and then we switched up the evening into a campfire sing-a-long (without the campfire, or the bugs…but the sensation was the same!)

Dixie and I with our host and friend, Leadership trainer Mark McGregor.

It was one of those evenings that absolutely filled my spirit with joy, a feeling I haven’t been getting enough of in the past many months. It was a very welcome reprieve! It was a wonderful evening for me, and I think everyone else enjoyed it as well. Mark ensured that the attendees all received a copy of my CD, so that my music has now had the opportunity to spread a little further…and I’ve ended up with a great new circle of people, many of whom I’ve remained in contact with since!

Evening House Concert and Sing-A-Long

One of the most amazing things about the night was Mark’s suggestion that he and I collaborate together on putting together a collection of presentations to take out to educators and various other community and business sectors here closer to home, combining his expertise and my music. It was as if he’d reached into my mind and picked out the idea that had drawn me home from Salt Spring Island all those months ago…the notion, or rather the knowledge, that I need to find a way to keep sharing the story, and the message and the lessons learned! That opportunity to perform has led to so many possibilities, that my head is still spinning…but in a very, good way! I’m thrilled about the potential, and excited about it every day. That is such a wonderful place to be each morning, especially after the pain of the past many months. I feel like my stars are aligning, and life really is very good! I’ll keep you all posted!

Lake of the Woods sunset from McGregor Camp deck

Till next time!

Lynda

http://www.musicwriter.ca/

MacGregor Collegiate Class of 2010 Graduation

Memorial Inukshuks made by Sheila Kornago of Winnipeg

Wow, here we are on August eve, 2010. We are half way through the short summers we enjoy here on the prairies, and already some morning walks have the kiss of fall.

I have so many things I want to write about, and so little time to capture my thoughts these days it seems. But there are things that I should have documented earlier, and didn’t get around to, and today I wanted to share some of those.

June 24 was MacGregor Collegiate Institute graduation for the class of 2010. It will go down in history as one of the hardest, hardest days I will ever endure. It was the day that Shane should have graduated with his peers. It was a day I’d long dreamed of, seeing him sitting up there on the stage amongst them. IT was a day that never came for him….but it did for me, and I hope that because of that, he was there, he was in the room and on the stage and in the hearts of all that graduated with him. The school and graduates invited us to be part of all that went on that day, and it was an honor to be included.

I’d been racking my brain since last summer about how to pay tribute to these amazing young people, who had had such significant roles in the life he was able to live. I didn’t want the day to slip by without somehow acknowledging the contributions that each of them had made, and finally, weeks before the day, it came to me. I was sitting at my desk, puzzling yet again, and I looked up at the beautiful glass Inukshuk that proudly sits at the edge of the shelf, watching over me. Of course!! Inukshuks are so symbolic of what I wanted to say…’someone passed this way’….I emailed Sheila Kornago of Stained Glass by Sheila and asked if it were possible to have 52 of them made in the 5 weeks between my thinking of them and the graduation. She said she certainly could, and my dilemma was solved.

I’d also been discussing my dilemma with my sister and my brother in law, who is very involved in the construction of the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. They decided to also contribute a museum pin to each of Shane’s classmates, so appropriate.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights Commerative Shine pin.

I was lucky also, that as I annually present the Shane Dickson Memorial award for Inclusion, that the staff at MCI gave me the time and support needed to present the gifts and address Shane’s classmates. The address went as follows:

“As you can imagine, today is probably one of the toughest days I will face, and even though it saddens me not to see Shane sitting there amongst you on this special occasion, I know he is standing here beside me with his arm around my shoulder….propping me up, cheering you on, and hooting with pride for all of you, his fellow classmates! I too am so proud to have been given the opportunity to address this very, very special class as you head out into your new lives. You leave here a class of students, but you’re already a class of citizens who has changed rules and boundaries through your actions and acceptance of a young man, who was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to be educated along side of you.
I hope each of you leave this stage of your lives knowing the difference you have made in countless lives, most of which we may never know of. When you started school 13 years ago, alongside a child who did everything differently, you showed how very little differences truly matter. I know that there were people that questioned Shane being supported to be educated alongside children who didn’t face the monumental challenges he did, and I have anonymous letters to prove that. However, your supports and friendships gave him what he needed to live life fully, and you gave this Mom’s dreams for her son wings to fly. I don’t know how many of you know this, but the example you all set and the experience you provided for Shane has been shared around the world. It even became part of the department of education’s paper to present at last year’s Inclusion Summit in Spain. And every day, it continues to give hope to parents of other children with special needs, as they start their unique journey. I am so proud of and grateful to each of you.
To recognize your accomplishment, I have a small gift for each of you that I will hand out as you pass me after receiving your diploma. It includes a inukshuk that I hope you will find a place for in your lives ahead. Inukshuk means “stone man that points the way” Their purpose was to show directions and guide the way. They stand as a symbol of the importance of friendship and to remind us of our dependence on one another. I hope it will remind you of the valued piece you played in pointing the way towards full inclusion for a fellow classmate.
Shane’s aunt and uncle, have also provided each of you with a ‘Shine’ pin from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The verse says “there is a star born in each of us when we open our minds to let in the light. When we brighten a darkened path. When we see our reflection in each other. We Shine.” You have shone brightly, each and every one of you. I hope you always continue to do so.”

Of course, part of the day involved presenting the award. I’ve left it up to the staff at MCI to decide who merits it. When Shane was there, and I was actively involved I may have been more able to suggest, but now I feel they are the ones that must decide. I was so happy this year when they chose Trem Cleaver! Trem had been best friends with Shane since they were 4 years old, and I believe he is such a big part of Shane having been accepted as one of the gang. His acceptance of Shane for who was encouraged others to do the same, and I know it made a huge difference in everything Shane got to experience. I felt absolutely no guilt in handing that award to Shane’s best friend, as I know he will continue to live his life making differences for others, just as he did for Shane.

Trem and I, Graduation, June 24, 2010

I got a text from Trem a few weeks ago, wanting to talk to me. He wondered if it was okay with me that he planned to get a tattoo, his first, and he wanted it to be Shane’s initials and the years of his life. Wow…what could I say, but of course? Shane would be thrilled, and my eyes teared knowing that throughout all of Trem’s years, questions will be asked about what that tattoo means, and Shane will be remembered and shared as he tells people. What a great tribute. How times have changed….100 years ago he may have lived and died and been buried in an unmarked grave, because children with his needs were viewed and valued differently. Today his life is celebrated on his best friend’s ribs, and in the memories of all that knew him. Things are definitely better.

Trem's fresh tattoo in memory of his friend, Shane Dickson

Till next time,
Lynda
http://www.musicwriter.ca/

From Lavenham to Lavenham and back again....

New sign at the edge of Lavenham.

A week has passed since our return to Canadian soil, but the events of the weeks preceding our return seem almost a dream…albeit a wonderful one on some fronts, a sad one on others…

As mentioned in my last blog, circumstance made it possible for us to travel to Lavenham , Suffolk , England. We left here on February 8^th, and there was so much that happened in the weeks we were there, that I can’t likely cover all the details in a manner they deserve in one writing, so instead will focus on Lavenham for this post.

I can’t really talk about Lavenham though, without mentioning that so much of what we experienced, and saw was thanks to a wonderful couple we met from Maidenhead, through a brief connection we made with their daughter. I won’t mention names, as I didn’t ask permission, but they will know who they are, and let me say, I can’t even imagine what the trip would have been like had they not come into our lives and make it so fabulous! Our never ending gratitude goes out to them.

Lavenham, Suffolk, England. Church of St Peter and St. Paul

As mentioned before, Tony Hepworth and I became internet friends in late 2008 (sometimes I find it hard to believe it was only a couple of years…feels like he’s been part of my life much longer!)…when he was writing his book “A Portrait of Lavenham: Suffolk’s Man Made Wonder”. I’d helped him gather information for the book, and he in turn helped promote my music on that side of the ocean. He’d always encouraged me to come to Lavenham, England and he would organize things for me to do a concert there in their Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. When Shane passed away, and we decided to head to the coast to heal, I never in my wildest dreams imagined part of that healing would entail a trip to Lavenham, England! However, as I mentioned before, one day I mentioned that a trip there needed to be part of any upcoming trips we planned, the next I won the money to purchase airfare, in the amount I had said it would take, and the next we found out that Tony’s condition had worsened significantly….so a trip had to happen quickly.

Tony got the ball rolling, and enrolled the Lavenham Merchant’s Guild to help carry out his plans for the concert. Our biggest fear in the weeks leading up to getting to Lavenham was that he would not be able to be there when we arrived, as his condition continued to deteriorate with each passing report we received. Every day I steeled myself for news that he couldn’t wait for us, but each day as none came, I held out hope that I would have the chance to meet my friend.

We finally arrived in Lavenham, England on February 12^th, after a few days of touring other parts of England. The Guild members (notably Goff and Carole Holland) had arranged for a radio interview with BBC Suffolk, so after doing that we finally got to see the church that Tony had spoken so endearingly of in all of his correspondence and writings.

Stained glass windows in Church.

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul construction began in 1485, although it’s been determined that it wasn’t completed until around 1530. It was built in the high years of the wool trade, and its majesty is evidence of the wealth that enveloped the area during that time (Lavenham being one of the 20 wealthiest towns of that period). It also is able to boast having the highest church tower (141 feet)of any village church’s in Suffolk and beyond. Inside the church, I was left speechless at the design and details that unfolded before us. The stained glass windows, the mason work on the walls and supports, the woodwork on the podiums. It was all overwhelming to say the least, to know I would be performing in this church that held so much of our ‘mother-towns’ history. One of the nicest features I found in the church was on the back wall, where there lists of all the young men who had lost their lives in WW1 and WW11 were inscribed. Under the names was a binder, and if you flipped to any page in the binder, you could find the story of one of the men listed on that wall…their education, their loves, their hobbies, their hopes….it was such a beautiful touch to be able to read about the person behind the name.

View down the aisle from the front where I performed from.

After we left the church, we ventured over to finally meet my friend Tony, who had arranged a small gathering of a few friends and some wonderful English Sparkling White Wine to celebrate our first face to face meeting. It was wonderful to finally have that chance, although in my heart I felt I’d known him so long…it was hard to fathom and remember we’d never actually met. Tony allowed me to give him a small private concert there, and he had a list of the songs he wanted to here. It was very heart touching to realize how well he knew my music and how it had connected us. He was delighted to hear the song I had written for the concert simply called “Lavenham” which tells the story of Oliver Wright, who left Lavenham England in 1883 to make his way to Canada, eventually settling near what is now our Lavenham. It was because of him that our town was called Lavenham. Tony’s main request was that our little concert end with “My little corner of the world”. The song he favored above all others, and had played on BBC two years before.

It was an emotional meeting, and when Tony said that looking forward to this concert and meeting had kept him going, I was able to tell him how his encouragement and support had also kept me going over the past several months. Having the excitement of looking forward to this trip and concert had helped so much to offset the heartbreak of the holidays and the birthday and had allowed me to look forward to something beyond my grief. When we left, I promised Tony that when I returned from Scotland on the following Thursday I’d come back and play a few more songs if he’d like, he said he would.

Veiw down Church Street, Lavenham, England

The next day, before heading on a whirlwind trip of Scotland, Cecil and I had a chance to explore the town a little more closely. What an amazing collection of buildings! And what amazing foresight people have had to protect and preserve them! Many of the buildings were built in the 1500s of timber that had not had the chance to properly dry and cure, and with that they have twisted and contorted through the years…but they are still standing! A walk to the edge of town, towards the hills behind, can certainly clarify for you why Oliver Wright chose to name our town Lavenham in Manitoba! The scenery was almost identical!

The Swan restaurant and Hotel (where I had one of the best ever steaks in my life!)

Merchants Guild building in the Market Square, Lavenham, England

The Angel Hotel, and the Great House, Market Square, Lavenham, Suffolk

More of those beautiful, 'wonky' buildings!

The following Thursday I did get that opportunity, but things had worsened for Tony. He knew he wasn’t going to make it to the concert, but his daughter was going on his behalf, and he would be listening to my cds at home.

Friday, February 19^th, 2010 the concert finally arrived. I will never forget how much work and effort went into seeing this whole event happen by so many members of the Lavenham community. The members of the Guild had all taken on parts to ensure that Tony’s dream was seen through, Regis and Martine from “The Great House” ( www.greathouse.co.uk ) provided dinner for the concert break, and accommodations for Cecil and I in what I have to say was likely the nicest place we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in. Businesses from throughout the community did their part with advertising, printing, promotion…it was such a wonderful effort made by so many on behalf of such a loved and valued community member.

The night of the concert was amazing. Doug, the sound man, did just a wonderful job of blending the guitar with my voice. About 225 people came out to listen and participate, and at the end of it all we were able to raise about 2,500GBP for the MacMillan Nurses Association and the hospice at Bury St. Edmonds. And I gained memories, and friends that will last me lifetime….it was one of those truly, remarkable moments in life!

Performing at the Concert in Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

After the concert, Tony’s daughter went and shared with him how the night had gone, and once satisfied that all had been carried out to his satisfaction and standards, Tony must have thought it was okay to finally let go, and at shortly after 4 in the morning, he slipped away.

The high of Friday night was certainly tempered with the sadness of Tony’s loss, but the fact that we had the opportunity to perform in that church, and spend time in that amazing ‘wonky’ town…..what a parting gift he gave me…I hope he knew how grateful I was to him for that. I think he did.

In the morning after the concert, a letter arrived in Tony’s mail slot from a young mother who had been at the concert, and who also was raising a child with cerebral palsy, thanking all of us for organizing the event and giving her the opportunity to hear my story and my take on the wonderful lessons that Shane had given me to share with others. Maybe that was a big part of what the whole journey was about….

Till next time,

Lynda

www.musicwriter.ca