The small town of Lytton, BC was in the news this past week when for three days straight -- Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday -- they set records for highest temperature recorded in Canada. Tuesday was 49.6C (121.3F). Wednesday around supper time brought a mass evacuation order of the village due to raging wild fires. Today, the village is gone. Estimates say 90% was destroyed by the fires. I have no words here.
The country has be grappling with the truth of deaths at residential schools. Today involved a more reflective approach nationally. As a friend of mine noted, feelings of pride have been mixed with shame. Taking steps as individuals and communities towards reconciliation can help to re-establish a reason for feeling proud again.
So -- the usual Canada Day celebrations have been different this year. Given the pandemic, large gatherings would not have been common. Many communities chose not to have fireworks as part of the celebrations due to the call for a more reflective day -- and the need to not have large crowds.I spent some time listening to the words of indigenous leaders and the stories of people of colour. I watched a concert on film and heard the words of a well known song differently. This is the first choice shared today and one by a Canadian band. This version is from the filmed concert I listened to this afternoon -- some great guitar work and stellar drums on this one.The second selection was new to me -- one a dear friend noted I'd like and that it had a strong message. Lyrics of each song brought me to a more hopeful place today. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Closer to the Heart -- Rush
On the Turning Away -- Pink Floyd
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