A clear understanding

People may wonder where I am coming from and an explanation is required.

I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on January 3rd, 1944 in a Salvation Army hostel. I was the product of a “scot” mother and a Canadian father — both of whom were working against Hitler as volunteers. My father as part of the “BCR’s” and my mother as a “Waaf”.

I knew nothing about all that and came to Canada at the age of “two” as my father (who was seriously injured as his tank brewed up) called us home. So we came — arriving in the middle of winter, in snow up to our ass and then the years extended as the “little kid” started to grow up and went to school.

I learned to read and write and then I also learned that I was in a “no win” situation as my father found out that I was “color blind”. Immediately that happened…there were no jobs for me in a railroad town. I had to go elsewhere and so I did.

I left a young woman I was deeply in love with — never told her how I felt because I knew I couldn’t support her and the family I wanted to start. I just left and ended my problem.

In the years that followed she followed me in my mind until the present day. She didn’t know and I didn’t tell her. She became “ancient history” and I suppose this story hits home with a lot of soldiers. And so it should because it’s true.

Two families later I made the correct decision. While it has left me “cold” I have no doubt I made the right choice.

People should never forget that our soldiers — our police — have a story to tell and while they continue to maintain a staunch “We’re for you” there is much more to the story they present and many have made the choice I did.

It has to do with life –dreams killed — and people who gave up a lot to protect you because they didn’t know any other way.

God bless Vu Pham – a police officer that gave it his all.

And so they will in future. Your soldiers and your police represent all that is best about Canada. Putting YOU before themselves.

IF ONLY Jack Layton would.

It is to cry.