Sign of the times post WII

     As a curious natured child, my Dad's workshop was a source of intrigue and exploration.  In retrospect a listing of Father's projects would fill a ledger - everything from a speed boat to a doll house and each as fascinating as the other.  There was however one dark corner of his shop (at basement level of the Elliott home) which I purposely avoided.  In that corner two WWII gas-masks hung from a hook and their presence was very unnerving.  When I first recall seeing them, at approximately 10 years of age, I had no idea of what they were but sensed their intimidating images had a purpose and a mysterious dark history.  Eventually, with maturity on my side and a better understanding of my place in the world, I gained the confidence to approach the subject with my parents.   My Mother (Frances Evelyn Elliott) and Father, (Norman Arthur Elliott) were both RCAF personnel and each witnessed the horror of battles while stationed in Britain throughout WWII.

     Despite the gravity of that period in their lives, they were quite willing to explain the purpose and history of these wartime icons.  Mother's sensitive presentation of these images certainly represented the potential and positive outcomes they served.   Regardless of her calm and kind explanations, I remained stressed and with a high level of anxiety -- my thoughts went to an unknown, namely,  should there be war in our future.....there would be a need of four more masks and such was not obviously present.  I did not ask what the expectations would be as I did not want to alarm my siblings. 

     Now, some 40 years later,  my questions and thoughts returned to that unsettling childhood period.  This was kindled when examining the role of Canadians during WWII. 

     The realization of the horror our parents endured leaves me with a sense that we, as matured "baby boomers" of Veterans, have been surely neglectful in turning our backs and remaining comfortably unaware of the reality of our families participation in their effort to secure our peace.

 

(please excuse spelling and grammar errors - author is visually challenged)

    

.....Melanie P. Elliott (daughter of Frances and Norman Elliott) - Nightingale                

 

 

 

A Legacy of Atlantic Canada's Spirit / Christmas 1917

Photo:  *Forrester Hector Faulkenham(far left and standing) and Comrades 2nd Canadian Division, 5th Brigade, 25th Battalion Nova Scotia:  Location - Etaples, France, (Western Front).

{please excuse spelling and grammar - author is visually  challenged}           Christmas 1917 fell like a faint beam of light across the shadowed days of the fourth winter of the Great War.  There were half enough boats to carry huge quantities of cards, letters and parcels for loved ones on active service, and comforts that everyone wanted to send from their homes of afar.  Unexpectedly a delay occurred at South Hampton, England - a holding depot of Christmas packages.The obstacle occurred early December and it took three weeks of gargantuan effort on all sides to ship everything across to France in the week before Christmas.  It was unfortunate that the Red Cross had made sure that all their own supplies of Christmas cheer were in France by the beginning of December.

In addition, the Boulogne holding depot housed 490,000 tins of sweets, four tons of chestnuts, 12 tons of friend fruit, 40,000 tins of sweets, four tons of Brazil Nuts, four tons of Filberts, ten tons of almonds, four tons of walnuts, four tons of chestnuts, 12 tons of dried fruit, 40,000 boxes of Christmas crackers and 80,000 Christmas cards.

Just days before Christmas, boat loads of chickens and turkeys landed in France plus a mammoth consignment of 25,000 Christmas puddings, which had been lovely prepared by hundreds of volunteer groups throughout Nova Scotia communities.  These generous individuals who prepared the puddings willingly sacrificed their ration of sugar and a quantity of previous dried fruit to ensure that "their boys and others had a proper Christmas dinner".   Most puddings were stuffed as full of lucky dimes as they were with horded raisins, and mixed liberation of stout or brandy. Chocolate , tobacco, cigarettes, sweets of all description, beef cubed concentrate, candles, socks, mittens, razor blades, sardines, and soap accompanied the puddings.

It took all the considerable organizational powers of the Red Cross and a large slice of the resources of the Army Transport Corps to distribute their bounty across the length and breadth of the Western Front. 

From South Africa came a boat load of grapes, peaches, and nectarines; from our communities of the Annapolis Valley - 10,000 cases of red apples; from America - shipments of beef; from Australia, towering mountain of "Billy cans" (1.3L) can with a wire handle packed with comforts and goodies from their homeland.  All of them contained different assortment, but the universal verdict was that they were "Bonzo".  The "Billie cans" themselves, were as Australian as the strains of "Waltzing Matilda" and scope of sentiments and service.

Within our communities in Nova Scotia, groups worked around the clock to fill donated boxes (all the same size, wtih oddments of all descriptions).  The boxes held a surprising amount of chocolate, tobacco, cigarettes, sweets, concentrated beef cubes, notebooks, candles, socks, mittens and much more.

On the day in which the filled boxes were to be sent off, residents of our Province loaded gifts on the train bound for a shipping pier at the docks of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Army personnel from the 2nd Canadian Division, 5th Brigade, 25th Battalion Nova Scotia and the 4th Canadian Division, 12th Brigade,  85th Battalion Highlanders, Nova Scotia plus others received their care-package with great joy and spontaneity.  Our soldiers at Camp Etaples was a fine opportunity to introduce their "downeast" music to Comrades and did so in style.  Those who tap- danced did soon the table tops for others who sang altered lyrics to well-known tunes.  Skits of all descriptions also kept the audience in awe.

Meanwhile other's chose to celebrate by going about camp getting into mischief.  Their intent would be what we Nova Scotians knew as "Saluting".  A tradition that took place the day following a wedding and involved playing practical jokes on the new couple.  True to what resembled a back home "saluting" some soldiers went about camp to find fin in creative antics.  One of their first finds was some laundry hanging on a makeshift clothesline --they joylessly removed it and walked to a nearby abandoned farm house to hang their bounty of laundry up at the neighbourhood farm.

The behaviour of these individuals - our ancestors - combined wtih the fun-filled nature of Australians remain legendary.  The more docile troops of other nationalities had a sneaking admiration for their devil-may-care demeanor and their reputation as "free-booters" and though fighters.  The Yuletide goodwill and spirit of our ancestors certainly added to a festival ambiance at a time when life itself was fragile and bleak.

*identy of those in photo:   Other than that of Forrester Hector Faulkenham, Belleisle, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia is the only Nova Scotian soldier to be recognized.  Forrester Hector Faulkenham on the left and standing was the Grandfather of the author.

......Nightingale (Christmas, 2012)

                                       

  

NewTown Conn

May we take time out and devote words, thoughts, prayer and song to those of NewTown, Conn.  My greatest concern is for the future of those who remain behind.  It is all and good that there are couusellors however this is a bandaid and the siblings and parents of those effected will remain as dark days.  Only with love, can these individuals heal and find a path in which they can commit to.  My prayers are out to those who are currently trying to make some sense of this horrific deed.

Favourite places

(please excuse spelling and grammar errors - author is visually challanged)

In this blog I will be describing "Favourite Places" at different intervals in my life.  To begin I will describe six locations that continue to carry great memories.

 Favourite Place #1 (5 - 14 years of age):  The first favourite place I describe was that of the home of my Grandparents.  Each summer Mother, and my siblings gathered together with Grandmother and Grandfather to enjoy a picnic in the garden.  This was a celebration of the season and Mother use to make it an occasion in which she would dress her three daughters in similar self-designed and handmade summer dresses.  The sandwiches were outstanding and the cake was as special as the occasion. Our Grandfather (Grampie) always had a wonderful ice-cream threat ready for us and the anticipation as to what the treat would be was also a great surprise.

 The above photo is of Melodie, Debra and Melanie dressed in matching dresses and ready for a picnic with Grandparents in their lovely English garden and with a beautiful book running at the back of the property.  This was a long awaited summer tradition for the family.


Melodie, Melanie, Gerald and Debra's Grandparents
                - Forrester Faulkenham (known as Adam) and
 Evelyn (nee Nightingale) Faulkenham

Favourite Place #2 (5 - 14 years of age) 
     With every new season there was a celebration by some description.
  In the fall Grampie would work hard to create a huge pile of raked
 leaves that he could burn.  Before the leaves were destroyed, we
 were permitted to jump and hide in them.....the scent of fall remains
 a wonderful thought provoking experience.  As the leaves were just
 about out we were off and up the steps to the kitchen for a cup of hot
 chocolate.

Favourite Place #3 (5 - 14 years of age)

     Sleepovers was always a great treat as the guest room was on the second level of the home and a window next to the bed in which we slept was a window to the world.  We had not previously experienced a view beyond a first floor of a building.  As we became older we would choose to "camp out" in Grandparents sun room -- the lights at night and the sun in the morning were a true energizing experience.

Favourite Place #4 (5 - 14 years of age)


Green Bay: beaches, bluffs and roses



     Girl Guide activities consumed much of our early teen years.  We (twin and myself) were highly motivated by enthusiastic leaders and worked hard to become well-decorated Guides (meaning - many badges on our sleeves indicating we had "passed" many tests of skill.  Guide camp became an event that was on our minds throughout the year.  Personally, I attribute our awareness and active participation in the realm of nature as well as many skills of camping to the Guiding movement - this photo of Green Bay was one of our favourite camping locations and would become our first experience of independence in later teen years.

     Our camping skills took us to many events, competitions, tasks, endurance events and recreation-related activities.  In adult years this every rose bush (photo above) became a source of tremendous natural crafts --- the salt dried rose buds were magnificent touches to many projects.
     I would be neglectful not to mention that this photo is actually a postcard and originated from the camera of my dear friend Mary Anne Hopkins.

Favourite Place #5 (5 - 14 years of age)
     In this portion of our young lives we became involved in learning to dance - ballroom style.  This was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon and as we progressed into dancing in formation the community were every so generous to invite us to perform at various events within the county.  I love the idea of dressing-up and the dresses were so, so lovely and feminine.



Favourite Place #6 (5 - 14 years of age)

Photo:  school play, Melanie left front, Melodie right front

I would be neglectful not to bring those locations in which I participated the singing with a choir, a school play, or dancing in a community fundraiser.  Melodie, too, found herself in splendid moments in performances.  Choir directors were oh so patient with us as Melodie was often that individual who played "the class clown".  I so well remember standing in the front row of the junior church choir and Melodie playing with the motions of an insect within the pages of her hymn book.  It took all my strength to

 keep composed -- I just needed to laugh out loud and oh so hard in order to stop the shaking within a silence I tried to maintain..  Trying to curtail this was testing my limits.  In this photo - (Melanie lt. and Melodie rt). was the first play we participated in beyond the limits of the school or church.  Community dance and music programs would become a part of our adult lives.  Melodie's day in her last years of school would be that of arising at 6:00 am. and practice figure skating techniques or at the gymnasium perfecting her skills on the balance beam.  Melodie's devotion to the arts was such that she returned to her university studies to up-grade her nursing status for the purpose of becoming a certified Art Therapist.  Now at a crossroads in my life, these experiences have enabled me to remain with joyful memories as well as a unique appreciation for music.  It is my belief that the comfort I receive when immerse in music was the very activity that my Dad applied in his world of stress and compromised health.

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Favourite Place #1 (15 - 24 years of age)
     Life was busy and oh so good....I am at a loss to select favourite pages in this age range so I have randomly described that which first came to mind.
     The Girl Guide Cabin was likely the most visited place is this specific age group.  The programs of that organization provided me incredible positive personal growth - both as a Girl Guide and a Land Ranger.  I have listed a sampling of activities which are a mere fraction of what opportunities 

  Melanie, Fran (twins Mother) & Melodie -

we were privileged to: narrowed down to, namely,  learning camping and survival skills and a wish to reach what was considered a grade to participate in a solo camping experience. The provision of swimming programs came to an end with my receiving a Red Cross Certified Swimming Instructor's Licence. Fundraising by the sale of Ranger handmade wreaths of natural greenery provide a nice gift for elders, and spending a weekend with others in a Guide Group elsewhere in the County opened life long friendships The adjacent photo is that of Melanie, Fran and Melodie (left) at a reception in recognition of a Gold Cord achievement(s).  Fran was a Captain of another Guide Company and was a lifetime Trefoil member)                    

Favourite Place #2 (25 - 34 years)

     My home on Vancouver Island was a place in which I worked hard to be what others would consider as being creative and very capable of outstanding cuisine.  I worked during that period however my heart was in my home.  From my home I took my artwork seriously and began collecting paintings I had completed.  I recall on one occasion in the Christmas season, I did not have a "real" Christmas Tree.  This was not acceptable so I put on the appropriate winter gear and went to find just the tree I had hoped to find - small and crowding others from growth. Alas!  I found the ideal situation and felt encouraged that those smaller trees would flourish!

     although our marriage did not survive, I still remain with some outstanding memories from my location in the community of Comox, Vancouver Island.

Favourite Place #3 (25 - 34 years)

     The North Vancouver School Board Office was a special location and has indeed been a wealth of memory.  I had worked all my career in the Hospital setting and when I had an opportunity to step out and try another industry - I did so and found great comfort in that working environment.  There was an incredible balance - it was stress without distress !!  Our coffee breaks were never to be missed as some staff members had a great way of presenting humor --- it was contagious.  Noon hours were yet something else - I participated in bridge over the lunch hour and those participating were from various departments within the building.  It was a workplace that I had never felt so wanted, appreciated, welcomed and respected. 

    
Favourite Place #4 (25 - 34 years)

     A trip to Mexico was met with an appreciation much greater than what I had anticipated.  My (then) husband and I took accommodation about one mile from the center of the town of Port Vallarta.  The first three days were a little stressed with a sense of need to be out and about in the afternoon.....we were not use to closing down and resting for the afternoon - a sesta.

     The most fond memory of that location was in the awaking in the morning and in my swim suit making my way out to the beach were vendors were actively squeezing the juice of any fruit imaginable.  With juice in had, I walked along the cool wet sands as the tide recessed.  It was such a peaceful daily even and likely my first real and mindful spiritual experience.

     Whenever possible I spent time bartering for a Mexican blanket from a friendly and cheerful Mexican merchant.  Our paths crossed each morning and so enjoyed this method of business.  I am without doubt that he was well aware that I would make the purchase and was counting the days from when I began my beach walks.  I suspect an increasing tan gave him an eye as to when I would be on that beach for the last time and before boarding an airplane.  The tale progressed as the last day of our vacation came to an end....just before returning to the hotel, I searched for the merchant and indeed he was present on the beach -- casually leaning on a tropical tree with "my" blanket in hand.  After our transaction we parted with extending a mutual thank you.

Favourite Place #5 (25-34 years)

My first job after graduation was that as Medical Information Administrator and in the form of Department Head of Health Informatics at Fredericton, New Brunswick's general hospital - Victoria Public Hospital.  In the earlier years of this life span one could find me at the curling rink in Fredericton seeking a team that needed a spare in addition to my own team's schedule. I was welcomed with open arms at this curling club and many members were from the staff of the hospital in which I was working.  On weekends, I was invited to join teams of varying ages and participate in bonspiels and doing so out of town.

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Favourite Place #1 (35 - 44 years)

Skiing was by far the greatest landmark to this spread of years.  By the age of 35, I was making great progress and time spent on the slopes became an absolute passion.  Fortunately, I had a few friends with the same devotion to the sport and joined them for night skiing on the local mountains.  The weekends were spent at Whistler Mountain where I shared a ski cabin with a few friends.  It was this activity that brought out the competitive nature and became my driver to improve and explore more and more difficult ski runs.  Unfortunately, the wear and tear on my knees became an obstacle however I was foruntate enough to have the knees surgically repaired in the early summer months and in time to be back on the slope by 1 October 2012 each year.

Favourite Place #2 (35 - 44 years)

Painting at a North Shore Art Studio in North Vancouver, British Columbia was the location where I discovered that I had some natural talent when applying paint brush to paper.

Persons associated with that studio remain friends to this day.  The welcome I received from other wanna-be artists provided  an abundance of inspiration and encouragement.  It has been a gift that I know find to be not only pleasurable but therapeutic when in need of refocusing on the moment of some physical and/or emotional struggle associated with a lifestyle not of my choice.  The art studio experience gave me reason to embrace my gift and join my Mother - four thousand miles away at a four-day intensive, outdoor painting teachings and adjudications.  The setting was in the landscape of a small fishing village (Stonehurst, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia) with quaint weathered fishing buildings and large homes that takes the view back several generations.  There was always a lobster trap for an accessory in any scene. 

    
After returning to the North Vancouver art studio, I felt I had been provided an incredible personal growth experience and gains in self-knowledge during my time spent painting in the Maritimes along side of my Mum.  That location in Nova Scotia was indeed a life-changing experience.

 Favourite place #3 (35 - 44 years)

Place:  Debert air strip with Nephew, Stephen Forrester, John Elliott and a helping hand from a young female cadet.  I sit in the passenger seat of this training glider and Stephen sits at the back and keeps busy with all the bells and whistles.  This was a grand day -- the view and sense that the world had stopped for a moment touched my heart.  After a ride whereby the toe of the glider was a truck -- a second ride with Stephen flying a small fixed-wing aircraft gave us great height -- the Bay of Fundy was absolutely fascinating and ironically it was the shores in which my friend Victor participates in his rock hound activities.                        Melanie and Stephen preparing to take of - Debert, N.S.

                                                                                                                                                                                    

That That flying experience was another life-changing event and I am oh so proud that it was Stephen that made this happen

Favourite place #4 (35 - 44 years)  Never did I ever experience such a spiritual moment as I did in the stables in which a very special horse by the name of  "Blazer".....a horse who shared such an incredible energy.  After mounting him, I chose to remain in the stable in a corner that was quiet and without motion.  I did not understand what I was experiencing however went with the forces I felt.  I did not know "Blazer's" history however knew there was something very, very special about this animal.  The competition was much too short as I could have remained with this horse long into the night -- oh to have slept in the stable in his presence.  After I did participate in the competitions, I  was very much aware of spiritual energies I had never before experienced.  The owner of "Blazer"  knew of my bond with her prize horse -- a horse who had participated in Canada's Olympic equestrian team.  The following spring another competition became open to disabled riders and Dr. Gillian Lawrence, owner of Blazer trailered him to Frederiction, New Brunswick from Amherst, Nova Scotia.  Dr. Lawrence was a courageous equestrian enthusiast by all descriptions.  One would have difficulty envisioning Dr. Lawrence - a small woman, driving a powerful truck with the horse trailer behind her.  When I saw her arrive, I remained motionless with tears of joy running down my face.  It just does not get any better than that !! 

Favourite Place #5 (35 - 44 years old)

     This photo is that of two angels who have come into my life when in a major life crisis post brain injury.  Mary and Jerry provided me a place of comfort which came from within their hearts and an unconditional belief in me. 

     I left my work site in British Columbia due to the effects of a brain injury and with hope that it would be just a matter of time to totally recover. However this was a wish not shared with medical professionals. 

     After several months of recuperation it became obvious to me that my disabilities could well be life-long and that all my limited energy had to be applied in the rehabilitation process. 

      I had attended a couple of support meetings for brain injury survivors in British Columbia and found the information to be of great service thus in my early days when I had returned to my native province of Nova Scotia, I sought the membership of a similar organization.

     The Nova Scotia Brain Injury Association was just the organization I was looking for.  At the very first meeting, I  was introduced to Mary and Jerry who provided me, and my family, with unconditional support 24/7. 

      I was not an easy person to accept limitations and in my denial found myself in massive states of confusion.  Mary's insight to brain injury was extraordinary and despite having a son who continued to struggle in his early adult years, Mary found time and love to assist myself.  In retrospect, it is beyond my imagination how she, and with Jerry's support,  found the patience and strength to ensure I would, with a great deal of work, find my maximum potential in life's routine.  After the passing of many years, I continue to look to Mary and Jerry's place for empowerment and comfort.  

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Favourite Places #1 (45 - 54 years of age)

      My first location choice is that of my home - a residence I have come to proudly reside in a supported independent lifestyle......a style and home that an Occupational Therapist remarked "few would have the endurance and devotion to maintain the demanding lifestyle of my choice. 

      Physical and cognitive limitations are my demons. There is never a period in which I am having to move forward with some ease as creating compensatory skills, on occasion overwhelm me. Memory loss is likely the most difficult to manage as it demands constant note-taking and downloading communications on my computer. Memory limitations are such that I cannot use my computer as a constant reference as I am unable to recall the keywords needed to produce the document, imagine etc.

     A day in the live of Melanie - has a picture few could imagine.  I must maintain a state of tremendous self-discipline and heightened surveillance to keep my  home a place of peace and rest.....indeed a paradox.  My residence is also that of productivity and progress regardless of my not being "out there" in person. 

Photo:  Parents of Exception ! I am so blessed to have had a childhood in which I was introduced to a great number of social and educational preferences, values and opportunities as it is these very events that supports my open and light heart.

     Despite my limitations, I have remained active in activities that were pleasurable as a child - painting, writing, fashion design, advocacy for the disabled, music appreciation and in fact a list that will keep me aware of a life with meaning.

Photo below:  Melanie - left and Lynn Wheadon, Speech-reading Instructor visiting from Alberta - - our agenda was to scout the National scene to find persons committed to the skill of speech-reading (lip reading).

     I am so delighted and proud when I can bring together a meeting in my residence (a meeting of community-minded individuals) --- when everyone is gone, I sit back and absorb all the positive energy these individuals have offered (and unlikely aware of their contribution to my self-confidence, humility and purpose).  

     Since the passing of my parents I celebrate the opportunity to sit in a chair that was inherited from my Parents --  as I sit in it (one of three) and gently rub the beautiful wood portions of the arm rests I sense the warmth and Mother's gift of comfort.  She use to sit in this lovely chair beside a huge window and read, knot, sew, plan, and do the morning crossword. 

     With the help of friends, I have been able to decorate my home so that it is not readily apparent that the set-up reflects there is a disabled person living in the home.

Photo:  working on my balcony garden -- every space in my home is carefully decorated -- this attention is carried out beyond the threshold of her balcony.

      I again return to the topic of positive energy in my home and the greatest portion is that from loved ones who have passed on.  On days in which I am sad or depressed, and with intolerable frustration due to limitations, I often call upon these individuals and ask for guidance.  My twin, Melodie, in particular,  is now my protecting angel....when feeling desperate,  Melodie will intervene and provide a sign that her energy is with me. She connects with a dear friend, who has become my rescuer so that I can move ahead.  I am so,so fortunate to have a guardian angel and the fact that she is providing comforts via friends makes her efforts so very real and felt at the level of my soul.  Photo to the right is that of my Friend and Mentor, Coleen

      Melodie does not connect with me directly when I am upset due to earthy events.   I am told by others who have spiritual connections that the individual who has passed away cannot participate in spiritual communications directly when confusion and distress prevails.  For this reason Melodie, goes through close friends to deliver me the message that she feels I am OK and supports the manner in which I am living life in an exceptional manner.  She also passes on the fact that she is there for me.

     Melodie's encouragement and messages relieves me of great grief and with an appreciation that when I have served life, we will once again share each others energy.

Photo:  From my balcony I enjoy magnificent sunsets an icon of life fulfillment and a message of a new journey ahead of me. 

Favourite Places #2 (46 - 55 years of age)

At the Board Table:  A portion of this age span was spent actively involved in charitable organizations...all of which supported organizations serving the disabled.  In my presence as a Board Member in several organizations, I had the privilege of meeting incredible humanitarians -- in fact, Mary, my friend that  I described above was actively served on organization and this commonality enhanced our friendship.  The personal growth that I experienced was beyond description.  Although I was still in the rehabilitation stages of health, the stories and experiences of those who I met through advocacy work gave me great confidence, encouragement, inspiration and oh so much more.

Favourite Places #3 (46 years - 55 years of age)

The energy in my home in this period was wonderful as such was the result of my developing a  ten-week program for the purpose of teaching the hard of hearing and deaf speech-reading (lip-reading) skills.  My personal hearing level was such that speech-reading had become my major tool of dialogue  Due to personal health issues I had to keep my teachings within my home as travel to another location would create issues of vertigo and vomiting (effects of a balance disorder and Meniere's Disease).  My teaching sessions gave me great hope that my own communication methods would improve in the setting of six students with severe hearing impairment and deaf.

     The program that I developed as lessons progressed were well received and indeed improvement of student communication was noticeable.

     In a matter of the first few lessons the students had come to be able to laugh at themselves and shared experiences, solutions, coping strategies and personal issues related to hearing issues.

     In this period, we reached a point in the lessons in which we seemed to be off the track -- it had been only weeks following the tragedy of the death of Lady Diana in Britain.  Students felt helpless and truly despondent thus lesson material was of little help.  The students themselves reached out together and asked "what could we do so we can get on with out lives"?  One bright,courageous, inspiring student suggested we writ the Queen Mother and express our sympathies.  This same student had a photo she had taken of the Queen Mother during a visit to Ottawa and it was included with our not of sympathy.

     The mood within the class was quick to return to a level in which learning and concentration were supported and classes resumed in its manner prior to the despondency.

     Several weeks later, I received a letter from Britain and with a seal of the "Clarence House".....I suspected it might be a connection with the letter we had sent the Queen Mother.  The first item on the agenda of the lesson was that of the mail from across the  pond.  Indeed,  the envelope included a note from the  . 

Favourite Places #4 (46 - 55)

In the summer of each year I found a great deal of inner strength and comfort when Mother and I would walk along a beach reminiscing about days when a child and swimming in the frigid Atlantic waters with our Father.  The beaches are oh so beautiful and little has changed their natural beauty.  Local and Provincial bodies continue to work hard to maintain these jewels on the South Shore.   .Mother had great pride to re-introduce us to the great white sands and images of interesting rock formations.  In this adjacent photo, my Mum and Dad sit with Melodie (twin), Jerry (brother) as we enjoy a picnic.  Family outings such as this were not uncommon and have left me with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Favourite Places #5 (46-55)



. This photo is of a book of family history details and stories which were found in an archival search where I had the pleasure of spending many hours scanning and searching for specifics....oh there was so, so much available at the Nova Scotia Archives - even the deed to a property in the Mahone Bay area where our ancestor began farming.  He left Germany with the promise that Nova Scotia would provide free land providing they would pay tax -- this was an effort to reduce the province's debt. The name on the image to the left is Christian Carl Falkenhayn.. our ancestor who was a recognized as a "Founding Father" of this province.  He arrived in the port of Halifax on the "Gail" and the ships passenger list contains many "old" Lunenburg surnames

The creation of this book provided me with wonderful findings and discoveries of family activities ranging from social events, at-home events, participation of family members in WWI and WWII and so much more.  My greatest surprise was the presence of the deed that gave our history validation. The material I was able to uncover translated to our ancestor to be deemed a Founding Father of Nova Scotia. His name has been etched in a monument in the heritage town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.  My Grandfather would have been so very proud of his past and significant contribution to this Province. 

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Favourite Place #1 (56 - 65)

 Photo:  Frances Evelyn Elliott 1922 - 2010:  Prior to Mother's struggle with health and aging issues,  I felt privileged to sit with her in her garden with a large pitcher of ice tea and hear Mum speak of her life's story.  She was aware that I was gathering specifics for a book I would write focusing on her life -- a book -  "Bells of Peace".

She and I would sit under a beech tree in her garden and she graciously participated in sharing her life stories which I recorded on a tape cassette. 

I felt humbled to participate in an exercise in which she shared her past as I knew little of her life prior to WWII.   She stated by speaking out about her past she she gained a sense that by telling her story, she could comfortably feel that her work in the world was done and that she could now honor her treatment and aging years. 

Favourite Place #2 (56 - 65)  I wish to introduce my dear friend Victor to you.  Victor came into my life in 2008 and despite a few bumps along the way, we have become very comfortable as we go through the weekdays in our own homes and join forces (so to speak) on the weekends.
     Victor is a Chemist by trade and now in his retirement, rock- hounding is his passion.  He scans the shores of the Bay of Fundy for agate, jasper, quartz, amethyst, and more.  After a lengthy preparation of the collected semi-precious gems he sets them in a lovely silver wire setting that he has become a very skillful task.
     When ever possible, we drive to a destination along the Bay of Fundy and enjoy the comfort of a Bed and Breakfast facility.  While Victor makes his way along the shoreline, I sit and take in the scenic landscape and become so mesmerized that I, on occasion, forgot that my intention was to capture the view ahead of me with watercolors.
     As we age, we have had to cut back on the weekend-aways however both Victor and I have enough stored materials to keep us busy with our hobbies for a lifetime.


Favourite places #3 (56 - 65 years young)
    



Photo:  Melodie (twin) and husband Geoff taking in the view from their deck lined with beautiful window boxes. (a garden - my bliss)  My critic suggested that the Clark's could possibly match my skills.   From that particular day I vowed that I could out do Geoff (the gardener) when it comes to the blooms of petunias.....to this day (several years ago, I continue to strive at least for a match but with little success.  Gardening has always given me great joy----my beginning gardening years at age ten was in keeping with the interest and assistance that our dear Grandfather provided me.  That very garden is in existence to this day.  While living in West Vancouver I had several smaller gardens and of mixed themes......one patch was reserved for tomatoes and from it I harvested 200 pounds.  I attribute that success to a neighbour who was a beekeeper.  From that experience I have a great interest in bees.......this domino effect seems to be a theme throughout my life ...namely, one experience melts into another --- thank you for all those have been an inspiration - you know who you are.

Favourite places #4 (56 - 65 years young) 

  My station at my sewing machine has provided me with many hours of comforts and especially so after designing and making 100 sundresses for little girls who find themselves in the midst of domestic violence.  These little ones would be with Mothers who have fled to a shelter for protection, shelter and food. 

I had the privilege to visit a shelter organized by the Salvation Army and my experience consumed my heart.  The little ones with Mothers were disorientated, displaced, without trust, tired, hungry and my list just grows without the blink of an eye.  Since my tour of that facility I had made a commitment to make a healthy denotation  however such was not my pleasure.  Therefore,  after much thought there was the  realization that donations need not be only momentary in nature 

In my thoughts as to what I could possibly do to help -- the little faces of the children grew with sadness.....it became obvious that my sense of need to donate would be well received if it were to enhance the lives of the children, even if it is for a moment or two.  I was motivated by the fact that every little girl needs a sense of looking "pretty" and oh how "pretty" they were.  My donation serves my soul to this day

Favourite place #5 (56 - 65 years young)

    Approximately six years ago a National Trefoil conference was held at St. Vincent's University and I had the pleasure of accompanying Mother to the event.  I had great pride with the chosen path to remain devoted to the Guiding Movement.  The support Frances and Melanie (author) were recognized during an address and presented with a lifetime membership for their efforts and advocacy they had presented over decades. I was not expecting this award however Frances managed to keep it quiet and allowed me to enjoy a wonderful, lifetime memory.  I was so incredibly surprised and proud to be accompanying my Mother in receiving a reward of this nature.....I can only hope that the moment was the powerful memory and also served Mother in her remaining years with us. 

 

"IMAGINE if there was no Heaven" - John Lennon

.......Nightingale



Fluff

What does "fluff" have anything to do with anything?  Read on:


This photo is that of an endearing journal (cover) of which my loving Friend and Mentor has provided in an act of encouragement for me to continue my writings.

The background of my first story begins with my picking up this journal from the table and for the first time I really became aware of the softness of the white woolly, fluffy embellishment on the cover.  Superimposed on the white fluffy wool was the photo of the face of a sweet little terrier.
                                                                                                                                  
When I became aware of the overall design, I was reminded of my late identical twin Melodie who found some fun with the word "fluff".

 I am sure this exercise has been one in which she (Melodie) has guided my  generous and dear mentor in her giving me this journal to fill and do so with a light heart.

I fully expect that Melodie knew that I would, at some point, connect with the comforts she (Melodie) gathered over the years with the use of this word "fluff" and the unusual comforts that were acknowledged.  Her comforts were bi fold - in her very young years she had a piece of lamb's wool that she carried with her at all times and even into her early adult years.  I can recall seeing it in her snow boots, under her pillow, in her undershirt, under a hat, in a pair of mittens -- no bounds.  I am not sure what the significance was however the practice of needing her "fluffy"  began as a younger child would identify with a blanket.  I recall she and I discussing where she would put it under her wedding dress!!!  She apparently had it with her on the night of her accident (spinal cord injury - MVA)  We will never know her thoughts on the topic of her "fluff" as she has passed on and her perception of the "fluff" will remain unknown.   I should point out that the original piece of "fluff" was replaced on a few occasions -- Mother would come to the rescue and manage to find a suitable substitute.

Moving On:  In the second portion of this blog and on the subject of "fluff", Melodie came to realize that whenever the word "fart" was used, the individual saying it entertained the immediate audience.  Upon Melodie recognizing that "fart" would not be tolerated,  she could slide under the radar with the word "fluff".  This substitution added yet another scope to "fluff" ----one of entertainment among her siblings and friends.

Melodie was one of those individuals who, through a simple gesture or word, could cause a person to laugh so hard they would shake.  I happened to be one of her test cases --- at about the age of 10 years,  I recall walking home from a Sunday School play rehearsal, through a vacant lot, only to find myself sitting in a snow bank peeing my pants.  On that occasion Melodie introduced her new meaning to the word "fluff" and did so in a short rhyme.  Fortunately we were taking a shortcut home so I was spared public humiliation.  The more I laughed the more she entertained and I was never so glad to reach the door of our home...a momentary sanctuary as I had some explaining to do as my pants remained wet..

From that moment on, through to her life-passing, I was never safe from her witty ways.  I am sure her energy was seeking a moment of good cheer and through her means and connection with my mentor managed to entice me to write on this subject.....thus the subtle reminder by my sensing the fluffy portion of the cover of the new journal given to me by my dear friend who I fully expect has subconsciously connected with prior to this specific event..

Melodie would unexpectedly turn this to comedy / entertainment and often

 at the most delicate situations such as being present at
 an adult church tea.  We sat at a table of four and I
 found myself holding my breath on occasion as the
 remaining two seats would be that of "community".
  Our Mother and Grandmother would be dressed up
 and serving those at the tables.  We were often
 carefully watched by those in attendance as Mother
 put a great deal of effort designing and sewing our lovely
 dresses for the occasion...similar public events were
 often a showcase of Mother's talents.

On one occasion and  in keeping with the fact that there were two adults sitting at our table who didn't speak a word and sat in silence.  Melodie was uncomfortable with the lack of life at the table and therefore set up to change that and out loud said directly to me, "Mrs. so n so had a fluff"  I could barely manage to keep my composure and not make a fool of myself. Then there was the occasion on our school graduation....we stood in line on the stairs to a stage where a noted community individual would hand out a diploma and congratulate each student as they presented in alphabetical order.  As my name proceeded "Melodie", I was the first to go up and as I began, to present myself at center stage, I heard from the sidelines "don't fluff".  I must have appeared as the most excited student ever to grace that stage.

This method of changing the moment always came as a tremendous surprise and with the need to control my laughter.  To this day, when I see and/or touch something fluffy such as on the cover of the journal I mention is met with a giggle.

Thank you for your cheer, Melodie, and I am delighted you have found a Friend through my Mentor.

.....Nightingale

A Family Affair: Inherited Diseases

Photo:  A family picnic (prior to the birth of younger sister, Debra):  Father - Norman, Mother - Frances, twins Melanie and Melodie and brother Gerald:  photo 1950 (?)
(please excuse errors in spelling and grammar as the author is visually compromized)

During a recent family and friend gathering, I took time out to have a chat with my brother, Gerald (brother) who is approx. 11 months older than myself now 65 years young (and late twin).  An individual within the group  asked why does the surname "Elliott" come to the front anytime the issue of disability comes up?

I pondered a moment, and tried to explain (with my brother's help) that through adversity we have had opportunities to deal with tradgy beyond that of most families.  The friend asking the question seemed content with that response however when the friend was out of hearing range, Gerald (Gerry) and I remained engaged in the subject.

Gerry is a very private individual and speaks little of barriers that come with personal adversity.  On that particular occasion, howeve,r he broke his silence and openly described "a day in the life of Gerry".  He has silently struggled with Tourette's Disease and more recently symptoms of Becker's Muscular Dystrophy.  Gilbert's Disease (liver disease) also has presented itself.  Further into the conversation we recognized that we had not exchanged notes regarding family genetic-related disorders.  The information that came forth was astounding to both of us.

tragedy
Gerald's genetic defects points out that he has:
- Tourette's Disease - Grandson is now struggling with difficulties within the Autistic Spectrum
      (these two diseases are classified within the same category).
- Becker's Muscular Dystrophy and in five short years is wheelchair dependent,
- Gilbert's Disease, and
- Myopia (present in all family members)

Melodie and myself (Melanie) added a few to the pool as well:
- Osteoporosis
- Von Willibrand's Disease (blood clotting disorder)
- Heart Disease
- Aplastic Anemia
- Neurosensory hearing impairment
- Hyperextension of joints
(Melodie passed away six years ago from heart failure.  Melanie remains wheelchair dependent and with cognitive deficits from a non-inherited disease, namely an accidental exposure to an aerial sprayed chemical on a corn crop - this incident has left her with on-going neurological limitations including reduced blood flow within the brain)

- Dwarfism - experienced by an Aunt (sister to Father) has not resurfaced in my (Melanie's) generation and we can only pray that it will not appear in future generations.

Ironically, our younger sister, by eight years, has excaped all of the above.  One would wonder what was in the environment in the two-year span that caused multiple faulty genetic outcomes to rise to the top  (namely, in the two-year period in which Gerald, Melanie and Melodie were conceived).

Also, it is an auspicious coincidence that out of four siblings only a male sibling managed to give life to three exceptional children.  When I consider the more current picture (Gerald's children) - one son has Tourette's Disease and from my research,  the genetic component goes back on my Father's side.  Gerry's oldest Grandson now struggles with a neurological disorder within the Autistic Spectrum..... a disease that is included in the same category as Torette's Diseae.  The Von Willibrand's Disease was discovered in the late 1970's and has been the most distructive -- Melodie having been permanent paralysed due to the characteristics of this disease at the time of a fracture of her spine at the level of her neck.  Grandfather, Forrester Faulkenham, Mother - Frances, Melanie, Melodie and Heather (daughter of Gerald) have experienced intense hemorrhages from this disease.

a generation of Elliott siblings - Melanie,  Debra - back, Gerald, Melodie - front

The Elliott household approx. 1966:  Gerald, Mother - Frances and Father, Norman

, Debra, Melodie, Melanie

Gerald Elliott's immediate Family

 As a Health Information Manager, I have a  personal interest in the genetic history of my family.  Considering my own family's tragedies I have gained an interest in genealogy only to find that there are inter-marriages in my background.  This (and likely other influences) would account to the abundance of inherited disease that is of my family history.  

 I suspect these inter-marriages, in part, were due to the assumption that as a Faulkenham (Mother's maiden name) by a different spelling...would give reason for two indiviuduals not to be concerned that an inter-marriage would be a subject of contracversy.,  There are 28 different spellings of Faulkenham and my search spells out that all are ancestors with varied spelling of the same Christian Carl Falckenheyn, a "Founding Father" of  Nova Scotia in 1752.

It is my wish that Health Information Managers will support the need of identifying and disclosing inherited disease particularly when a "family tree" is constructed and registered in an archival setting -- "Information is powerlful" 

....Nightingale



Outside the Box: Health Information Administrators

ROLE ALTERNATIVES OF HEALTH  INFORMATION      ADMINISTRATORS

(please excuse spelling and/or grammar errors - author is visually compromized)

Role possibilities of a Health Information Administrator (HIA) presents a lengthy list requiring active hands-on experience and observations. A Health Information Administrator, with a particular interest in teaching methods of quality control or of other subjects, can reach out to the educational programs that promote skills of a chosen parameter.  The scope and range of topics are significant.  Additionally, the Health Information Administrator can provide learning experiences in the course of a private business (i.e. consultant) or that of an individual employed in a cooperate setting, example:   

A  Health Information Administrator can work in a Partnership with:

- an Altruist. The presentation of essential information from a Health Information Administrator (HIA) is a required tool for estimating life experiences, longevity and predictions,

- an Epidemiologist.  Example: an Epidemiologist may be required to set out to identify the causative factors and location of a population of children who were increasingly experiencing gastrointestinal  symptoms....an HIA, on the team, was able to track down an anomaly in her statical base (a disease indices) and through that foundation, locations were identified to be that of a small and specific community of young children from 2 to 4 years of age.  From commonalities in a disease indices it came to the attention of health officials that the very location was a specific daycare center. Further investigation lead the team to a contaminant in a locate water supply. 

- the Department of Veteran Affairs Canada, in keeping with Veteran's Affairs Canada's with their commitment to identify and support independent living among their population,

- the private sector.  A Health Information Administrators, working as a private consultants, have many hats and are worthy of the inclusion of a fee schedule for services (as described below),

- a community health service.  A HIA team player in a private medical clinic is one of many examples...i.e. a medical clinic's policies and procedures would require frequent review, auditing and recommendations for appropriate change,

- a proposal writer to support the necessity of new and/or sophisticated medical-related equipment,

-  a program of wellness-retreat weekends - incl yoga, dance, music, nutrition, recreation and art but just a few venues

 

- a consultant service in terms of electronic filing systems and information retention

 

- a service provider for the purpose of the creation of a life plan for an individual who seeks supported independent living...a lifestyle that is effective, achievable and valued. 

- the service of providing assistance to an individual who wishes to create an Advance Health Care Directive in combination with a Living Will,

- a consultant presenting the numbers that are required to forecast our health needs for the future

- your community and province for the purpose of creating, managing, directing a business of "navigators for care".

- others who are speaking to youth on career option,

- those supporting an individual who wishes to be an altruistic kidney (or other organ) A thorough and specific profile is essential and the ability of a Health Information Administrator to locate data through scanning charts and utilizing disease indices.  This can be achieved through a history, disease indices etc.,

- others supporting an individual seeking a donor organ,

- transplant teams who are required to maintain up-to-date records of individuals on a donor wait-list

- Emergency Department Administrators by providing assistance in an exercise to provide a flag system that has identified the need to quickly identify populations of patients who are living within the community and are at risk, example those who are deaf, with a bleeding disorder, a history of seizure activity etc.

- a team of medical professionals who are working together, in a community of a struggling 3rd world country.  Their purpose is often to gather information with respect to a particular disease and recommend an empowering, appropriate community self- healing/supportive program

- the administration of a Federal and/or Provincial correction institutions. The purpose would be to maintain an accessible medical record secure filing and accessible system.

- sport organizations by managing medical reports and statistics of coded injuries (including ICD-10 coding) and individual medical specifics of athletes.  A system of progress notes would be a component to this work responsibility

Nightingale