Veterans Day - Poppy - No frills disappoints

Well, I did go. It was the first time I attended since I retired, with lots of drama. First as I drove to the cemetary I spotted a woman, I had seen chasing a Coyote a few days earlier. She was trying to film the poor beast, while he was trying to get away from her. I was concerned because the woman showed no respect for the animal as she was filming him and I was concerned that she was going to corner him. This time the woman was searching for him without success. It is no wonder that they are starting to attack. They have less land to feel safe in. A man saw my plates and asked me where I wanted to go and began removing the safety pods so I could drive through. What a guy! There was no way I would have been able to walk the distance that was cordoned off. I drove to the steps and parked where film crew and others were given priority. I managed the steps with one of my crutches and I was so glad I carried it with me. I found a beautiful tree and made it my resting place. I was asked a lot of questions and I wasn't expecting so much. One of the cemetery staff asked me if I wanted a chair and I accepted, thus losing my spot at the grand tree. During the service, an elderly woman fell onto the ground. Initially, I thought she had died, her eyes were wide open and still. She was with someone who was helping her and calling 911. For some reason, I called out that we needed a medic. For some reason two medics reacted but their equipment was in their vehicle. It is comical really because we all reacted as if we were still in the military. Why would I call for a medic? Fortunately, EMS were at the parade as well, so they responded immediately. Paramedics arrived and they all brought her back to life and of course I gave her my chair. What a woman! I would have gone to the hospital if I were her, just to be safe. However, she wanted to remain for the entire parade. I couldn't understand why there were not chairs for more people, especially the elderly who need to be there for reasons they alone have. I saw the VIP civilians come in their glory as well as the politicians, perhaps one and the same. One woman was insisting I have another chair and I insisted that she stop. OMG. After the service, I hobbled over to the coffee which I was really looking forward to. There I was approached by an MP who spoke of his ambitions. I marvelled at this new generation of hopefuls. I did tell him to be careful what he wished for (because I have seen so many lively and wonderful people going to war zones and returning different. I wanted more for this young striking man who has his entire life ahead of him.) After some discussion with him, I went to the cenotaph to compliment the young cadet who was so perfect in her role; and so much better than myself when I had to do that, which I shared with her. She informed me she wasn't a cadet, she was regular force. Boy, how long has it been? Then I was approached once again by a civilian woman wanting to know where I had been. I told her Europe, the Middle East and Canada, as I continued to go to the safety of my car. I hobbled down the steps and helped my leg into the car. I decided this would be my last parade. I went off to have breakfast with legion members and while they were going off to another parade, I decided to go home and then return. I did and spent most of the day at the legion where I heard the stories about the poppies. I had to admit I was so much in awe of these volunteers who give so much of their time for the causes of veterans. They have welcomed me so warmly and earnestly. Then the stories came. I shall call her Alaine, not her real name (I hope. I am bad with names). Her parents were both World War vets from England. They immigrated here and at the time, citizenship was automatic with Canada. I didn't know that had changed and wondered why so many things have to change and not always for the best. Look at us now. It appears with no surprise that her parents had suffered, due to the war. She later told me that "No Frills" at Black Creek and Eglinton had refused her to have poppies on the premises. She said she was so upset that she had to take a break before going to the next place and had to have a coffee to calm down. I felt really bad for her because I saw her pain. I don't go shopping there and Fortino's my grocery store has a poppy box at customer service. I always make a mental note of where they are because I keep losing mine. Then I heard from another member who had served, whom spoke of one man who gave him one hundred dollars and wanted only one poppy at the Eaton Centre two years ago. It was evident that he had appreciated the gesture. Then he talked about how wonderful the children are and that of course, gives me hope. I was given a Military Service Recognition book, Volume X1, and he wanted me to look at the pictures at the back of the book that children had drawn. The work is stunning. These children are so deep and their drawings are so amazing. What gifted children. He gave me a pen of a palace guard, hat and quilt - so cute. I have tried to go to England three times while I served and never did make it. Was it time? My hairdresser also went and I have been suppied with cookies and tea bags from the West Minister Palace since his return. I was also provided with an Afghanistan,

Lest We Forget pin (2001-2014). It rests against the following words, " Once again Canada was called upon to send our Canadian Armed Forces into battle. More than 40,000 soldiers served in Afghanistan. 2,179 soldiers were wounded. 158 soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and thousands more will need assistance for years to come."