Editorial: Groundhog Day - A day of expectancy and reflection

This past week was Groundhog Day, a day to look forward with expectancy and hope. By the way, Wiarton Willie has predicted only two more weeks of winter. 

It is also a day to gather warm memories and anticipate many more to come.

Sunshine... on my shoulders makes me happy.

Sunshine... in my eyes can make me cry.

Sunshine... on the water looks so lovely.

Sunshine... almost always makes me high.

Many of our readers will remember these words, sung by John Denver, in the song aptly named 'Sunshine.' I remember listening to his albums growing up and soaking in the imagery of the eagle flying and the rocky cathedral mountains. It brings back memories I have of watching the red-tailed hawks soar over the “big hill.” A local name, in Greenbank, given to a glacier drumland which rose on the southwest corner of the village.

His songs of country roads taking us home, like the ones we travelled, listening to the rumble of the gravel spitting off the bottom of our truck as we rolled over it, the dust fling up behind us, were very relatable. Yet he lived in a country to the south among a different group of people. Memories of family and comfort, like in the song, “Grandma's feather bed,” ring home. Maybe our grandma didn't have a bed that big, for all of us to sleep in as kids, but I do remember warm cookies, bunk beds, sleeping bags and couch cushions, ensuring all of us cousins could share a sleepover (or giggle over) when visiting her. What a wonderful lady, was Grandma Green! Now I see how much energy it must have taken, and yet she only took us to task a handful of times. It was similar with other extended family visits, but those with grandma stand out in particular.

Yep, those were “Sunshiney Days,” from the ages of five to fifteen. I don't know if there are other youngsters out there experiencing the peaceful grandeur and wildness of creation, family sleepovers with cousins, giggles and unlimited (as it seemed) homemade cookies. If so I'd like to invite you to offer some good memories for our readers to enjoy. There are many who have no family left and would truly delight in reading about the good warm and wondrous things happening in your neck of the woods. From any fond moments you are carrying with you as a treasure in your heart. I know this is kinda private, most of the time, but I find when we share nice things with others it reminds them of those kind of things in their own lives. Lots of times they have been struggling through there days and haven't thought of the good things in a long time. This could really bring back their own fond memories and lift their spirits. Just knowing family is functioning alive and well is a wonderful thing to dwell upon.

Editor's note: Please send your fond memories to office@thestandardnewspaper.ca and place “fond memories” in the subject line.