Posted on October 9, 2017 under Monday Morning Musings with 2 comments

 

Be Thankful.

… If you woke up this morning and were able to walk to the kitchen.

… For sunrises and sunsets.

… For the laughter of grandchildren.

… For the healing power of medicine and prayer.

… For clean running water and clean air.

…  For food and shelter.

… For the changing seasons.

… For the sound of beautiful music.

… For the smell of flowers.

… For eyesight to see the wonders of nature.

… For the privilege of living in a country not beset by war.

… For world class healthcare

… For family and friends.

… Add your own reason for being thankful.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

Posted on October 5, 2017 under Faces in the Crowd with 3 comments

 

“ Life is complicated enough. Keep things as simple as possible.”

Meet Emerson Dunphy.

Emerson was born in Ingonish in 1922 and at the age of 6 months, the family moved to North Sydney. His grandfather was a boat builder and his dad was a fish plant owner and trader, plying the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sailing to and from the West Indies trading goods from Canada. His mother was a school teacher.

When he was six months old, the family moved to North Sydney. He and his 3 siblings spent many happy hours skating on the harbor and nearby lakes in the winter time. Emerson attended Sydney Academy and decided to take a year off after completing grade twelve as he wasn’t certain of his future plans. Part of the year was spent on a merchant ship. Sailing became a passion at an early age.

He attended St.F.X University graduating Magna Cum Laude and was awarded the Governor General’s medal. He had thoughts about being a lawyer but after a brief stint in a dark law office after graduation, he decided against this profession.

He was anxious to serve his country and during WW11, he joined the Air Force. He moved around Canada getting the required training and received his wings in Claresholm, Alberta. By the time he completed his training, the war was drawing to a close. On one fateful train trip from Eastern Canada to flying school in Regina, Emerson and two air force buddies discussed career plans after the war. They all decided to pursue medicine.

In 1945, he was back at “X” for two years of pre-med where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received his medical training at McGill and accepted an Internship in Bridgeport, Conneticut. In 1950, he met a beautiful young woman by the name of Margaret Campbell at St. Mary’s hospital in Montreal. She was studying to become a nurse. They were married in 1952. Their two eldest children were born in the United States. Emerson continued his studies in general surgery and urology.

He received word from a colleague that St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish was in desperate need of a second surgeon. At the urging of Dr. Tom Gorman, Emerson came back to Nova Scotia and was thrust immediately into an incredibly busy practice. He and Tom were responsible for 50 surgery beds. The work load was very demanding. Emerson admits that he would do it all over again. He was especially fond of the “ old St. Martha’s “ where there was a great deal of camaraderie amongst all the doctors, nurses and the  staff.

Over a career that spanned 34 years, Emerson saw many notable changes. “ The establishment of a burn unit in Halifax and the introduction of laparoscopic surgery were two major changes during my years of practice.”

Religion has always been a cornerstone of Emerson’s life. Like many Catholic families of that generation, saying the rosary after supper was the norm. From time to time , when the schedule allowed, he would duck into the chapel at the hospital for mass. These days he attends mass on a daily basis. He routinely gets up at 5:00 a.m., something that he has done most of his life.

Besides exercising regularly at home, he plays bridge twice a week and the cribbage board is always on the dining room table for a friendly game with family and friends. He also loves doing crossword puzzles. All of these things have kept his mind active and provided him with company and laughter.

So, what is his secret to longevity? “ I didn’t let stress get the better of me. I have always exercised and was well fed by Margie! And I have had a happy life. I think that being happy helps keep a person healthy. I have also benefited from advances in modern medicine. I have had many operations and have scars from head to toe to prove it! “

He also believes that his faith has given him a solid foundation to meet the challenges which life inevitably throws at all of us.

The death of his beloved Margie and son, Michael were hard on Emerson.

Regarding the state of the world, he feels that improved communication might be the only hope in finding harmony. “ World leaders need to meet face to face and discuss their problems and differences.

This gentleman, with a hint of his Irish ancestry twinkling in his eyes, is blessed with 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

He would probably concur that family and good friends are the best medicine.

Posted on October 2, 2017 under Monday Morning Musings with 2 comments

An X – cellent weekend

 

After a week when the province set record warm temperatures, Fall crept through the back door on the weekend. Cool days and cooler nights have taken their rightful place center stage. Turtleneck shirts, jackets and even gloves have made an appearance. Slippers have been resurrected and sweaters are back in vogue.

Speaking of sweaters. Hanging out with old friends is akin to slipping on that old cardigan sweater t. It’s warm, comfortable and easily recognizable. The moment you slip it on in the Fall, it feels right and evokes many fond memories.

Homecoming 2017 at my alma mater, ST.F.X, wrapped up yesterday. There was a time when I didn’t care much for reunions but age has a way of making a person aware that friendships from any stage in one’s life, are very important and cherished. Even though it wasn’t a special year for me ( next year will be my 45^th ), I attended some events. Surprisingly , I have a much stronger affinity for the Class of 1982 than I do for my own of 1973.

I spent a couple of years in the employ of St.F.X  in the early 80’s where I came in contact with a group of exceptional people. I’m still not sure how it happened, but I ended up singing in the Chapel choir and there met some wonderful folks who became lifelong friends. Part of this Homecoming was a reunion of that choir and we spent a wonderful afternoon last Thursday reminiscing and singing. We also had a specific purpose for getting together; to launch the Raylene Rankin Endowment Fund. Yes. That Raylene. She was one of the several spectacular female voices in that choir.

I became very good friends with Raylene and for a while, I sang in a trio with her, myself and Conrad Edwards. When the Rankin Family made it big, I often joked with Raylene that she got her big break singing with Byrne Abbey!

A donation to the fund created to honor Raylene will assist the music ministry at the university chapel. If you would like to make a donation, please follow this link: https://secureca.imodules.com/s/650/standard.aspx?sid=650&gid=1&pgid=814&cid=1908

I had some wonderful chats and even had a chance to take some X friends to Peace by Chocolate to meet Tareq Hadhad. Tareq certainly has “ star power” with all the exposure he has received since coming to Canada. He is such a likeable, humble guy and he is so accommodating to the endless requests he receives on a daily basis.

To my friends from the Class of ’82, I say: “ Will ye no come back again?”

The only part of the weekend that was distressing ( besides the heart breaking last minute loss by the football team ) was the partying in evidence by young students. Full disclosure. I was one of those students many moons ago but our celebrations were mild in comparison to what we witnessed on the weekend. Neighborhood parties in the town have become all the rage in recent years and Homecoming weekend is the big one. In our neighborhood, the partying started early in the morning. By noon, hundreds and hundreds of extremely intoxicated students were staggering around ( many of them in the middle of town streets, unaware of vehicles )  and the noise level was off the charts. This scene was being played out in several places throughout the town.  The sound of ambulance sirens became all too familiar as the day wore on. I can only imagine what it must have been like at Outpatients. I was told by security officers at the university that part of the problem is that many of the students flooding the town, are not from  St.F.X . Apparently, Homecoming at X is an excuse for people far and wide to come here and drink themselves into oblivion. Hopefully, it will not take a death before community and university officials find a way to curb this insanity.

I note the passing of my good friend, Chuck Curry. I knew Chuck for over 50 years. He was living proof that one person can make a difference. I was so blessed to spend an hour and a half reminiscing with him shortly before he passed away last week. Even facing adversity, his well known wit was on full display. Chuck was one of the good guys.

Cherish  your friends. It’s a short ride.

Have a great week.

P.S.  While he’s not a personal old friend, he sure makes you feel that way… just like an old pair of slippers.  Valdy put on a show yesterday in St.Andrew’s that was filled with warmth and wit . He is a joyous troubadour and an extraordinary story teller.