Thoughts Along the Path . . .

DATELINE: 01 July 4:45 p.m. I had been in the garden despite the hot, sticky weather, but it was time to go inside, take a shower, have a snack, and prepare to go to the Canada Day celebrations. John and I planned to walk there, carrying our folding chairs, water bottles, sunscreen, and other supplies. We would join some friends for the music, food trucks, and eventually the fireworks. Wow, what fun!

UPDATE: And suddenly, even before I made it to the shower, the sky darkened, the wind grew strong, thunder and lightning rolled in, and heavy rain began to fall. Hydro and internet shut down. Well, I think you know the rest.

We were disappointed, were you? Were any of us surprised? Maybe so, maybe not. Weather will do what it does, whether we are ready for it or not.

I still took a shower, though our on-demand water heater delivered only cold water. We still had supper, though cold sandwiches and veggies from our fridge rather than something special from a food truck. When the weather cleared, we went for a walk in the neighbourhood and noticed signs of the storm, though fortunately just branches, not large trees. Back at home we read our books, using flashlights when needed. In the background we could hear fireworks set off by neighbours not letting the cancelled celebrations and the weather get in the way of their fun.

My own disappointment was minor, with nothing lost other than a few hours of amusement. That was not true for everyone though. I thought about the vendors, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers caught in the storm - and about the property damage, preparations without results, business lost and possibly not recovered, and family and friends gathered for what was meant to be a memorable evening. Perhaps most importantly, I thought about cleanup crews hard at work long into the night and the following day, too.

John Lennon popularized the words “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” This idea pretty much sums up our Canada Day celebration. Despite careful planning, the weather blew it away - literally and figuratively. Poet and writer Carl Sandburg offered this advice: “Life is a series of surprises and would not be worth taking or keeping if it were not.” Perhaps this is why a surprise now is likely to become a story later.

For yet another perspective, I often remind myself of these words from the Baha’i writings: “Be happy! Be happy! Be full of joy.” When troubles and disappointments - whether large or small – visit us, rather than being sad or frustrated, I can be flexible and thankful for the joys in my life.

The Township will eventually announce a date to try again. Weather will always be a risk factor, even if momentum or interest might be reduced. Some vendors and exhibitors may not be available, or fewer people may attend. Of course, the reverse could be true – with great enthusiasm for the second try. In either case, we have so much in our community and our lives to celebrate. With or without fireworks.

==========================

Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer July 2026