The world held its breath while details of the source of a missile landing in Poland were sorted. After a sort of international calm was restored, I couldn’t shake the image of a tractor upturned in a crater on a Polish farm. Two men rode out to the field to work, and a missile landed on them ending their lives.

Last week we paused to silently remember those killed in the line of duty during past wars beginning with the war “to end all wars” that ended in November 1919. Sadly we now remember thousands who have died since that First War. It started out as Armistice Day celebrating the end of the war and has become Remembrance Day with a wider purpose.

The pirate bent over and picked up the chocolate treat and placed it in the ghost’s bag. It was a quick moment of intuitive grace that has stayed with me since the kids came to the door trick or treating last Monday evening. We had kids from babes in arms to Grade 9 girls arrive at the porch, laughing and holding out their goody bags for treats.

On a recent Zoom call with one of our decades-long circles of friendship, the conversation turned to some needs each of us had to share with the group. Many were serious, including the imminent death of the spouse of one of our friends. Almost apologetic for taking up our time, he shared his story with wisdom and authenticity. His invitation to us to share his burden was a real gift to us all.

Being a political/news junkie for most of my life, I have tried over the last year or two to reduce my consumption. I want to be informed about the important things that are hurting and helping our world but there is so much that it becomes overwhelming.