“I carried my paddle like a security blanket when I was staying in the hospital.” Valerie reminisced.
#Radiation island canoe full#
As we stood in the Canoe Museum Valerie mentioned her cancer diagnosis and that she had spent nearly a full year under strict medical care. Cancer JourneyĬrossing oceans and rivers wasn’t Valerie’s only challenge. “Joe’s Garden” stands in front of the “Bread and Water Cafe.” He enjoyed gardening and could easily identify insects and plants alike. The last ten years of Joe’s life he suffered from dementia. Over their years together they also hosted eight foreign exchange students. Together they adopted their six foster children. He studied ground water contamination and championed at-risk residents. Joe was a true environmentalist and cared for others. In 1994 Valerie married Joseph Lee Ervin. That’s something they wouldn’t have had.” Chuck shared about his experience as an adopted child and added, “You did so much for your kids and gave them a solid start in life!” I have to admit that our eyes had dampened. You provided a secure environment for them. I interjected, “But, you gave them touch stones. They didn’t have anything.” Her children’s lack of connection to their heritage curdled her soul.
“They had nothing.” With a deep sigh she added, “You see, I have touch stones here on the island. I couldn’t just let them go.” Valerie bent her head downward. We had made a family in the time we had them. Later when the courts declared their parents were unfit, we had to adopt them. They had been ripped from their family, everything they had ever known. Valerie clarified, “Oh these poor darlings came to me with nothing. Chuck chimed in, “As an adopted kid, I thank you.” She pulled out a chair from a nearby table. “We integrated the island!” Valerie stated with pride. “We heard that you’d adopted six children!” I nodded my amazed approval at the feat of raising six kids. “My grandfather lived on the island and my father was born here.” Valerie Sat Down and Joined UsĪfter Valerie set our drinks on the table I asked, “Have you lived here all your life?” Valerie’s eyes revealed a smile under mask. Valerie praised the couple, their ingenuity, generosity and their farm, Willow Pond. “As I do of them!” She shared about the horses she’d gotten through Craig and Cindy. “I haven’t seen them in so long.” “Well,” I inserted, “They think highly of you!” Valerie’s eyes sparkled.
“Oh, Craig and Cindy!” Valerie beamed from under her mask. “Cindy and Craig suggested we meet you.” Chuck offered our connection. “We sang, ‘Let’s Go Fly A Kite!’ We need to sing that together before you go!” “We were just here having a prayer meeting and broke out into song.” She glanced skyward, “Oh, what was it,” she thought aloud, “Yes!” She startled. Valerie’s eyes caught a light from the inside.
It’s so nice to meet you.” “Ooooh!” Valerie’s voice was like a soft, spring rain, “Poppins, like Mary Poppins?” I nodded. When Valerie returned with our drinks Chuck introduced us. It’s a lot of work! “Chuck, remember the time you had to tow me when we kayaked the Grand River?” He smiled at the memory. “Shoot,” I commented shaking my head, “I get tired from riding in a motorboat for a day where I’m not even paddling.” I have actually paddled only a few times. “You’d never guess that this sweet older lady had completed such a feat!” I was in awe of her and how our bodies change over time. When Valerie went to the back to retrieve our beverages, I whispered to Chuck, “Cindy said Valerie paddled in a canoe from the Arctic to the Cape Horn?” Chuck nodded. She was THE well-loved, infamous Valerie. This unassuming, older woman shuffled over to take our drink order. The Bread and Water Cafe was an eclectic collection that gave me the feeling of coming home.
0 kommentar(er)
