EDITORIAL | Saying Goodbye to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo

Like many of you, I did not know Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Yet somehow, given the horrific manner in which Cirillo was killed the morning of  Oct. 22^nd and the information that has been shared about his life since that time, I can’t help but feel like I have lost a friend.

This sudden closeness comes after seeing so many photos of Nathan Cirillo, a happy, fit, handsome young man, who was proudly serving his country. There’s been photos of him with his 5 year old son, Marcus, and a slew of others showing Cirillo with his dogs...dogs that were rescued and to whom Nathan gave a home.

Many who knew Nathan personally have spoken about his love of life and infectious smile, something quite evident in the photos that now circulate across the globe, thanks to online interest and social media.

Nathan Cirillo’s tragic death was only a part of the insanity that took over our nation’s capital that day and sadly, the second senseless killing of a soldier that week.  Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, 53, was deliberately struck and killed by a vehicle in Quebec two days prior to the rampage on the War Memorial and Parliament building in Ottawa.

With all due respect to the soldiers and officers who passed away before him, there’s something about Cpl. Nathan Cirillo’s death that sets him apart from the rest. His murder has struck a nerve, tugged at our hearts and brought terror and sorrow very close to home.  

When I see the pix of Nathan and his husky dog, I’m reminded of my pal Rich and his huskies. When I see him with his son, I think of friends like Neil, Rodney and Tim and their young children. When I see Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in his uniform, I’m reminded of those I’ve met who also serve our country in this brave and admirable manner.  

I may not have known Cirillo personally, but because of his similarities to those around me, it feels like I did and it is hard to grasp that his life has suddenly ended, due to the actions of a very messed up individual.

Some have said we can’t call Cirillo’s killer a “real terrorist”, because he a Canadian who acted alone and was not linked to any terrorist groups. I think this incident was more terrifying because it happened here, not the other side of the planet or in the U.S.

It took place at a sacred location, a place we have devoted to honour the brave men and women who fight for our freedom.  A place of peace which is visited by millions, now forever tarnished by a vicious, unthinkable act. An act that took the life of a 24 year old soldier, father, son and friend.

The loss I am feeling is not unique. All I need to do is look at the reactions of my fellow Canadians, whose sadness and disbelief mirrors my own. The tributes. The condolences from near and far. The rows of people who lined the streets when Cirillo was brought home via the Highway of Heroes and then again for his funeral on Oct. 28^th. They too share my sadness and disbelief.

Seeing Nathan’s 5 year old son Marcus, dressed in his dad’s hockey jersey – sleeves hanging to the ice - as he dropped the puck at a local hockey game, brought me to tears. Nathan referred to him as “The best son a father could ask for” in a photo originally posted to facebook, which has “gone viral”. He’s just a little kid, too young to really grasp the magnitude of what has happened. 

History will chronicle the horrific events of Oct. 22, 2014, the day Cpl. Nathan Cirillo became a household name - a fallen soldier and friend, forever etched in our minds and in our hearts.

Rest in peace Nathan and know that we will never forget you and the way your passing brought us together like never before.

Related Links:

READ ABOUT THE STRANGERS WHO TRIED TO SAVE NATHAN'S LIFE ON OCT. 22 -CLICK HERE

REMEMBERING CPL. NATHAN CIRILLO THROUGH PHOTOS  -CLICK HERE 

HOW CANADA HAS BEEN FOREVER CHANGED -CLICK HERE

MACLEAN'S REMEMBERS CPL. NATHAN CIRILLO

NEWS | The Story of the Strangers who Tried to Save Cpl. Nathan Cirillo

Barbara Winters, Margaret Lerhe and others bonded together to help Nathan Cirillo in his final moments at Ottawa’s War Memorial

 by Laura Eggertson, The Canadian Press

CPL. CIRILLO POSES WITH VISITOR -A FEW DAYS LATER HE IS SHOT DEAD AT THE SAME SPOT

 
OTTAWA — Lawyer Barbara Winters was headed to a meeting Wednesday near her office at the Canada Revenue Agency when she passed the National War Memorial, stopping to snap a few pictures of the two honour guards standing soberly at attention.

Moments later, after passing by a Canada Post office at the corner of Elgin and Sparks streets, she heard four shots. For Winters, a former member of the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve, the sounds were unmistakable.

NEWS | Fallen Soldier Remembered in Photos

Courtesy: Halifax's The Chronicle Herald by cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon

Dogs peek out from under a gate at the Cirillo family home in Hamilton, Ontario near flowers and flags that have been left on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014. (Peter Power / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/nathan-cirillo-s-dogs-patiently-wait-for-his-return-1.2069113#ixzz3H6cxETU3

A man places flowers in memory of soldier Nathan Cirillo outside the gates of the John Weir Foote Armoury, the home of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada in Hamilton, Ont., Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Cirillo, a reservist from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, was killed in Ottawa while standing guard before the National War Memorial. (Aaron Lynett/The Canadian Press)

why?

EDITORIAL | Forever Changed

WRITTEN WED. OCT. 22 @ 2 PM

This photo was taken about 9 years ago when I was visiting Ottawa with a friend. It is in the same place where a young soldier -proudly standing guard by the memorial statue- was gunned down today, later dying of his injuries.

It is part of a series of events currently in progress in our country's capital. It happens only days after a soldier was killed in Quebec and I wonder if this is the start of some well planned "thing" that has been unleashed on our virtuous country or just an eerie coincidence.

I am looking at live coverage on both my TV and laptop right now. Split screen images that I would expect to be seeing from somewhere in the States or abroad, not from a location I, like many of you, have visited.

A place where people have gone to pay tribute to those who have protected us. A place of innocence, as evident in my photo above where an unidentified little girl sits peacefully on the statue.

Whether this turns out to be related to terrorism or the acts of one very sick individual, we will find out soon enough.  What we do know with all certainty is a young soldier has died, in an extremely shocking circumstance.

Canada's place of innocence has forever been changed.

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MEMORIAL | Gone Too Soon

PHOTO COURTESY CHCH TV

CHCH TV weather announcer and co-host of 'Morning Live' Nicola Jones, lost her battle with cancer on Oct 19th. She was only 41.

MORE ABOUT THIS -CLICK HERE

KIDS | What's Bugging Em?

We just can't get enough of our little pal Emerson Rose, probably because every time her mom or other proud relative posts pix of her, they always bring a smile to our face.

In today's funny photos, Em is sporting her ladybug costume. As featured on facebook, her mother Mandy tells the tale best...

"I picked out two outfits and asked Em which one she'd like to wear this morning. On her rocking chair was her lady bug costume.... And that was her choice."

Mandy continues; "This was her reaction when I told her she couldn't wear it out to Walmart ("WHAT?"). Then, she "called" Gramma to see what she thought of her ensemble."

We're with Emerson on this one, "mom", this seems totally appropriate to wear at Walmart....I mean seriously, have you seen any of those scary photos circulating online and dubbed "People You See at Walmart"?  Compared to those folks, we'd say little Em might even be considered a bit overdressed...LOL!

Kevin Spiece enjoys a walk along the beach in Long Point on Thanksgiving weekend.

As perfect as this picture looks, Kevin's comment to Scribbles was "Long Point...BRRRR, cold!"

FLASHBACK |

PETS | Campground Recovery

With flies to chase inside and birds & falling leaves to watch thru the numerous windows of the trailer, my active 1 year old cat JJ had lots to keep him occupied during our recent visit to the campground.

This was him about 30 minutes after we got home. Guess he had some cat naps to catch up on.

VIDEO | Another Hilarious "Dear Kitten"

YOU | Getting Ready

Angela and Glyn Whiteley's family home is now being transformed into a haunted house, which if it's anything like past macabre creations, won't be for the faint of heart.  This has become an annual tradition at the family's Digby Nova Scotia home.

More photos to come.

KEVIN'S KORNER | "I am not the center of the world"

by Kevin Spiece

  Well...I set up a new challenge....to expand my comfort zone and gain a little confidence...[So here's to three of my friends, for your encouragement]

To my first friend....I broke the chopsticks ....

You challenged me to not be so uptight and worried about embarrassing myself.

Half the fun of our dinner was getting the food AAAAALLLLLLMMMMOOOOOSSSSTTTT to your mouth then dropping it, and cheering it when we got a bite.

But also it shows that I am not the center of the world. Half the time, no one noticed what I dropped or what I ate...we were all just doing our own thing, making our own way..none of us really was more important that we'd stop and watch them. Really a confidence boost in knowing not everyone is out to laugh and point out our mistakes...

To my sporty friend.....who got me shopping in these icy sporty skate places. He took me to a hockey game for the little boys of a friend. What an amazing time.

All this time I wholly dismissed sports as "not my thing". A whole new world is open now if I accompany people and bond over a sporting event. A large portion of the experience was seeing my friend able to share one of his great passions with me......MAYBE golf is next???

And lastly....to the amazing friend who challenged me to "think of yourself for a change"..............I got new garbage bags that fit !!!

It sounds stupid, and basicly it is. After all this time of shopping and easily blowing $150-$200. on little trinkets to take into work for people...hoping somehow to make them like me..It took me almost an hour to spend $10. on ONLY myself.. No candy (to share)....no little tiara for Ava...(or Irene)....no post-its or pens for the desk....ONLY ME......then take $5. to Tim Hortons and use MY computer MY OWN SELF....no sharing, no waiting....me first....This was the hardest challenge....

Until I get off in the woods on Wednesday........ but I'll most likely have little sweaters knitted for the raccoons by Saturday !!!!!

~Kevin Spiece 

ME | One Last Log on the Fire

A big thank you to my pals Doug & Heather for their hospitality. Timmi, JJ and I spent several sun & cloud filled days & campfire lit nights at the couple's trailer at N.E.T. Campground in Vineland,

I took lots of pix, walks with Timmi and time relaxing around the fire. Also had a party night when I finally met Heather's friend Julie (who was a blast and really made me laugh)

N.E.T. officially closes for the season on Thanksgiving weekend, meaning this past week's visit was my "kids" and I's last until next year.

Here's an eerie night shot of Indian Lake, which runs thru the campground, I used Photoshop to create the watercolor effect. (You can enjoy a fullscreen version of this pix by clicking on the image)

This amusing photo was found amongst many in Rich Hunt's facebook folder "Huntsville Family Trip".  Enjoying the great outdoors is only one of Rich's many passions, as you may recall.

Rich is a singer, song writer, photographer, writer and effective next week begins a new position as a Sr. Architect at Motorola.

Always looking at life enthusiastically, on Friday Rich wrote on facebook "Today was my last day at Talk Wireless. Tonight I reflect. Monday, I turn around, face forward and walk in to my new life at Motorola as a Sr Architect. Excited!!"

Scribbles is excited for you too Rich and can't wait to hear all about your new adventures.

Best of luck (although I know you really won't need it, cuz really, "you've got this".)

KEVIN'S KORNER | "Sometimes I'm Hungry"

by Kevin Spiece

Hey all.....

I've decided to lay it on the table and come clean SOMETIMES I'M HUNGRY

My pride and gratitude for what I have been given allows me to make do with what I have.....but I am young, in good health, educated and hard working....

What about those who aren't able to run around the city each day due to physical illness, lack of bus fare, mental confusion, or the fact they've been left to fend for themselves and often children, with no support system??

My point is that COMMUNITY CARE can not do it all, without some help.

I am hoping that by putting a face to poverty and speaking up, some attitudes may change.

I am so aware of many prejudices and misconceptions out there about the clients of a food bank, as I have shared every one of these objections at some point.

My plea to you all is to consider your situation.....assess your heart....and GIVE....

If you knew the struggles that people go through each day to just stay "clean", to remain upbeat, and to continue to climb a path toward self sufficiency and maintenance, would you continue to tell them to do it on an empty stomach???

As we start to make our lists of wants and desires for the upcoming holidays.....please keep in mind the NEEDS of some really wonderful people, who are trying to improve their situation
Please consider donating whatever you are able to Community Care.
Thanks....and please pass this along.

~Kevin Spiece

PETS | Squeaky Clean Cotton

Our friend Merry Christine posted these pix of her cat (and my former kitty neighbour) Cotton, who had just come from the groomers.

Merry said, "[Here's] my baby Cotton home after his grooming bath n all...smells so pretty ..Was done at Royal Pet Spa...Becky is amazing..always bring him back there...he is her customer....always."

Lookin' good Cotton!

Em Goes to the Fair

by Mandy Todd

RENFREW, ON

I couldn't decide whether to put this awesome pix of Emerson Rose in with our Renfrew Fair post or as the third photo in our NEW Picture Perfect feature. In the end, I decided to use it in both.

The way little Em is smack dab in the middle of her family's shadow, is what makes this shot Picture Perfect to Scribbles.

YOU | Snow Goes 5-0

Our buddy Chris Snow turned 50 on Oct. 2nd.

Yes, that is also my birthday...although despite Chrissy's jokes that we were separated at birth, I'm 4 years older than he is, making "mom's" labour the longest in history....LOL!

I remember back in the Vouz days if I was there celebrating my birthday, Chrissy usually asked that I not make mention that it was also his big day. Given that ow key history, I was a bit surprised when I discovered there's going to be a party in celebration of Chrissy's 50th later in the month on Oct. 18.

I seem to recall my 50th birthday turned in to 3 days of parties and gatherings, some planned and much of it spontaneous and hilariously memorable. It's kinda hard not to celebrate turning 50 and I'm excited that Chrissy will get the recognition and roasting he lovingly deserves.

Below is an e-card I made Chris for his birthday.

YOU | BFF

INSPIRATION |

EDITORIAL | Overkill, Quite Literally

I just watched Criminal Minds for the first time ever. (I know, it's been on for a long time and since I love Shemar Moore, you'd think I would already be a fan, but somehow I had never sat down and watched an entire episode.)

The season premiere came on right after The Mysteries of Laura (a new show thst I really like) so I figured I'd check Criminal Minds out.....

YEEEE-IIIPPPES! I won't go into detail, so I don't spoil it for you if you've yet to watch it, but for those of you who did catch it..... Is it usually that graphic and macabre? 

I found it very disturbing and hard to stomach, and the ending didn't exactly leave me feeling very warm and fuzzy either. 

It never ceases to amaze me how U.S. network TV remains fine with violence and shocking images, yet on shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, continue to blur out bits, when a contestant's bathing suit or shorts may reveal a little butt crack during raucous competitions.

When I was able to access U.S. network Me TV, I watched a lot of the old detective and cop shows. Unlike many of today's popular crime series, they got their message across without all the gore and sensationalism. Don't we get enough blood and guts in reality, and on the news? 

With my anxiety and depression issues, maybe I'd be best to stick to something lighter, like Modern Family on Wednesday nights, no matter how hot Shemar Moore is.

~Ken Leavoy

Scribbles is happy to debut Picture Perfect, one of our new Fall features.  In Picture Perfect, we salute those pix that were taken at just the right moment. You know the kind. The lighting was just right, the composition was good, the person or pet was captured at that special fleeting second.  Those are what we refer to as Picture Perfect.

Ideally, I would love it if you would email us at scribblesonline@sympatico.ca or post pic on my Ken Leavoy facebook private page for us to feature here.

Otherwise, I will troll through your facebook pages and find pic that I feel fit the bill, or photos that I myself took which  I felt weren't too bad.

I know there's a lot of avid photographers amongst our Scribbles gang, and I'm sure you have many you think are perfect, so please send them in. Send as many as you wish*

We launch Picture Perfect with a photo taken by our colourful friend Eric Gainer [seen in a recent Scribbles masthead wearing bizarre headgear and also pictured to the right with moi as we enjoy ourselves at Terry & Terry's for Pride Toronto 2005]


The photo seen below was taken in Belleville, ON.

It's the waterfront view from the Bay of Quinty and we're surprising the photographer himself by featuring it as our very first photo in our new Picture Perfect feature!

"Love you Eric, you always make me smile. And this place in your pix looks so serine and beautiful. I can visualize you Starbuck's coffee in hand, enjoying the view and taking pictures. Now that you know I like your pic, it's time for you to send me more.  

Bay of Quinty

by Eric Gainer

 Belleville, ON

 

 SEND YOUR PICTURE PERFECT PIX TO SCRIBBLES TODAY

EDITORIAL | Caring About Our Caregivers

When I stop and think about it, there are several members of our Scribbles "family" out there who are nurses, PSW's, hospice caregivers and other healthcare workers. You truly are the backbone of our health system and (for the most part) grossly under-appreciated.

Several decades ago I had given thought to becoming a nurses assistant (as it was called back then) After a thorough tour of the St Catharines General Hospital and a serious look at what this type of job would involve, I put the idea aside. With my pain issues, I would not be too good at lifting patients and I've changed diapers in my life, but they were all for babies...and babies I knew, I may add.

From skilled surgeons saving lives to those of you that keep the laundry clean, I salute you and really don't know how you do it.

The Farquharson's Barn

by Ken Leavoy

ST CATHARINES, ON

Yes it might appear a bit bias of me to include a photo I took for our New PICTURE PERFECT feature, but until we start receiving your pix, we will feature pix I've trolled your facebook pages for, had on file or took myself.  

This barn shot was one of several photos I took that fine day several decades ago at the farm of my Aunt Connie and Uncle Don. Their property included acres of land for their livestock, a wooded area and even  a creek. Man I loved that place, and I'm glad that my cousin, her husband and 2 sons are now the proud owners of the place, which includes a completely new house, ideal for entertaining and country life.