Kim GuySend a message to

Kim Guy

Kim Guy

This is what I wrote for Mom's celebration of life that took place June 17, 2017. Good afternoon. My name is Kim. I am Barb’s eldest daughter. On behalf of my brothers and sisters, Brian, Carolyn, Arlene and Ian, I would like to welcome you today as we remember and celebrate the life of our Mother, your Nanny, Great Nanny, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Mom had many interests. But it is her love of words that come to mind when I think of what defines her. Whether it was a book, crossword puzzle or a rousing game of scrabble, words were very important to her. I started a list of words that came to mind over the past few months that could be used to describe her. Smart – she was always learning something Unconventional – she marched to the beat of her own drum Brave Courageous Athletic – she was goalie of her high school soccer team that won the provincial championship 2 years in a row. She played and coached softball, I’d like to read an excerpt from the July 26, 1972 edition of The Sportcaster that we found when putting together a memory board of Mom’s softball days for her to have in the nursing home. It reads: Barb Guy in her fifth made a spectacular triple play by snagging a line drive at shortstop to catch Paddy Warren off guard on third proceeding to home plate. Barb tagged third and made the throw to first in time to retire Sally Polson as well advancing to second and not hasty enough on her return to the first base bag. Barb also did well at bat, hitting 3 for 4 times. She enjoyed bowling, golfing and hiking. She enjoyed watching different sporting events on TV - hockey, Montreal Canadians were her team, curling and the Olympics were some of her favorites. Beautiful Kind Loyal Creative – whether it was in the garden or in her workshop with her scroll saw Optimistic – she was a glass half full kind of lady Encouraging – she was everybody’s cheerleader Adventurous Spontaneous Feisty Determined Colourful – was a word used to describe her by a care aide that spent time with her at the nursing home Independent – she was fiercely independent Funny – she had a great sense of humour Knowledgeable Spiritual Humble Hardworking – she always had something on the go Dependable Trustworthy Perfectionist Genuine – what you saw was what you got with Mom Honest Free-spirited Brave Upbeat And PROUD – proud of being a farm girl, proud of being from River Hebert – even though most people don’t know where is it. Proud of her military service. Proud of being Nova Scotian, a Maritimer and a Canadian. We celebrated Canada Day together last year. At the start of the parade O Canada was played. Mom stood at attention and sang along word for word, not missing one. She saluted when the cadets marched passed and waved the Canadian flag throughout. I was fortunate to have spent quite of bit of time with her last year. Some days she knew who I was and some days she didn’t. I was my sister Arlene (we sound a lot alike I’m told), a nurse or a friend, but always a friendly face. One particular day we were walking and talking as we often did. She was talking about me to me. She had regrets about not making the time or taking the time to enjoy family. So often we let the day to day get in the way. Her message was to live with no regrets, take that trip, be happy with your job and spend time with your friends and family, because the greatest gift you can give someone is time. She also had a message to her grandchildren – ‘Clean up your mess’. Literally and figuratively. Which I think translates to - Take responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, take ownership of choices made and do your best. Always do your best. You are her legacy. As you reflect on your memories of Mom today, think of a word that best describes her to you in a positive way. We have a large scrabble board set up at the reception that we would love for you to contribute to. We also look forward to meeting with you and sharing in your memories.

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