Connections

Melissa and I chatted today about my earlier blog. It moved her to tears because she realized the horse in the picture was her Dad's horse. We have both lost our beloved Dads to diseases of the brain, and it is a sensitivity we share.

She knew the spot where the photo had been taken too. Top of the hill on Valley Farm Road. All we could say was, "Wow." After speaking with her, I thought, "The universe truly is a remarkable place."

I remember frolicking in Duffin's Creek with my little twin brothers, at the foot of Royal Road with Mr. Annan's cows drinking from the same creek. There were so many cows you couldn't see the grass. The water was so clean and clear that we swam in it and dove off rocks at its highest point.

I also remember a nasty girl named April who lived opposite the creek on Finch Ave. She stole my baby carriage and I remember vividly my first introduction to grand theft whenever I drive by her old house. My Mum Val was indignant at this miscarriage of justice and stormed down to Miss April's house and I think the thief returned my carriage, but not my baby, and after that my baby carriage was never the same to me. It was tainted...by thievery. Babysnatching in Pickering Village in the early 60's. Who knew???? I forgive April now, wherever she is (probably behind me with a sledge hammer lol).

My real babies more than make up for my plastic one, though I think of her often. I believe I named her Peanut. She was wearing one of my brother's newborn hospital gowns when she was so cruelly snatched out from under me. My question: Where were the Pickering cops? Was that not evidence enough? It was a tough lesson for a five year old. She likely ditched the gown. April was no dummy.

Linda Grace