Monday, January 14, 2019
One of the nicest things God ever did for me was to let me grow up in the house next door to the Shaw family. Every day was fun and adventure with Ron and Harold - road hockey, basketball, baseball, challenges of "Closet to the wall" with our baseball cards, and "hikes" everywhere;... and there was a triple blessing too ... Ida, Liz and Gail - three girls I just adored [secretly and nervously] when we were growing up. Later younger Shaw kids showed up and one had to marvel at the ability of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw to sort them all out; love them all individually and as a group; and provide all they needed. Most amazing however was the ability of Lorraine and Harold to usually not mind one bit if the rest of the neighbourhood showed up to give them more kids to handle. I have many times told people I grew up in the best neighbourhood on earth - and the Shaw parents and family made that so true. I am filled with sorrow for your family hearing that your mom has passed on to glory ... I can see her on the back porch yet ... with a huge plate of sandwiches or hands filled with popsicles calling her children ... and always adding ... "Oh come on Robert; you too Gerry; yes Sharon and Christine ... there's enough", and somehow there always was, .... miraculously ... like the loaves and fishes.. God bless you Lorraine. "Children are a gift from God; they are his reward". - Psalms 127:3
