The Editor,
The last several weeks, spring has appeared. The sun has been shining and spreading its radiant heat. Trees and plants are budding and birds are singing in our midst. But as I step out of the house, I feel the presence of Old Man Winter. Goosebumps appear along my arm and the hair on the back of my neck curls up. As I inhale, the moist cold air brings shivers to my inner core.
Yes, it will be a cold ride. In the dark, I slowly pedal and see frost on car windows. I exhale and I can see my frosted breath. As I cross the Red Bridge, I notice the absence of the croaking sounds of frogs. It appears the frogs are also making a protest by being silent to Old Man Winter.
Then I approach the dimly lit Lougheed Highway. Across it, I can see the candlelit memorial to Charlene Reaveley and Lorraine Cruz and I slowly read the message: "I love you my angel."
I stop and contemplate the tragic events that happened earlier this year. My heart cries because of the senseless loss. I stand in silence and a shadow slowly appears. It startles me and for a split moment, I am unsure if it is a friend or foe.
The man slowly and hesitantly places a bouquet of flowers at the site. Awkwardly, he looks at me and I notice his sunken, tired, swollen, red eyes where moments ago tears had fallen. He quietly says, "She was a special lady. She had a heart of gold."
And then, there is a mutual silence between two strangers.
I get onto my bike and all I can say is "I'm sorry," words that inadequately express the sadness in my heart. I realize life has no guarantees and it will never be fair for those two families.
I wonder if this roadside memorial is a reminder for all of us? A reminder of two lives lost, a reminder to celebrate life, a reminder of the healing process the families and community must go through.
Bob Lee, Port Coquitlam
