“Live for today, because tomorrow is not promised!”

I owe the above quote to Mon Sieur Brian McClelland. He kindly shared his thoughts on the present edition’s theme, i.e. Resiliency. As things turned out, he wasn’t the only one who had something to state on the matter. This five-syllable word seems to have a life of its own.

Brian is an outstanding and indomitable lad from the Land Of Eire. One need only spend an hour with this guy and “thy shalt discover” the inner meanings of the expression “the fighting Irish”. The autumn leaves paled in the background as Brian offered insight on our topic. As an Irishman, he has sailed the seven seas for “Queen and Country”, yet he proudly acknowledges that nothing can compare to what he has discovered since moving to our region.

In Brian’s view, Canadians, and most particularly Suttoners, are a vibrant illustration of Resiliency. His eyes light up as he knowledgably reminisces on the history of our land. Extremes are a big part of what fascinates him the most. Our weather, our politics, our people and, funnily enough, our level of tolerance and endurance are prime examples of Resiliency.

For quite some time now in Sutton, as you station yourself in one of our parking areas, it has become a delightful treat to be serenaded by local troubadours. A founding member of this movement is Guillaume D. Goyettte. He is 22 years of age, yet he often reflects on the 22-thousand-year-old questions shared by all of mankind. As an aspiring young artist, Guillaume spontaneously responds to the concept of Resiliency. By the way, he is a recognized “free-style rapper”. Believe me folks! You’ve got to be resilient if you want to try that one out.

In his own words, Guillaume expresses a fundamental implication of Resiliency: it implies both the duty and the capacity to make things happen. The energy that human beings must invest in their daily thoughts is in direct proportion to the degree of Resiliency they can expect from their lives. As for myself, I think kids don’t know half of what they are saying, except that I must admit… most of what they say is true.

Susan Meyer insists that her family name must be pronounced “myer”. No discussion shall be tolerated because “that’s the way things are”. Once this threshold has been passed, I have the privilege of chatting with one of the most agreeable persons I have ever met. But she does not like being told this. From her standpoint she is the person that she is, and “that’s the way things are”. Same thing applies for Resiliency. Susan articulated a delicate yet firm view on this notion.

In just a few chosen sentences, she conveyed a basic truism that lies underneath the accepted meaning of this word. Life and Resiliency are one and the same. “Let go and let flow. Let life in and learn from what it offers. If there is resistance in letting life in, this will eat away at your insides. Resiliency is not something that is acquired. It is something that each person can recognize within himself or herself. Then we must nourish it.” I guess this is why Susan is such an agreeable person.

As I write this article I am in the process of moving into a new home. So it’s only natural that I get to meet my next-door neighbor, monsieur Roger LeCoufe. Talk about Resiliency!? He’s the one you’ve gotta consult. As he gives me the grand tour of the magnificent dwelling that he shares with his lovely wife Beverly, I am deeply touched by all the warmth that is being radiated throughout the house. Family and friends have always been a priority and it shows. Roger and Beverly have been rejuvenating this building for over 20 years. In many ways, this “happy home” as Roger puts it, is their claim to Resiliency.

A few years back Roger, now in his mid seventies, had a growing cholesterol problem. His only option was to undergo a triple bypass operation. Do you think he hesitated? … Well it kind of bothered him (lol). Being a non-smoker, Roger found it very irritating to accept that he would often be out of breath while executing light chores. So off he went, and five days after the operation he was back at home. As we speak, he keeps looking around the room taking note of what will have to be done next. I can’t help but feeling that I am witnessing a flesh and blood incarnation of Resiliency.

In 1977, I was celebrating my marriage to the lady who would become the mother of my two eldest sons. It was in a quaint little hall in the middle of the countryside, somewhere in the then “woods” of Laval. As I stepped out on the balcony, my thoughts, in the flash of the moment, reached out to the only person that should have been my best man, David G. Carter. But Dave was somewhere in TIBET doing his own take on Resiliency. Sitting on the steps was a gentleman with a cigarette in his mouth, searching through his pockets for a light. I couldn’t figure out who he was, but there were over 300 guests at the reception. I then offered him some matches. His reply was “It’s about time someone gives me some attention. I know I am a few hours late, but TIBET isn’t exactly next door.” “David G. Carter!…What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. A typical Carter response then flew right back: “I heard you were getting married”. Thirty years later, I ask him for his opinion on Resiliency. I quote: “It is the ability to respond to adversity.”

Rolland Potvin