I was received at the Lieutenant Governor’s office today.  His Honour, Colonel (Rt’d) Honourable Donald Ethel spent 30 minutes together taking about The Salvation Army’s long history with the Canadian Military, our need for support from Government to continue our good work, and the recent Dignity Project featuring three stories from Alberta.

His Honour’s reference got me thinking about the role my Paternal Grandfather had during WW2.  Too young for WW1, and too old for WW2, he committed himself to working with the troops – first of all at the Armories in Hamilton, Ontario then in Petawa, Ontario and finally in Kingston, Ontario.  Down through the years I’ve seen many photos, most in the possession of my Nanny Waters (my Grandmother).

The photo from the War Museum – in the door (right)

When we were in Ottawa (1995-2000) the War Museum featured a display on The Salvation Army’s role with the Canadian Military.  The museum featured some life size photographs and though they were in black & white, they were stunning in their size and detail.  I was stunned when suddenly I saw my grandfather, large as life, in one of the photographs.

As I get older I see myself in some of his smiles, in some of his poses, and certainly in the line of his heritage.  I’m certain my photo won’t end up life size in any Canadian museum, and I’m certain that I won’t be listed in the Who’s Who of Canadian life.

My goal – the Lamb’s Book of Life.


“Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:27