Musings on a Small Life

The state funeral for Jack Layton, leader of the opposition, has just finished. He had wanted it to be a celebration of life and of hope, and so it was.  I watched in spite of my general lack of regard for politicians, but I don't think I shall see this kind of national outpouring of respect and honour and grief for a public official again in my lifetime. I will just say that the celebration included not only opening classical music, but fabulous jazz, pop, and rock. The opening was an aboriginal blessing from the First Nations' leader, Shawn Atleo, and there were readings from both the Qur'an and the Christian Bible. There were several eulogies, of course, including two from his son and daughter from his first marriage. All garnered much clapping, whistling and many standing ovations. But the best, IMO, was the clergyman's speech/sermon--which says a great deal, since I'm not a proponent of organized religion. In fact, the clergyman wasn't what I had been exp...

Jack Layton, leader of the NDP party and leader of the opposition, lost his battle with cancer early this morning, after taking a leave of absence from politics a mere few weeks ago, on July 25th. He was 61. I can't say I have much use for politicians in general, but I think that insofar as is possible for any elected official, he had integrity, always fighting for the underdog, never losing hope and optimism. On Saturday he wrote a two-page letter to Canadians, which can be found in its entirely here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html It's of no interest to anyone non-Canadian, of course, but there are a few brief paragraphs I'd like to share, because they speak to the struggle with cancer, to living life with hope, to never giving up. ****** August 20, 2011 Toronto, Ontario Dear Friends, Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your...