November 8, 2026
One Remembrance Day, I was at a conference in Toronto and we all stood for 2 minutes of silence to honor those who had given their lives in war for our country.
A veteran at the table behind me struggled to stand from his wheelchair. It seemed to me that he might not be able to stay up for the full 2 minutes, even though he wanted to do so.
I slipped in beside him and said, “Would you like me to hold your arm?”
He agreed and it was my privilege to help a hero stand. Later, during a video tribute to the veterans, I saw a single tear roll down his cheek. So many memories in one tear.
Someone said that a veteran is someone who has written a blank cheque: “To the citizens of Canada” for an amount “up to, and including, my life.”
For those who came back alive, they carry the deaths of comrades with them in their hearts and minds.
My husband always made a point to thank each of his patients who were veterans when they came in for an eye exam. They appreciated it.
