THANKSGIVING

sox, FRESH AIR, friends, GREEN, french fries, TIME, sunshine, yogurt, computer, C.B.C, market, YES, laughter, PEACE, books, walking sticks, snow, PURE WATER, birch trees, RED, GARNDCHILDREN, candy, treasures, ART, islands, snow people, swimming, books, singing, wine, SILENCE, telephones, fishcakes, DOGS, lupins, games, shore suppers, community halls, clean sheets, folk music, the elderly, tea, PHOTOGRAPHS, comfortable shoes, Frenchies, laughter, STRONG WOMEN, GENTLE MEN, tears, chips, vacations, math, diversity, Saint Anthony, glasses, hummingbirds, mountain ash, shampoo, BROWN, learning, babies, kindness, clouds, breezes, jigsaw puzzles, lucky stones, HAPPY MEMORIES, storms, scarves, lighthouses, brass door nobs, asparagus, modern dance, tides, hobbits, lilies of the valley, roast beef, NO, campfires, bicycles, carrots and peas, soap, soup, occasions, satisfaction, NIGHT SKY, subways, popcorn, afternoon naps, vitamin C, familiar wallpaper, bagpipes, hymns, apron collections, magnets, purple sand, FAIRIES, cedars, dishwashers, Monarch butterflies, canoes, camping, High Tide Festival, clean kitchen floor, snowshoes, marbles, NO DIRTY LAUNDRY, yodelling, bubble gum, family dinners, setting sun, oceans, others adventures, good news, SAFETY, self worth, rice pudding, POETRY, hills, calm water, clothes lines, surprises, kilts, documentaries, corn on the cob, the moon, details, hand knit sweaters, penicillin, wooden floors, a good sleep, pumpkins, ballet, bananas, old stories, understanding, line drawings, creativity, bubblegum, sea glass, sweetgrass, intrigue, acceptance, red hair, silk, sleeping child, full tummies, tartans, last rose, YELLOW, canteens, apples, FORGIVENESS,  Peewee Herman, theology, foghorns, moss, words, The Oxbow, colour, friends of friends, Wednesdays, WHITE, circles, sunrise, ravens, robin eggs, mushrooms, outside games, CANADA, healthcare, bubbles, twinkling eyes, well earned wrinkles, cotton, chipmunks, ACCEPTANCE, ORANGE,  comfortable shoes, warm baths, MUSIC, old friends, FAMILY, new ideas, chestnuts, country lanes, red maples, the flag, sleeping dogs, GRANDCHILDREN, singsongs, children's DRAWINGS, pride, walking sticks, magic,  JOY, even sad gardens                THANKSGIVING

Mark

Like an iceberg, Mark McIsaac revealed so little of his depth to others.  But he was no iceberg. Mark was so warm. Those who really knew him are so fortunate, and many give credit to Mark for much goodness in their own lives.

There are too many things to say about Mark. He was creative, gentle  on the earth and gentle with fellow human beings, from all walks of life. Perhaps, it can be summed up best with the simple truth, Mark was a good man, a wise and caring human being. 

Someone of such a profile, made such an impact on so many lives.  He was seldom out of Harbourville. He spent his time with the bay, the woods and those who lived nearby, though he kept in touch with others farther away. Mark and Mary often walked the shore or roads and trails in the evening, in all seasons.

Years ago Mark and Harry Roberts dove into the frozen harbour at high tide, to free a little girl who was in a car seat, in a submerged car. They saved her life. He was not afraid to step in when people or animals were at risk. He put a stop to those who chose to set rubber and plastic on fire on the shore. He wanted to protect the citizens of Harbourville from the toxic smoke. Mark was definitely not the sort to pick fight, but in his quiet way calmed situations before they escalated.

Children loved Mark and he loved them right back. He was the picture of contentment when he held wee babies. Several children were his honorary grandchildren. Mark was one man who wasn't afraid to change dirty diapers.

For my grandchildren, he was part of the magic of summer, always ready to take them for swims in the creek, to create an obstacle course on the front lawn or to initiate any joyous havoc that entered his imagination or the imagination of his sidekick Martin. Many evenings ended with a "War of the Apples". It was foolishness to cross the bridge in downtown Harbourville without an ample supply of little hard apples to retaliate and save honour.

Two special little boys, Finn and Harrison, thought of "MaryMark's" as a second home. Mark mowed a path from their house by the harbour to the big old, yellow house by the creek. They were always welcome. Their mum always knew they were safe. The possibility of a creative enterprise and  the  aroma of deliciousness coming from Mary's oven were almost irresistible Before too long their mum would come along the path, and become part of the goodness.

Mark showed the boys how to look after chickens, plant and care for a garden and fearlessly climb, wherever a child could think of climbing. Inside he painted and drew with them, read stories, did puzzle or got up  to some rumbling fun. Mark has a special place in Finn's and Harrison's childhood memories forever. We hope that Mark's loved great nephews, Mac and Jethro will absorb some of the fun and delight through the many stories of Mark he left behind for others to tell. 

Happy memories fill another generation's hearts. When they were little and continuing into their adulthoods, Emma, Alex, Andre, Louise and many more neighbourhood children took part in the shenanigans. Just as there is a piece of Mark in them, Mark also took a piece of them with him. That's how it goes with love. His love helped them love themselves.

It goes without saying, there was no one Mark loved more than Mary and Ayden.

Mary gave so much to Mark and Mark gave every bit as much back to Mary. He told me days before he died, that his biggest regret was not being able to be around forever, to care for Mary. He did his best to prepare everything he could think of, before he left. You don’t have to worry about Mary burning her arms as she loads the fire, as she has some big, new, honking fireproof gloves that look like they can take on any conflagration.

There is no father, who has loved a son, more than Mark loved Ayden. I am not sure he ever saw any fault in Ayden, though I suspect there may be a fault or two somewhere in his past. Mark got to live long enough to see his son become a fine man. He so much admired  the skills and strength of character he takes with him as he goes out into the world and Mark knew a rich full life lay ahead for his son. 

Ayden had some practice being adult, as he stood in for his father at social occasions, where his father would be too uncomfortable.

No life is without struggles and suffering. Mark had more than his fair share . While dying, he was surprised to discover how many people cared so much about him. He was constantly embraced and told how much he was loved and respected, by so many. He received wonderful letters that made him cry. He was a little embarrassed by it all and broke out his crooked smile, but, I  think he eventually came to believe some of it.

Mark was sure of the love of his sisters and their families. His sister, Connie, donated bone marrow, when he had leukaemia, some time ago. Both sisters came often, baring food and gifts, through his illness. He was so honoured by the loving role they both played, with their families these last months.

There were dark times in Mark’s life. In his young life he had challenges that presented him with challenges throughout his life. He met these challenges with a brave, open heart, Mary always at his side. I have heard rumours, Mary is referred to by some in Mark's family, as Saint Mary.

There is so much to say about this good, wise, complicated man living a simple life.

Mark was an artist. His hyper realistic pen and ink drawings took root in the world around him. He was self taught, but the work was not amateur. Many cards with reproductions of his work have been sent out out into the world. I suspect his drawings and prints will continue to sell for a long time. He grew splendid vegetables and took care of the earth as best he could. 

Mark was a fine human being, who left his family, his friends and community better. 

Travelling mercies Mark.