Phew.. Sifting through a life of clippings, pictures and notes is not an easy task but I have found some fun facts to share. Throughout her life Cathy was a consummate cyclist. She would recall being a lone cyclist on the University of Alberta campus in the late 1960’s where she studied Physiotherapy. Late in her life she would lift her feet off the pedals and steer her bicycle through a puddle just to feel the rush of emotions as the tire split the water and sprayed out droplets of joy.
Old brown envelopes have become a part of my life as I go through an old filing cabinet. A couple of real treasures surfaced when I opened a recent one. I do think this picture helps to understand a life long love affair with cycling. The text was difficult to read so I retyped it below the original.
There were times when the Member’s Pledge (see below) might have been ignored when a car cut her off and she threatened to carry a big stick or a pocket full of rocks.
Living on Temperance St. in Saskatoon for 38 years was always a source of mirth when the wine tasting group came over. Little did I know, until these certificates dropped out of an envelope, that Cathy was living a lie all these years. Here is clear evidence of her grade 5 self as a member of the Temperance Union. Maybe that is why it took her over 20 years to lean how to drink wine. Or because her last name was misspelled she felt she could ignore the oath.
Maybe this isn’t fair but nobody I know would love a laugh more than our beloved Cathy.
9 Comments
Brilliant bird photos, Trent. Sophie and Aiden loved them too.
As for the 8 year old Cathy…what can I say? A real treasure of a find.
Came to your blog as I wanted to reread her obituary and remember her today. (New Year’s Eve).
I just found this post after seeing your gorgeous photo of the saw-whet owl on Facebook. It does make me smile and cry at the same time. I did a lot of cycling this fall and thought of Cathy many times. I miss her and our whole wine tasting group. Thanks for sharing, Trent. I love the 8 year old Cathy photo!
Wow these are so priceless. I laughed and felt a tug in my heart as I looked at your photos and saw Aunty Cathy’s distict handwriting (even in Grade 5). Thank you so much for sharing these. What a bright little spot in my day, thank you!
These are amazing Trent – thank you so much for sharing!
Sorry.. didn’t mean to post my comment three times!! Must either be nerves about the upcoming US election results or a trigger happy finger!
(Nothing a good long bike ride won’t fix!) Miss you Cathy.
It’s interesting how the routine tasks we did in our youth (sometimes with grumbling resentment), can become a great source of joy in adulthood…Many days my brother and sister and I complained about having to ride our bikes 6 miles to and from school, regardless of the weather.. now a 60k ride is a real treat and a welcome challenge!! As Cathy, and many a born again cyclist will tell you, cycling is like being a kid again when we first discovered the freedom and independence of a personal set of wheels! Thanks for sharing these Trent..
It’s interesting how the routine tasks we did in our youth (sometimes with grumbling resentment), can become a great source of joy in adulthood…Many days my brother and sister and I complained about having to ride our bikes 6 miles to and from school, regardless of the weather.. now a 60k ride is a real treat and a welcome challenge!! As Cathy, and many a born again cyclist will tell you, cycling is like being a kid again when we furst discovered the freedom and independence of a personal set of wheels! Thanks for sharing these Trent..
Oh Trent, all this is just amazing! Loved seeing the pictures of Cathy at 8 years old and all the certificates. They made us smile and be tear-y simultaneously. Cathy would love your comments and the fact that you are validating and applauding her life of cycling. Temperance society indeed! Who could have guessed! You two living on that street was meant to be. She indeed would be laughing at what you are sharing. Thanks so much.
This is great. It’s makes me smile. Thanks for sharing it Trent.