TAIT: Meeting a reminder of the power of love and celebration |
The Edmonton wind had teeth on a recent evening. The kind that bites.
But inside a small Ritchie auditorium, something warm was happening.
The Edmonton Swiss Choir stood in matching sweaters — black, yes, but so friendly — eyes dancing between hymn books and familiar faces. They swayed. Their voices wove together. And there, in the back row, sat my friend Doug Armstrong.
While others stood, Doug, sat. His voice — that golden voice of reason, of kindness, of hope — gently stitched in unison to the choir to gently rattle the rafters.
Now in his 91st year, his back isn’t what it used to be.
Not the same back that carried him through decades as a family physician in the west end.
Not the same back that moved across the dance floor at Trinity United Church, where he and wife Mary co-led the youth group, painting the floor with graceful steps while young hearts watched and learned what love looked like.
Not the same back that shovelled snow off the Lynwood community rink, making sure neighbourhood kids had ice for their hockey dreams.
But here’s the beautiful thing about Doug — so many things in his life haven’t changed at all. Things that are positive. Rich. Full of love.
For 75 glorious minutes, that choir filled the room with music that chased away the cold. Carol after carol. Harmony after harmony.
Then we caught up. Doug pulled my wheelchair towards him, the same gentle pull from 25 years as my family doctor.
But this time? No stethoscope. No blood pressure cuff. Just two old friends with half a century of memories between them.
We talked families. We talked Oilers. Because in Edmonton, all roads lead to hockey.
We talked about everything and nothing. Then Doug reached for his cane and stood. “Let me give you a hug,” he said, eyes bright with that familiar warmth I’ve known for five decades.
Then he said something that settled into my heart: “We never know what tomorrow will........