A Bittersweet Day

Hello, Kelly!

So today was my sister's birthday! But instead of being around in the morning to wish her a happy 20th, I was at work. Sigh. (That's right. Us Hello Kelly boys have DAY jobs!) But I quit early, spent some time rehearsing our set with some of the other guys and then I made it back in Orangeville in time to catch dinner with my sister and family! It was a really nice time, and our waitress at Montana's was really pleasant and, let's be honest, she might have been really pretty too. :)

Okay okay okay, seriously though. My sister's birthday is September 11th- but that day is known for something else now. Ever since that crazy intense day 7 years ago, every time I talk about my sister's birthday, I also get this uneasy feeling in my gut. Kinda like that feeling I get when I think about how big kids used to smash my Lego structures - except WAAAAAAAY worse.

As a Canadian, I guess I have a bit of a unique perspective on 9/11 compared to Americans, but those stupid terrorist attacks DID affect everybody on the planet in a pretty substantial way, didn't they? I don't have any kind of dramatic story from that day of heroic triumph or tragic loss - I'm just a dude with a guitar who was nestled safely in Canada away from harm.
But, from my perspective as a Canadian, I guess I just want to extend a hand of unity and a word of prayer to any Americans who might be reading this blog. If you're mourning a loved one, praying for somebody in the war, or just trying to make sense of all the fighting and hatred in this world, I (and Hello Kelly) pray that you would find healing, comfort and peace from God this season.

I guess the point is that if everybody on earth was just nice to each other for a change, then things would be a lot better. I know the old dudes in suits who run the countries probably aren't gonna get that right for a long time ... so maybe it's up to us to just be decent people and love each other. Kinda seems like it shouldn't be that hard, you know?

So I dunno ... let's do that, yeah?

Just a sidenote - the Canadian Gospel Music Association will be announcing the nominees for the 2008 Covenant Awards next Tuesday! We're REALLY hoping to be nominated for one or two things - so don't forget to check back for news on that!

Thanks a lot for reading!

francy