As I’m continuing to go through old things in my home, my mother seems to be doing the very same thing in hers! It’s almost daily that we get reminded of an old funny story, a cherished neighbor, or just a sweet memory worth savoring.
I came across a good one today. And it’s worth passing on to Lyla and Owey, so I’m stickin’ it here in my blog!
My Dad was the best story teller. I mean – theeee best! He never ran out of stories to tell us at night about the shenanigans he and his 15 siblings would get into as kids. (Yes, there were 16 kids!) My little sister and I loved the stories about Dad’s horses, or his dog, or the jokes they’d play on each other on the farm. She’d always say, “Dad, tell us another story about Chum!” And he did. Every night.
There was always Nova Scotia fiddle music playing in our home, and at night when it got dark, it was never “time for bed.” No, no – it was “time to go to Sheet Harbor!” That’s what Dad called bedtime.
Now fast forward a couple of decades. I was working at a local family restaurant waitressing here in town, and three adorable little old ladies came in and sat in my section. When I introduced myself to take their order, their brogues were just like my Dad’s, and I just knew they had to be from Nova Scotia, so I asked!
“How’d ya know we were from there?” they wanted to know. Well, if you’ve ever been there – the brogue is quite distinct. It’s really like nowhere else. And I can tell you with confidence – neither are the folks. They truly are quite special. I told them my Dad was from Antigonish, and asked what city they were from.
“We’re from SHEET HARBOR!” I nearly fell on the floor. I had no idea it was an actual place. Huh. Leave it to my Dad. I seriously had no idea Sheet Harbor was an actual real place on the map!
I got such a kick out of that, so I had this little sign made for above my sons’ bedroom. It’s now on the nightstand in the spare room in my house. Hmmm, I think I have an idea for next year’s Christmas present in mind for Lyla and Owey!
Well, now that I have that sweet memory properly recorded, I guess I’ll head myself off to Sheet Harbor! Goodnight all!
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