Four Themes

Fatherhood:

Has there ever been a person in your life who makes you wonder “how did you do it?” ...   

For me, this person is my Grandfather; the man who built his dairy farm from the ground up, while raising his kids with the love of his life until her passing in a car accident, which then followed by the passing of his daughter Shirley in a different car accident just one year after his wife's.  

Fatherhood to me is carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders while pushing through the storm of life. 

Being able to live and love even when your heart has been broken into a million pieces, and finally, giving your all to your family and putting every ounce of strength and effort into your passion for farming. 

Motherhood:

If I had a kid would that make a difference to you? Do you genuinely care for this other woman, or do you only want her for her kid? What did I do wrong that caused you to lose interest in me?  

The anxiety that you caused me was unbearable; I couldn’t breathe: you made me want to run the 20 kilometres home; you hurt me, but like hell, I would show you that.   

I couldn't have gotten through this and over you if it weren't for the reassuring hand and squeeze of hope that only a Mother can give. You were never worth the tears that I cried for you.  

You aren't a man; you’re a boy dressed in his dad's suit; "shockingly," it doesn't fit you and it never will. 

Rites of Passage: 

Father, Farmer, Friend 

Treated as equals until the end. 

He was wise beyond compare, always quick to join in prayer. 

His humour stays, while he must go. 

We are sad we admit although, his dedication and servant heart 

landed him a major part. 

In the heavens, with the man who rules 

the one and only Holy Land. 

He was here, but now he’s gone;  

we will miss you, Papa Ron.

- Mel Bishop

October 3, 2015

Faith:

There is something within me that continuously pulls me back and forth between following my desires and holding steadfast to my moral compass; there is no middle ground.   

Faith for me is the constant questioning of “should I do what I want, or should I do what my internal compass is telling me to do?”  

It’s a conflict that never ceases and never backs down: it’s the fight between wanting to be a woman, but not willing to let go of the walls that protect my damaged heart and wandering soul.   

I have Faith in the fact that my moral compass won’t lead me astray, and that I will always have someone to guide me back to the straight and narrow should I get lost.