This poignant post, written by my Auntie, brings a great lump to my throat.
If you would like to send in photos or some written words about someone who has served for your country, or is serving now, please e-mail me at littleprairiebaby@gmail.com. You can also simply share these stories. Help keep truth alive.
The War to End All Wars
Many years ago, I visited my great aunt (the little girl shown above standing in front of her mother) for what was to be the last time. She had cancer and died later that year. It was a week of sharing and getting to know each other, she a widow in her seventies and I, a young married mom in my twenties. Because I shared her name, she was very special to me. And I certainly felt special to her.
One of the many stories that Aunt Johan shared, took place in her childhood on the windswept prairie near Three Hills, Alberta. Two brothers, William and Alex had neighbouring homesteads. One day, Johan’s father, William, called to her in an urgent voice. “Johan, I can see John coming. He’s running. Something is wrong. Go now, and learn the matter.” With that, Johan, just a child herself, began to run up the road toward her cousin.
These 90 years later, I picture the scene. I know that road; we still own that land. Young John winded but continuing to run; Johan, a small girl, running with all her might to learn the reason for the urgency. When at last they met, John’s message was not one of trouble, or concern, but rather one of joy. John’s family had just returned from town where they learned the wonderful news, “The war is over!”
I can still see my aunt’s eyes filling with tears as she ended the story, “and that was the First World War – the war to end all wars.”
No one celebrating that day would have considered that two short decades later, the world would once again be at war. And then another, and another…
This morning as I pause to remember those who died for our freedom, I also want to remember that we are promised a time when “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Imagine it!
One of the many stories that Aunt Johan shared, took place in her childhood on the windswept prairie near Three Hills, Alberta. Two brothers, William and Alex had neighbouring homesteads. One day, Johan’s father, William, called to her in an urgent voice. “Johan, I can see John coming. He’s running. Something is wrong. Go now, and learn the matter.” With that, Johan, just a child herself, began to run up the road toward her cousin.
These 90 years later, I picture the scene. I know that road; we still own that land. Young John winded but continuing to run; Johan, a small girl, running with all her might to learn the reason for the urgency. When at last they met, John’s message was not one of trouble, or concern, but rather one of joy. John’s family had just returned from town where they learned the wonderful news, “The war is over!”
I can still see my aunt’s eyes filling with tears as she ended the story, “and that was the First World War – the war to end all wars.”
No one celebrating that day would have considered that two short decades later, the world would once again be at war. And then another, and another…
This morning as I pause to remember those who died for our freedom, I also want to remember that we are promised a time when “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Imagine it!
11 comments:
Wow! I have tears running down my face right now. What a great moment in history...
Tears indeed.
Thank you.
Steph C
Tears here too so many lives lost and so many brave folks have stood. I worked with seniors for a long time, and I was once sitting with a little lady who told of working for her keep on a farm in Europe(not sure where exactly ) , many young soldiers would pass through and stop for a meal, and she met one young man who she was quite taken with , he too went on his way, after they heard the war was over she stayed working, and one day she saw a soldier coming over the hill... it was her young man come to take her home and marry her, I cried like a baby listening to her
I'm so glad you are keeping these stories alive, passing them down through the generations. Tears as I write. It's so important to remember.
Mamo
oooh, if only.......
Oh what a wonderful story. If only it were true that is was the war to end all wars.
Oh that is a powerful testimony! We indeed must be keepers of these stories and be sure they are handed down for the next generation... I think its really special you could share a story like that of your Aunts... even with a lump in all of our throats after reading it.
Hi Cheyenne! We had such a nice ceremony today for veterans and when I was in Victoria, people were wearing poppies.
Love it! How neat you can picture it happening, still having that land in the family.
Wonderful post.
God bless and have a wonderful weekend. ♥
I can just picture it. What a wonderful story.
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