Joyful Noise Books and Gifts "Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness"

Little Miracles

Posted: September 23rd, 2009

Miracle #1 – MONDAY - Patrick and I have been chatting about the work he wants to do in the store come November, like fix some of the track lighting. We’ve been putting it off because this track lighting is old. It was donated by Fr. Hawkswell almost 5 years ago. Two fixtures are not working and the thought of having to replace all of the lighting in the store so the look remains consistent was a little bit of a concern. However, needs to be done. Earlier this week a man sauntered in, looking around. “Can I help you” I asked. He told me he was just in the neighbourhood and popped in on a whim. “You know if you ever wanted to change the lighting in the store I would be glad to help.” “Pardon me?” I asked. He was a lighting consultant!! TRUE STORY! In fact, he said if all I needed was to replace the fixtures that were clearly not working he was sure he had some in his warehouse even though they did not make them anymore. WHAAT? He promised to return next week with three for us. Really…a travelling light salesman?

Miracle #2 – TUESDAY - A church in the Fraser Valley needed a box of books by Wednesday. I made arrangements with a friend who is a courier for a Tuesday delivery. I received a call from our friend in the morning, his dispatch redirected him and he unfortunately would not be able to help us. YIKES! About half an hour after this phone conversation we received a delivery of boxes from one of our regular freight companies. I asked J. if his route took him into the Fraser Valley by chance. He replied that it did not but asked why. After I explained my dilemna he said “I don’t deliver there but I live close by there, I’ll do it on the way home”!!! TRUE STORY! I offered to pay him, he told me not to be ridiculous. The church got their box before 5PM that day and all was well for the program that started the next day.

Miracle #3 – WEDNESDAY - I received a phone call a few weeks ago from a Ms. S. who was directed to phone us by a friend who is Catholic. She needed to purchase a particular item that she heard would help to sell her house. When she called us she was ecstatic to find out we a) carried this item and b) were literally just down the street from her, she didn’t know anything about us, we’d never met before. She came right down. THIS WEEK she popped in saying “I had to come and see you to give you the update. It had to be today”. As she turned in the store, she saw the wife of the friend that recommended our store to her. She hadn’t seen them all this time, they had just returned from a two week holiday overseas. TRUE STORY! Of all the times for both of these ladies to “decide” to pop in…at the exact same time. Now she was able to share how the advice was leading to a happy ending.

So, I do see these as little miracles. But then, I come to work expecting them because I think that’s why we’re here, and that’s only in one week!

Ryan’s funeral was today. What a privilege to be there at this most intimate of gatherings with family and friends. Ryan’s parents Guenther and Sheryl are the most amazing, loving people. Even (and especially) in the midst of this. I watched as they were the ones to console their son’s friends and co-workers, people overcome by their grief for a young man that obviously left a strong impression.

When I finally had a moment to hug each of them and share a few words, everything that I felt in my heart and heard in my head seemed to escape me. Because really, none of that mattered. As I embraced Guenther and Sheryl I thought about how many times Ryan might have hugged them just like this. The mom and dad that hugged him as a baby, a child, a boy and as a man. I didn’t know Ryan well but, I felt very close to him at that moment.

Fr. Scott shared wonderful heart-felt words and gave us all things to think about. Ryan did not live a tragic life, he lived a good life. He was loved and was loving in return. And, when one day the family is reunited in heaven, wouldn’t it be wonderful if God would appoint Ryan to greet them. Fr. reminds us that we are separated only by time and space and we will see each other again.

The sun was shining brightly on this warm fall day. Almost like time had stood still since September 5th. It still felt like summer, the trees lush and green, the flowers in bloom. It was a beautiful day for a child to go home.

In Honor of Ryan

Posted: September 9th, 2009

Our latest email campaign will not tell you about any fantastic specials at Joyful Noise Books & Gifts. In fact, this email is not about the store at all only that it serves as a vehicle to honor Ryan, his life and his death and because Jesus tells us we are to be His eyes, His ears, His voice here on earth;

This September long weekend was beautiful. We spent it busy with errands, church, friends, meals out, laundry, chores and some relaxation. Almost a perfect weekend.

Late Monday afternoon our phone rang. The voice on the other end was a familiar one, but I was caught off guard by the strain in his normally relaxed, jovial tone. I called my husband over, the phone was for him. Having lived through one or two of these life altering moments I had an uncomfortable, almost nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach. As I listened to one end of the conversation I knew it was bad. Patrick grew more and more quiet and in shock. He learned in that phone call, that a young fellow that he hired and worked with everyday would not be returning to work on Tuesday. He was killed in a car crash on Saturday night.

This amiable, hard-working, 26 year old who’s future was as bright as he was, was gone. Just like that. I knew Patrick liked and respected him alot by the way he spoke of Ryan. Now, he is the son that will never come home, the brother that will never again drive his siblings wherever they needed to be, he died because somebody decided to drink and drive. Because someone did NOT value life. Not their own life, nor anyone else’s.

Instead, yesterday (Tuesday) Patrick gathered up Ryan’s personal belongings, placed them in a box, and handed them over to Ryan’s father who came by to see the place where his son spent so much time. Both wanting and needing to take in the atmosphere that Ryan enjoyed the last few years of his young life. Patrick assured his father that Ryan was well liked and valued by all there. Something a father deserves to know.

So, how do we show value for life?

I suppose regardless of what we profess, our choices and actions will always show the world just how we value our life and the life of another. Or not, as in the case of drinking and driving.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this for Ryan and all those who left us at far too young an age. And Ryan…thank you for the person you were. I am living with someone who did value you and whose life was affected by having you in it. May you rest in God’s eternal peace.

God Bless,

Peggy Maas