#21 Prince Edward Island: Embraces

I'm going to try to connect three different stories but I'm afraid the transitions might be as awkward as Matthew felt when he was given a hug by Anne.  Not familiar with that reference?  Then I better begin with that story.

Story #1

My favorite scene from the Megan Follows version of Anne of Green Gables took place in the barn.  Anne had just found the puffed-sleeve dress that Matthew had bought for her and placed on her bed.  Matthew was the lifelong bachelor who, along with his spinster sister, had adopted Anne.  Anne put the dress on and rushed to the barn to thank Matthew, but all she could do was stare at him with misty eyes.  Finally he said, "Don't you like it?"  "Like it?  It's more exquisite than any dress I could ever imagine!  You are a man of impeccable taste Matthew."  I'm sure Matthew wanted to give her a hug but kissed Anne on the forehead instead, explaining that he didn't want to get her dress dirty.  That's when Anne threw her arms around his neck in a long, emotional bearhug.  I don't know why but watching it always chokes me up.

Below are a couple of frames I grabbed from the movie.  Used by permission.  (Funny, I seem to remember that Anne had red hair though.  Sorry.  I mean auburn.)



Story #2

Besides their connection with Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Islanders are very proud of their province being the birthplace of confederation.  It's on their license plates, we crossed to the island on Confederation Bridge, we came off the island on the ferry MV Confederation. 

This is where the founding fathers sailed to in order to hammer out the framework of a country.  I'm not sure why they went there exactly - was it to woo PEI to become a member of the new nation?  Because islanders were a little hesitant to join the other colonies in jumping into Canada's arms.  But Canada bought a puffed-sleeve dress for PEI in the form of paying off their large railway debts.  That won their hearts and in 1874 Prince Edward Island embraced a waiting Canada.  Nowadays, judging by all the flags we saw on the Island, there are no Canadians more patriotic.

Here's a picture of Anne drinking a toast to Canada with some raspberry cordial:


Story #3

At Fisherman's Wharf we rushed our way through a meal of lobster roll and potato salad made from Spud Island spuds.  We had to hurry to catch the ferry to Nova Scotia.  When we got to the motorhome, there was a young couple reading the banner on the back of the RV.

I've always felt a little awkward about the verse I chose to put on the banner: "The Creator shall have dominion from Sea to Sea to Sea."  I'm afraid people will confuse the word 'dominion' with 'domination' which would imply that God is harsh and forces the people under him into submission.  Which is so opposite from the truth.  Remember the story of the father who waited for the prodigal son to return from his debauchery?  Seeing him from a long way off, the father RAN to embrace his son.  And Jesus said, "I stand at the door.  I knock.  If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and have supper with you."  That's what God is like.

I figured out right away that this young couple got it.  Dave and Madison from Toronto.  They broke out in smiles when they saw us. "We just came from having devos by the water!" I knew what Dave meant.  Devotions. They had just 'had supper with Jesus'.  We didn't even have time to learn anything about each other or give a hug.  They each signed a blessing on the banner and then we had to run.  But there was something about that connection that makes me think it will last.  Dave and Madison, if you do end up reading this, let me know in the 'Contact Me' section, okay?
















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