Where the Poppies Blow

Caribou River – Where the Poppies Blow

If you travel down the Sunrise Trail on Route 6 from the Pictou roundabout heading towards Tatamagouche, you will pass this amazing sight at civic address #6033 in Caribou River.

Bright red handmade poppies hang from bare branches and swing gently in the wind. A wooden driveway marker is adorned with black ribbon and poppies. And a handmade poppy decal in subscribed with “Lest We Forget” hangs from a garden flag stake. It’s a display like I’ve never seen before.

I recently had a heartwarming conversation with the homeowner to find out what inspired her to make this display. “I love to decorate my front yard for every occasion like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas to delight the passers-by. I decided a few years ago to honour our soldiers on Remembrance Day by also decorating.” I replied, “What a unique and thoughtful idea. I love it.”

Donna continued, “I think everyone should remember our soldiers who fought for our freedom. Those who never came home and those who did come home but will never be the same,” she paused, “I consider myself fortunate to never have lost a parent, a spouse or a child to war. So many others are not so lucky.” After a moment I commented, “You are so right. We have much to be grateful for on Remembrance Day and every day.”

I shared that my grandfather was in World War II along with his two brothers. I could only imagine how my great-grandfather and great-grandmother must felt with three of their four sons going off to war and not knowing if they would ever see them again. Thankfully, they were three lucky ones who made it home safely.

Donna shared one of her memories, “I discovered that my uncle from Montreal was in the Navy and sent a telegram to his mother to tell her he was coming home,” she paused, “Ironically, the telegram was sent from Pictou, NS! One of life's strange coincidences! I never knew I had a previous connection to Pictou before I moved to the area 13 years ago. I piped up, “That is amazing! How many years ago did you find this out?” She answered, “Just a few years ago when my cousin, his daughter, sent me a photo knowing I moved just outside of Pictou.” I smiled, “What a wonderful keepsake.” She smiled too.

I left our conversation feeling a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation for her taking the time to create such a tribute in her front yard. Maybe I will create one in my front yard next year too. Maybe this could be a new Pictou County tradition.

On November 11th, Lest We Forget.