Winter Traditions with Granddad and Dad

When asked by someone at work what my religious background was - I think back to both my Mom, and my Dad. My Mom because of her Catholic background which allowed me to attend Catholic school (which was better funded over public school). And then my Dad who brought me along to Presbyterian church, which was faithfully attended by my Granddad.

Without putting words in anyones mouth, I believe my Dad attended church with my Granddad mostly to carve out having that time to be with his Dad. It was less about the religious aspects. However, as was with my own thoughts and feelings, I believe my Dad attended for the sermons, certainly the family tradition, the comfort or peace of it, perhaps the spirituality of it, and generally providing good moral grounding- amongst I am sure- other things.

I note that this was a winter tradition, but going to church on Sunday happened any other time of the year, without the skating part.

We would either be picked up by my grandfather, or drive over to pick him up early in the morning. In the winters when the canal was open, we would head down to Dows Lake, or at the other end of the canal, a warming hut on the ice. We'd all put on our skates and us 3 generations get a good skate in.

After that- we'd head to breakfast at one of a few regular places. Nate's was one that was frequented but there was also the Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill internal restaurant (for special occasions), Pacini (which had a bread bar over in Hull), and one other place I cannot remember the name of.

We'd then go to church, which seemed like the shorter part of the sequence of events. I think like any kid, I complained about having to go to the church or skating part (on cold days). But of course looking back would be more than enthusiastic to time travel back to and experience all over again.

Those were times spent observing how my Dad talked to his Dad, their way of interacting and what the thoughts of 2 generations of men had on any topic of conversation. It was time spent getting to know both of them really- but more so an opportunity to get to know my Granddad. It was time spent observing how a father fathered and how my Dad was still a kid, a young man from my Granddads perspective.

My Dad did say to me a few times- you'll see as you get older, you'll do the same things as I do. Indicating that one day I too will be a Dad to someone and take on those same things as he was taking on in his time.

What great memories though... the drive, the skate, the breakfast, and the sanctuary experienced together. All of these experiences surely will be with me my whole life and have in part made me who I am, and who my kids will be too. In fact both of my girls are learning to skate now at 5 and 7 years old, and I look forward to making my own skating traditions with them!