The rose still grows

Perry has now spent 98 days in jail – for stepping up to the plate to protect children, and then daring to say he has lost faith in the justice system. This is the institutional response to allegations of childhood sexual abuse.

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No hearings this week.  Hearings resume Monday 02 June 2008.

My weekend flew past – our little granddaughter was baptised on Saturday. Out of town family arrived on Friday and left on Sunday.

A strange weekend of conflicting emotions.  Perry’s dear grandmother’s funeral on Saturday.  I wanted so very much to be there to pay my condolences to this remarkable family in their time of sorrow.  But, … the baptism.

I couldn’t miss the baptism.

No.  Perry was not allowed to attend the funeral.  He was however escorted to the funeral home in Ingleside on Friday morning.   There was no advance notice – apparently the guards just arrived in the morning and told Perry he was going for a shower.  Since it wasn’t a regular shower day Perry knew something was up, but had no idea what.

Then it was off to the funeral home.   The prisoner in his prison issue orange jumpsuit.   I have no idea why this trip could not have been made a week earlier while Perry’s Nan was alive and clinging to life –  hoping against dwindling hopes she would see her Perry one more time.

It still boggles my mind.  An unannounced visit to see Perry’s dying grandmother at her home in Ingleside  would somehow have put the guards and/or the whole community at risk?  An unannounced visit to see his deceased grandmother in the funeral home in Ingleside would not put the guards and/or community at risk?

I miss the logic.  I can perhaps understand why they wouldn’t allow him to attend the funeral.   I can sort out the logic there.  A crowd.  Who knows I suppose what might happen?  But….

Anyway, Perry was taken to see his beloved grandmother –  in her casket.  He was apparently allowed to spend about an hour or more.  But, just he and Nan.  No one else.  No one to hold onto when the tears came rushing.  No living human being to hug.  No one to hold.  No one.  He asked if his mother and/or sister could be brought over.  No.
Perry wrestled with his thoughts, and he bid farewell.  He wrote his eulogy.

The funeral I hear was well attended.  Perry was to give the eulogy.  In his absence his words were read by the minister.  I don’t have a copy of the text but will get and post.  There were three additional letters which were meant to be read at the funeral:  one from Marlee, one from Heather, and one from Monica.  Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond control the letters didn’t reach their destination in time.  Those I do have and will post today.

Perry was also listed as an honourary pall bearer.

A sad day for the family made sadder by Perry’s absence.

I am told there was much chatter at the reception afterwards about Nan and what a truly remarkable lady she was.  She apparently was quite a cook.  She pickled up a storm and is said to have made the best pickles anywhere.  She made pies to die for, and she also made the most delectable home-made ice cream!  She welcomed one and all in her home. There was always room at the table for one more, and second helpings were obligatory.

And, listen to this!   Another glimpse of Nan.  At her request Nan was buried with a “Free Perry Dunlop” tucked inside her casket!  She’s going over heads at every level and taking the message right to the top!

May she now rest in peace.

I’m guessing that right about now there’s a “Free Perry Dunlop” sticker posted somewhere – prominent – on the pearly gates 🙂

My deepest sympathies Helen and Rosalee.  I thought when the time came nothing would keep me from the funeral.   But, the baptism.  I couldn’t forego my grand-daughter’s baptism.   I know you understand.  My heart was with you all.

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My husband and I visited Perry yesterday.  He looked and sounded understandably worn.  It was a hard week for him.  Hard.  He will rally.  He will.   But last week was hard.  Keep him and his family in your prayers.

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The baptism was beautiful.  Absolutely.  Such happiness.  So many blessings attached to this beautiful little baby girl.  She’s a little ray of sunshine.

Perry asked about the baptism.  His face lit up when my husband and I told him.  In his time of sorrow he shared our joy.  Perry loves children.  He does.  And, …..babies just do that to people 🙂

More later.  I need to get information up re last week’s testimony.  I was overtaken by events and there was much I didn’t touch.  For now I want to get this up to let all know there are no hearings this week and to give a quick update on Perry.

Last but by no means least, I wanted to post the comforting words of a poem which I received many years ago and have never completely forgotten.  I did a Google search and there it was!

For Perry, Heather (Perry’s Mom) and Rosalee (Perry’s sister):

The Rose Still Grows Beyond The Wall

Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God’s free light:
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice length,
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before.
And it lost itself in beauties new.
Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,
And make our courage faint or fall?
Nay, let us faith and hope receive,
The rose still grows beyond the wall.
Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore.
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.

(By A.L.Frink)

Pray for the repose of Nan’s dear soul.

Sylvia

(cornwall@theinquiry.ca)