Peaceful Spirit Garden 2003

This year, 2003, I wanted the Islamic symbol to be green, like the Fertile Crescent, the Middle East's crescent of land around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. I planned to plant wild woodland anemone, knowing its white blossoms would have turned to rich green by mid June

As I sipped my morning coffee on a cold and windy planting day I glanced at the newspaper and was shocked to see that Al Hajj, Saleem Ganam, my Muslim consultant and staunch supporter in the cause of peace among religions, had died.

As I planted I recalled his service to the Muslim communities of Western Canada in many Islamic organizations for over seven decades, and his kindness to me. We had corresponded by phone and mail but I had never met him and yet, the face in the obituary was vaguely familiar.

As I pressed earth around the last of the plants I remembered. A week earlier, while shopping for a particular type of curry, I stopped a tall elderly gentleman, who looked as if he might know such things, for advice. Not only did he answer my question but he was anxious to talk about several other facets of his culture and history. I'm sure it was him. What a lovely coincidence.

The Peace Garden in 2003 was dedicated to the memory of Saleem Ganam, and marked by a small wooden plaque.

The Peace Garden in
2003 was dedicated to
the memory of Saleem
Ganam, and marked by a
small wooden plaque.

    Beauty, Peace, Joy & Love to All