Brian Bailey

He was a gentleman's gentleman
About this, there can be no doubt,
With a heart of gold to boot
That beat to a rythm of kindness and love.
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On September 11/01, the world became a different place in which to live. This statement, of course, refers not so much to the geography of the land, but rather to the manner in which we think and feel. We worry more often now. It seems that almost any negative action can indeed occur, and on our own turf as well.

The events of September 11 have caused many people to ponder many questions. For example, 'Why is there so much violence in the world today? How can we encourage and inspire more positive thoughts and actions? ' For if such a noble endeavour could be achieved, perhaps we might feel a little more control over the destiny of our world, thus lessening our vulnerability. And this in turn just might reduce our fear, tension and anxiety about life and the unknow, in general.
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There is a young man named Neil who recently had surgery for a brain tumour (Acoustic Neuroma) . He was in ‘critical condition’, but he is doing really well now, facing life with ‘courage and hope’. He still has a ‘very long way to go’, but he has such a ‘tremendously positive attitude and outlook on life’.
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I love smiles for lots of reasons. Some smiles are big, bright and beautiful and are filled with self-assurance and confidence. Others have a hint of shyness, but glow with lots of hope and optimism. Smiles can be understood by everyone. There is no language barrier. They convey an immediate message to the recipient. Smiles encourage positive, verbal communication, which often leads to healthy, productive interaction between human beings. They provide a basis for positive thinking and growth, and thus are of tantamount importance to life. Smiles also involve humour, another very important ingredient in the development of human relations.
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The landscape is steeped in beauty, with flowers flowing from every colour of the rainbow. The lush green grass blends in with the variety of shrubs and trees. In the garden, all sorts and sizes of vegetables thrive, to be savoured in some future delicacy. The sun, wind and rain has looked kindly upon this place, for yet another year. In return, this residence is gently bestowing grandeur, wonder and beauty to passersby, but only to those who truly take the time to look, smell and feel the enchantment that surrounds them.
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I am thankful for big, broad smiles and golden sunsets. I am filled with wonder, awe and amazement whenever I view a beautiful night sky, saturated with brightly shining stars. I become so very hopeful when I watch someone perform a good deed for another human being. Thank you for springtime, when everything is bursting with renewed hope and vibrancy, giving everyone a chance for new beginnings.

Thanks for hot summer days and fast-flowing streams, which offer refreshment and coolness. Thank you for lush green grass and the game of golf as well. Thanks for friendships, kindness, compassion, caring and love. Thank you also for perfection and imperfection, strength as well as weakness, confidence and insecurity. For all these various components can work in harmony to bring people closer together.
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She’s a fighter! ! She never gives up! ! Although she may be aged and weak at times, she still retains a determined, hopeful spirit. It is truly an amazing sight to see her making her way around the lengthy crescent, inch by inch, step by step. This beautiful lady reflects the driving energy and desire that made this Canada the great country that it is today. Oh, to be certain, we have our problems here, as does every country in the world. But where there is strength, passion and a desire to overcome problems, the only logical outcome can be the beauty, grandeur and opportunity that is so evident in Canada.

There will always be those who criticize. That is a given fact. It is then up to the rest of us to try our very best to emulate this determined, gracious lady. Her aspirations and actions will motivate us to act in the affirmative and well-being of all people, thus allowing this country to remain such a solidified, positive force in our world, one which is defined by such marvelous characteristics as beauty, wonder, compassion and excellence.
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Kindness, caring, passion, generosity, integrity, sensitivity, compassion and expertise: these are but a few key characteristics which define the 'real essence of the human condition', its heart, mind, body and soul. It is a very rare thing indeed to discover a person who combines all these 'absolutely marvellous traits' into one life. For it is truly 'a thing of beauty'.

But the fact of the matter is that Monsieur Jean Beliveau embodies 'each and every one' of these vital facets, carving out a 'truly exceptional life' in the process. For just as the illustrious Montreal Canadiens defined a winning 'Stanley Cup Spirit and Tradition', so does Jean Beliveau exemplify this 'Championship Spirit' in his life. But #4, coined 'Big Beliveau' by the eminent sports commentator Danny Gallivan, is not only a 'hockey legend'. He has the heart, mind, body, soul and spirit of a person who 'truly cares' about the well-being of others and acts productively and diligently in this area of endevour.
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