Wednesday August 24, 2011 I visited Nathan Philips Square in front of Toronto City Hall to witness and participate in the spontaneous free people's tribute to Jack Layton.
"you are not gone, you are not forgotten, thank you"
The concrete walls and ground of the square had been filled with chalk love messages to Jack. The rain had come earlier that day and washed many away, and left others dark and wet. Even the rain felt appropriate. It was quiet and still and introspective. People left their thoughts and wishes and they faded and washed away. The most common words I saw were "thank you Jack."
"Jack - Thanks for restoring my faith in good people. Wish you could see the love you've inspired. The rain may wash this from the ground but never from our hearts."
Jack would have loved the attention, and he would have loved the heart, the sharing, the community and the possibility for change this experience has inspired.
"Never apologize for working with others."
Appropriately, the mood of the square was gratitude and warmth, and even humour.
One of my favourites: "With great mustache comes great responsibility" :)
Love and Solidarity to you Jack, your family, most of all Olivia.
Now time for us all to continue the work, roll up our sleeves. "So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."
