SEAFOAM – When Terry and John Adams look out the window of their summer home in Seafoam they see a symbol of hope reminding them of their son Jeremy thousands of miles away.
Rolling blue waves of the Northumberland Strait serve as a serene backdrop to a lone birch tree near the centre of the Seafoam campground. Its plentiful wiry branches are covered in hundreds of red lights and yellow ribbons, each one placed with a wish for a soldier's safe return from war-torn Afghanistan.
"It's in support of our troops," said John, who erected the visual tribute to Canadian soldiers in May.
"Our son is in Afghanistan," said Terry. "This is his third tour. Hopefully those ribbons will bring him home safe to us."
Their 33-year-old son, Sgt. Jeremy Adams, is currently stationed in Kandahar and is mentoring members of the Afghanistan Army. The soldier grew up in Pictou County, graduating from East Pictou High School, then joined the Canadian Forces 13 years ago, and eventually was stationed in Petawawa, Ont.
Terry said the tree "must be stuck there with love" because it hasn't moved from its place despite strong winds and heavy rains throughout the summer.
A Canadian flag and Support Our Troops flag fly above the Irish Mountain couple's home away from home attracting lots of attention from other campers.
John said he takes pleasure in making sure the tree is lit every night offering a warm red glow to passersby.
"We hear people talking about it at night, about how nice it is to see lit up," the soldier's mom said.
The Adamses have been seasonal residents in Seafoam for the past 12 years and their son has spent a great deal of time there as well, with the exception of the past two years because he has been serving overseas.
"Everybody asks about him, a lot of people around here know him," said Terry.
The couple says there are many worry-filled nights wondering what and how their son is doing but looking at the tree, believing in its power to bring him home safely, brings them peace.
"I wish he wasn't there but he says he does what he does because it is the right thing to do," Terry said.
"When I look at the tree I'm just thinking hopefully this will be the last group of them to come home, never to return again."
But until that day arrives, they plan to light the tree in the campground as long as they are there, then they will light another tree in Irish Mountain that was planted the day their son joined the forces.
Terry said her son's tour will end in December, prior to the holiday season, and she plans to continue sending care package with reminders of home until their family is reunited.
John said showing support for the troops is very important and he would like to see more people participate in the Red Friday movement serving as a reminder of the ongoing role of Canadian soldiers in a conflict continents away.
