Community comes to me

Crestview

I recently had spine surgery that impacted my independence. I relied on family and friends to assist me in areas that compromised my back. I was humbled and filled with gratitude for all the love and support I received. I was offered endless help and regular check-ins through my email.

As I reflected on this generosity, I realized this was my community surrounding me. I was not alone, and every time we came together, I was reminded of this. I looked up community, and one of the definitions is, “Individuals who share a common purpose that gives them a sense of cohesion.” The literal translation is to give to one another. This was indeed what I was experiencing day by day as I grew stronger and healed.

During recovery, I watched the family of ducks in the pond by my home. I realized they were a community too, one of caring for their ducklings as they grew up, for survival is paramount for them, only to return the next year and start all over again.

Community, no matter the size, is defined by us. I live in a specific area of town, Crestview, my community. I am part of this wonderful city, my community. I’m proud to be a Canadian, my roots and community defining me on so many levels.

In a world of chaos and uncertainty, it warms my soul to see that goodness and compassion are abundant and ready to be shared. People want to help, and in giving, they receive endless love for their thoughtfulness. We are so connected through our hearts, but it is easily forgotten if we allow the world around us to be too consuming. Then we become vulnerable, permitting ourselves to be influenced, a hardening of hearts or normalizing and accepting violence and hatred, seeing it demonstrated in the news every day. So, in my small community, I can remove myself from the bigger picture of the world and retain faith that I’ll have an opportunity to return thoughtfulness and love to someone else who needs their faith renewed and a warm smile.

Every so often, it is essential to be reminded of our community and the importance of each of us in preserving its values and meaning, never to be taken for granted.

I thank you for the opportunity to share my story today.