Dear Editor,
At Willowbrook Recycling, I recently lost an amethyst ring I’d worn almost every day for 46 years!
My fingers had shrunk in the colder weather, but I was dutifully shoving some waste plastic into a large waist-high bin.
In the car park, my right hand felt different – no ring around the accustomed finger! (My dear husband had chosen that lovely birthday-gift for me, early years into our marriage.)
I returned inside, where employees and I dug into some of the upper piles of plastic in the very full bin without success.
I left my contact details with staff and drove home in dismay, mentally kicking myself for carelessness.
Thoughts of “the vanity of earthly possessions” failed to comfort.
A characteristic of humour is often wild exaggeration, a tricky commodity which may offend or delight depending on personal viewpoint and culture.
One of the articles in the Langley Times newspaper – which I always read – is Langley City’s ex-fire chief Jim’s McGregor Says. His usually gentle humour lifts my mood, providing light relief from news reports of disease, crime, and misfortune.
READ COLUMN IN QUESTION: McGregor Says: Shopping husbands will survive
One lady’s recent letter (L.T., Dec. 19) pointed out that one cannot lump all husbands into a “helpless sap” shopping category. My own husband excelled as “Mr. Fix-It” as well as shopping partner and gift-chooser.
The morning after I’d lost my ring, I revisited the recycling depot. Staff said they’d have another look, so I drove home again.
I’d barely got inside my door when the phone rang: “We’ve found your ring!” an excited female voice exclaimed.
I returned at once—everyone with beaming faces as I slipped the ring back on my finger and thanked them profusely.
Good people are out there!
Honesty and a desire to help still prevail, and some, like columnist Jim McGregor, seek to help us by providing light relief.
I often chuckle at his writings, although well-intentioned words can be equivocal and misconstrued.
One may not always foresee the effects one creates. However, let’s all help each other where we can, avoid disparaging name-calling, and build a season of goodwill extending well beyond a healthy, prosperous & Happy New Year!
Write on, McGregor!
Gloria Hancock, Langley City
