I was going to write about the constant rain we have been experiencing; then I watched a report on the Manitoba floods and realized we really don’t have a weather problem here.
So I thought maybe I would write about the horrendous traffic situation I encountered on the way into Vancouver. Then I watched the traffic jam on the highway leaving Slave Lake. They could barely see through their windshields and there was no sense looking in their mirrors; there was not much left behind. I won’t complain about the Port Mann Bridge today.
Maybe I’ll dwell on some good things that happened last week. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Bill Kent. Bill is 103 years old and was getting ready to take an unaccompanied bus trip to Edmonton. Bill received his engineering degree from the university there 80 years ago this week. He is going back to get his 80-year engineering pin. I bet they don’t give too many of those out.
He shared stories about being one of the engineers on the Lions Gate Bridge and his part in the casting of the two lions. When he was born, the doctor told his mother not to bother registering his birth as he was too frail to survive. I leave Bill’s place wondering what a difference I can make if I still have 40 years left.
On Saturday night, I hosted a gala fundraiser for the Montessori school at the Coast Hotel. It was a great event and I met some wonderful new people. They had a talent show and one of the parents came up to sing. Accompanied only by a solo guitar, she sang Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah every bit as good as k.d. lang did at the opening of the Olympics. When she finished the crowd stood, the staff put down their trays and people who had sneaked over from the event next door all gave her a long ovation.
It was one of those unexpected experiences. It is one of those magic moments that finds a soft spot, climbs inside and never leaves. You all have them, those goose bump memories that you can recall whenever you want. I like it when those things happen.
On Sunday morning I was helping out on the microphone at the 10th annual Walk for Bright Futures organized by the Langley Elks and Royal Purple. Over the last decade this event has raised well over $100,000 for the Hearing Resource Centre, an amazing place designed to assist families with hearing impaired children.
Regardless of the rain, the Campbell Valley parking lot is full and the spirits are high. Many of the children there are hearing impaired but they are racing through the puddles, chasing dogs and getting dirty. I recall kids from my era who were deaf and I think about how far we have come in acceptance, education and rehabilitation, and how these kids are no longer isolated. The passion of the Hearing Resource staff comes over loud and clear as they speak to the crowd.
I marvel at the patience of their parents and remember that special children are reserved for special parents and I think about how fortunate my kids and grandkids are.
A sliver of sunshine has appeared at the window. It seems if you look past the clouds, the sun is there after all. At least that’s what McGregor says.
