Dear Editor,
How lucky are we? I feel pretty darned lucky, myself. I didn’t really have a plan, when I decided to come to Canada, then to . . .
the ‘country’ just north of Toronto, then to Pontiac County. In each case, I was in the company of friends with whom I still have some contact. The people I met here have been friendly and accepting, whether because of, or in spite of my having an outsider’s perspective on community and culture. It seems I guessed right. I was hoping for a place to feel at home and I found this place. The news is rife with reports of places where people mistrust or fear their neighbours. We’re lucky to be here.
Food is an important part of our diet. Right here in town there are several stores where we can buy just about any type of food we want to eat, and at reasonable prices. I’ve seen the selection increase steadily since I moved here. If anyone around here is going hungry or homeless, remedy is available. That’s not the case everywhere in the world. We’re lucky to be here.
The weather here is tolerable at the worst of times, and often quite pleasant, winter and summer. Just yesterday, a big storm blew through south of us and we had nothing worse than a chilly, grey day. When the snows come, we have crews with powerful machines, ready and willing to move the snow out of our way. That’s not the case everywhere in the world. We’re lucky to be here.
Our government is still beholden to the concept of participatory democracy so we can gripe, campaign and vote, then complain to our heart’s content. That’s not the case everywhere in the world. We’re lucky to be here.
We have the privilege of spending time and money on tobacco, alcohol, lotteries and now cannabis if we so choose. And we have an affordable healthcare system in place when those indulgences catch up with us. That’s not the case everywhere in the world. We’re lucky to be here.
One of the wealthiest people around these parts, I know by name and he’s at work nearly every day. On the other hand, I know one who lives nearly without money or the amenities most take for granted and both these men seem equally content with their lot in life. That’s not the case everywhere in the world. We’re lucky to be here.
Robert Wills
Shawville and Thorne, Que.
