There have been a myriad of issues that have proven to be disruptive and divisive for residents in the 25 years that I have lived in Tsawwassen. In some cases, emotions have run so high that unfortunate bouts of public anger have emerged.
Neighbours have looked upon each other with disdain and contempt, and emotional statements at public hearings and in letters to this paper have been the norm for the not so sleepy communities of Delta.
One recent letter writer has said that he has had enough and will be packing his bags for the greener pastures of Vancouver Island. I am sure there are lots of people who have thought about an option such as this and I am also sure there will be issues in every community that will prove difficult to deal with.
This newspaper is obligated to share thoughts within the community and although balancing arguments can be difficult, the goal for equal representation is always there.
At this time of year it is really nice to see that two successive weekly cover stories in the Optimist have told tales of our community coming together instead of drifting apart. One story described the outpouring of support for a family in need, and the other, a fundraiser to support a very worthy Children's Hospital initiative.
I do not know the McConkey family personally but I have been aware of their plight in dealing with their son Kyle's cancer. As reported in last Friday's cover story, our community rallied, and quickly, to get the funding needed to get Kyle to Seattle for experimental treatment of the disease later this month.
I am sure all of us have been affected by cancer in some way. It is a nasty scourge that will hopefully be beaten one day. Knowing that Kyle and the McConkey family are going to get the chance to continue the fight is about as heartwarming of a story you will ever hear, especially at this time of year.
Last Saturday, Save-on-Foods sponsored Dave Lemire's Climb for Kids. Lemire's initiative raised over $10,000 for Children's Hospital as a part of the Overwaitea Food Group's overall goal of raising $20 million for pediatric care for special needs kids in B.C. Lemire didn't have to climb the stairs at Fred Gingell Park for four straight hours, but he did because he loves kids and has a special affinity for children with complicated health issues, including his niece's young son Noah and his heart condition; his "coach" Myles, who has cerebral palsy; and his late friend Johnny Racich, who succumbed to Apert syndrome a couple of years ago.
You could see the pain on Lemire's face on the last couple of laps but he knew the pain would go away, not often the case for some kids that have to deal with pain and a complicated existence every day.
There weren't very many dry eyes at the park on that beautiful afternoon last weekend as Lemire thanked his inspirations.
These stories show that we can unite as a community and that makes me proud.
Delta does a good job of showing up when it comes to responding to need all year but these examples are especially comforting at Christmas time.
Thank you, Dave, and best wishes to Kyle and the McConkey family!
