Dec. 2 — a blustery, frigid day with heavy snow falling and adding to heaps already on the ground, rutted furrows of ice and extreme slippery conditions.
Watching the action during the day through my living room window from my wheelchair, I saw vehicles spinning around, losing control, stranded in the middle of the street in a 90-degree position, or stuck in deep snow. Often there is a lineup of cars, trucks, a bus, that are totally immobilized due to what’s blocking traffic ahead.
Through the frustration and stress people were experiencing, I delighted in observing men and women leaving their warm homes, some from partway down the block, to assist those in need and ready to shovel or push.
It brought to mind a neighbour across the alley whom I don’t even know, but for a few years has been so generous to often use his snowblower on my property when we’ve had heavy snowfalls.
I have a great amount of praise and respect for these my heroes, who will don their warmest gear to reach out to others, neighbours and strangers alike — with truly, a real act of kindness!
And that’s being a Canadian, as I see it.
Arlene Hilman
Red Deer