The heroes all around us
December 20, 2004
By Cam Tait
Every week, I try to write about people who make a difference in the
lives of others. As I was contemplating this week's attempt, I thought
of my own life. And since it's Christmas, pardon the indulgence but
I'm going to share the stories of some of the heroes who are in my spotlight
every day.
I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair to get from A to B. My disability
has given me a glimpse of humanity few people see. I'm witness to it
every day. My wife and I live in a condominium complex where there's
on-site home care. Along with eleven other people with disabilities,
I share the 24-hour service. The people that work with me - Genita,
Tamara, Fiona, Alice, Phil, Dulce, Beth, Carlene, and Denise - make
sure I have everything I need...and more. Yes, we do have a working
relationship, but they all have big hearts. I admire them all.
Cab drivers are very important to me too, and covering events all over
northern Alberta requires special drivers. They load my wheelchair time
and time again, stop for coffee, plug in my laptop in the strangest
places so I can file my stories, stop for coffee, get my dry cleaning,
stop at the bank, stop for coffee, and give me advice. Over coffee,
of course. Wally, Marwan, Julie, and Voytech all certainly go the extra
mile.
I also see kindness from people I have never met and might not see again.
People who open mall doors for me, or pick up my pens, and even the
emergency staff of a small town hospital who recently lent me a wheelchair
for a few hours after I discovered that mine wasn't put on the bus with
me, but was left in the trunk of the cab.
I could go on and on. We all have people who are in our own spotlight,
so at this time of the season, I think we all should thank them.
And wish them a Merry Christmas.
Do you know someone who deserves to be in the Charity Village Spotlight? Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement to cam@charityvillage.com.
