The Compassion Within

We have long tried to describe what it means to be Canadian.  We know we are different from other nations but we have struggled to explain what it is exactly.  We like to apologize when it is not our fault.  We are kind, but that still isn't it or doesn't explain us fully. 

Yesterday was an example of what it is.  Canadians truly have the compassion within.

Believe me, like most Canadians, I wish that wasn't on display yesterday.  I wish that the last 36 hours was just a nightmare and when I woke up, I was hoping I had somehow dreamed the horrific bus crash.  Like most Canadians, I had a heavy heart yesterday.  I didn't want to get dressed or go outside.

I think every Canadian felt a level of loss yesterday.  I am sure we all had a connection.  Almost everyone was from a small town at some point.  A small town in Saskatchewan, even.  Almost everyone lived in a hockey town or was a player or was a member of a team or knows what it is like to drive down a lonely piece of highway and meet a semi.  Or, just being a young person and having the promise of youth.

I sat on my couch watching the news all day.  Frozen.  Feeling a depth of loss.  CBC News only covered one story yesterday for hours and hours.  What an amazing tribute.

In less than 24 hours, over 1 million dollars was raised for the families.  The generosity and outpouring of support was everywhere.  Offers of assistance came from everywhere.  The Premier of Saskatchewan summed up the feelings of the nation.  Not only "ordinary" Canadians were affected, but professional athletes couldn't hide their profound emotion.  Moments of silence held all over the world and at the last Saturday night regular NHL games.  The Habs and the Leafs all wore Bronco stickers on their helmuts.  The Jets and the Blackhawks had all of their names covered with "Bronco".  It was moving and amazing that they could accomplish such on such short notice.  Both teams donated $25000.

This morning, we read that one of the players is on life support.  He signed his organ donor card on the first day he was eligible.  Six of his organs have been matched to needy recipients and have been harvested for donation.  His heart will still beat strong.  This young man lived his life as a hero and thanks to his amazing family, he will die as a hero. 

As horrific as this tragedy is, we have been able to define what makes us Canadian.  It is truly the compassion within.

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