Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Daniela Ginta

The Way I See It

GINTA: Once again, we have learned the meaning of community

Sep 9, 2019 | 12:34 PM

A LOT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ALREADY about the recent disaster that destroyed Parkcrest Elementary. It shook the entire city and it left many in tears. It will take a while to rebuild — hopefully not too long, according to official promises — and there will be hurdles along the way.

Still, it will not be the same. The new school will most likely be better, construction-wise and safety-wise. But it will not be the same. The loss of an essential neighbourhood hub and the emotional toll associated will be felt for a while.

There were memories and irreplaceable items that time and people made special. They will remain cherished in hearts and minds and that adds an extra degree of gratefulness for having what we have while we have it.

It is a sad lesson that children had to learn as they went through this, but the impression they’ll carry with as they grow up will shape the adults they will become.

As much as we want our young ones sheltered from seeing the heartbreaking side of life, it is not realistic to expect that we will be able to do that. And it would not be healthy for them either. What’s healthy is that we are there to hug them, allow tears to flow as they need to, and ultimately help them understand that unpredictability is a part of life but we can develop tools to deal with it.

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Difficult times teach us about ourselves; they teach us about resilience and strength and about our ability to find hope when things appear hopeless. Loss of resources teaches us about determination to rebuild.

Life happens, and sometimes it happens in a tragic way. We don’t get to choose how days unfold, but when the unthinkable happens, whatever its nature may be, we get to choose how to go on from there. The way the community responded to the Parkcrest Elementary fire has been nothing short of outstanding.

That is probably what matters the most when a disaster strikes: knowing that you are not alone; knowing that there is someone who cares, someone who helps keep things in balance as you gather yourself about; knowing that as the time comes to rebuild and find your feet once more (as a person, or as a community) you will have support from others as you do so.

People helping people is a beautiful thing to witness.

These are essential lessons for children to learn. We live in a (part of the) world where many find themselves living in a solitary way that is rather contrary to the way humans have lived for thousands of years. People sticking together helps the individuals live and thrive and it helps the community become stronger. Throughout history, the celebratory times have added joyfulness, but the harder times have provided opportunities for people to come together, support one another and work to rebuild. If the good times are the decorations we hang on the walls, the harder times are the very walls we build as we go along, cementing them with resilience and hope.

I’d argue the need to extend help and support when we see others in trouble is built in our genetic makeup. Hence the shock of seeing the opposite when that happens.

The lessons we learn as kids, parents, and as a community when disaster strikes will not fade in the distance as life goes on. On the contrary. They add to the belief that come what may, when people help one another, the outcome is always better. Kamloops has shown that to be true on more than one occasion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.