Most people can understand that, sometimes, things are going to go off the rails and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.
In a lot of those cases, the people pick themselves up and dust themselves off before trudging off to the next task without giving a second thought.
However, there are times where circumstances take place that send a person for a loop and they are left wondering what truck is going to hit them next.
Worse yet, if that individual is up against some time constraints or a job that needs done, the stress and anxiety tend to take over and leave that person in a muddle.
It is times like that when I am more than grateful for the helpful nature and hospitality of those living in small prairie towns.
Yes, even in these days, there remain communities that showcase what living in rural outposts used to be like — neighbours helping neighbours and being kind to strangers that were in need of some assistance.
Places like this still put others above themselves — providing a ride to someone in need, working hard to find a solution to someone’s problem even at their own expense, apologizing when what they try doesn’t work, trusting someone with a vehicle and not expecting any compensation or thanks in return.
It’s not that larger towns or cities don’t have people that exhibit this spectacular selfless, considerate and sense of generosity toward others. The huge difference is that this approach and mindset is exemplified by nearly every person in the community, instead of standing out as a distinct contrast to the majority of the population.
Many of us that now live in larger populated centres and who grew up in communities that exuded what generations today call “old-fashioned values” long for the days when politeness, warmth and caring for all things was done because it was how life was — not due to it being written into law.
So, to all of those that helped, attempted to assist, made an offer and even did something as simple as extended some kind words to a person that found themselves in a tough situation far from home — thanks.
It was all definitely appreciated and restored a sense of positivity in that individual, at least for a while.
Selfless vs selfish
Somewhat along that same line, emergency service personnel from around the province are once again showing how much they care for the greater community after the call went out last week to protect vulnerable communities in the far northern reaches of Alberta.
This is the second time in a few short weeks that the same places are being evacuated due to aggressive forest fires and municipal firefighters along with other emergency workers have answered the request to help stave off the threat. And for most of them, it’s at a cost — be it having to take vacation days from work, being far away from family for some time or even a financial hit.
For one like myself, it’s difficult to sit back and watch when all I want to do is get up there and do what I could.
It is also wonderful to see many surrounding communities and organizations stepping up to provide what assistance they can to these evacuees.
However, even with all of that kindness in the face of tragedy, all it takes is a lone act of narrow-minded self-interest to distract the public and send society back into wrapping itself up in its “all for me” mood.
Two recent news items highlight this — the latest Trans-Mountain pipeline approval and a debate in the provincial legislature.
On the pipeline announcement, the divisiveness started even before the official press release was presented, with opponents questioning the legitimacy of consultations and vowing to fight tooth and nail on some alleged moral high ground.
Over at the Alberta legislature, the proclamation following the election that a new era where the government “will raise the bar of civility and decorum” has allegedly been tossed aside faster than most drivers fly on the QEII at the start a long weekend.
In an all-night debate over a bill that is said to defer union contract negotiations, though opponents allege it’s designed to bust up previous contracts to help cut costs, Alberta’s Premier was busy handing out ear plugs to his party’s MLA to help them not listen to the NDP’s comments.
Both of these situations go to show that, while society has progressed in so many different ways, many other sectors and individuals are choosing to remain swimming in the selfish pool instead of crawling out, cleaning off and doing what is in the best interest of all — as shown by most small town residents.
But that is…just an observation.