Jim Murray

7 years ago · 2 min. reading time · 0 ·

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Reflections on Fort MacMurray

Reflections on Fort MacMurray

Reflections on Fort MacMurray
As you may or may not know, during the past week an out of control forest fire destroyed huge hunks of the Northern Alberta community of Fort MacMurray. More than 90,000 people have been displaced and have lost pretty much everything in this tragedy.
But the outpouring of support for these people has been outstanding. Because Canada is a country filled with great caring people, who really understand that looking out for each other is a big part of what being Canadian is all about.

Today, on my Facebook feed, my cousin Bob Twidle re-posted this piece by Dee Brun Gow that sums up the feelings of a lot of Canadians today.

"I woke up this morning feeling the most incredible sense of pride for my country and it's people.

As a portion of it burns and it's people run for their lives with only the clothes on their back. Like refugees in their own province.
As people lose everything and have to drive by their burning lives. Confused, scared and desperate to escape.
They do the unthinkable....
They stop...to help others.
They throw their own belongings to the ground to make room for those stranded on the side of the road.
They open their homes and businesses for strangers in need.
They walk for miles down a highway with a gas can while people are stuck in traffic asking 'who needs gas.
They fight a monster for hours on end, all the while knowing they have no home to go home to.
Almost 90 000 incredible people were evacuated from ‪#‎FortMcMurray‬ in less than 24 hours. With NOT one story of violence, looting or price gouging against their fellow man.
Instead they shared what little they had, made sure everyone had a safe place to sleep or a shoulder to cry on.
As a country we have won many medals, trophies and honors the world over and it always gives us a sense of pride.
But this...this situation...there is no prize here. No medals coming for these people. The real heroes don't wear capes.
To the incredible people of Alberta and the entire country coast to coast, I Thank You. For reminding us all what it means to be an amazing and a true Canadian."

That says it all.


"
Comments

Jim Murray

7 years ago #9

#7
Thanks Franci. It is a great story, especially when you consider just how far away Fort Mac is. It's far.

Jim Murray

7 years ago #8

#1
I have been everywhere in Canada a lot for work and traveling and frankly the quality of the people here is a high as it gets anywhere.

Jim Murray

7 years ago #7

#4
Thanks James...as someone remarked...this story was written by a real person, not a blogger. I have mixed emotions.

Jim Murray

7 years ago #6

#6
That's a great simile, Kevin Pashuk. I'm an Earl Grey myself.

Jim Murray

7 years ago #5

#8
We have some real heroes in this country. I have been across this country a number of times and I can tell you it's packed with really good people.

Mohammed Abdul Jawad

7 years ago #4

That’s an immense tragedy…a sad depiction of fear, loss and hysterical escape! Yet, those who came forward, with gracious help for others, deserve accolades. Let’s get inspired with this worthwhile humanitarian spirit!

Kevin Pashuk

7 years ago #3

It's in times like this that I remember a phrase I heard years ago... "Canadians are like tea bags. It isn't until you put them in hot water that the flavour comes out." While the loss is tremendous (and many of us Canadians know (or know of) someone personally affected by 'the beast', it is a proud moment in the history of our country's character showing. Thanks for sharing Jim Murray

Chris Spurvey

7 years ago #2

Excellent post Jim Murray. I have a extra special place in my heart for these people as not only are they Canadians but many of them are from my home province of Newfoundland.

Pascal Derrien

7 years ago #1

Nicely said :-)

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