Unfortunately we have all faced tragedy in our lives in one form or another.
Fortunately, we live in a community where friends, neighbours and even total strangers are willing to do what they can to ease our pain during those difficult times.
I truly believe Okotoks and the surrounding communities have something rare and special — compassion for one another.
From the smallest comforting gestures to the most awe-inspiring contribution the communities in this area never cease to amaze me.
It could be nothing more than offering a comforting hug or in the case of Willi Craciun a new house.
I was astonished and overwhelmed when I heard Pat McMann Jr., co-owner of McMann Building Movers, was going to donate a house for Willi who lost his home in Turner Valley to a fire earlier this month.
Sadly, Willi’s wife of 47 years, Elly, passed away as a result of the injuries she sustained in the fire.
Neighbours did not think of their own safety when they pulled her from the blaze.
Certainly devastated by the fire and the loss of Elly, the new home will allow Willi and his family to try and carry on with one less stress in their lives.
The children of Angela Fisher will also be trying to carry on but it will be extremely difficult without their mom.
Fisher, a single mom, died suddenly earlier this month and left five children on their own.
As a parent I was devastated to hear these children would be without a parent. Angela must have been an incredibly dedicated mother to raise these children on her own and how would they survive without her?
Within days there were call-outs asking for donations for the children. My wife rummaged through our girls’ closets finding what we could donate.
Fisher’s employer also spearheaded a fundraising campaign to help the children.
These two families have endured crippling tragedy, but thanks to our communities’ generousity and selflessness they will survive, and hopefully, thrive.
I am humbled and profoundly proud to call the Foothills my home.
