I was driving past the site of the former Victoria Avenue United Church during one of our cold, drizzly days last week when a feeling of sadness crept over me.
The site is nice enough, but the sense of something missing, something lost, was tangible.
When we lose a place of community and faith, we’re all a little poorer for it. Religion means different things to different people, but at its best it represents strength in a collective higher power and hope for the future.
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Being replaced by a vacant lot is, I hope, not a metaphor for our community consciousness.
•••
Perhaps it was the harsh winter and late spring, but there seemed to be an inordinate amount of depression around here last week.
If I hear one more person say, “I don’t know what the future holds,” I may slam my head in my car door 20 or 30 times to cheer me up.
Here’s an illuminating thought:
“We’re not supposed to know what the future holds. That’s why they call it the future.”
And, by the way, it’s coming whether you like it or not, so you might as well get ready.
A minute ago, the sentence you’re reading now was in the future. Look, it’s happening again. See what I mean?
At any rate, the sun is now out so you can smile without worrying that your face will freeze and crack.
•••
The close call of the week came when the provincial transportation ministry sent some local residents a pamphlet about more pending work on a Highway 401 overpass.
It immediately raised concerns about construction being done on both the Highway 40 and Charing Cross Road overpasses at the same time.
A phone call to the ministry clarified that the Charing Cross overpass is not part of the project and that any work done in Chatham-Kent won’t conflict with the Highway 401 work.
•••
Well, we’re in for a spring election. You can try to ignore it, but really, you owe it to yourself to vote.
For those who understand and want to help society, no explanation is necessary.
For those who whine and complain about having to mark an X on a ballot, no explanation is sufficient.
I will, however, offer two bits of advice for surviving the next several weeks.
• When discussing politics, if you disagree with someone and they respond by calling you a “lefty,” “a righty,” a “Con,” or a “Fib;” just walk away. They don’t really want to discuss the issue. You’ll have a more meaningful discussion with your big toe.
• Never vote for someone who can’t laugh himself or herself. Anyone going into government better have a good sense of humor or they’ll cry themselves to sleep every night.
