Shades readers, last week, we were sad and frustrated at some of the stories out there that showed the harshness and intolerance that exists in the world.  We said we didn’t have any answers and we still don’t but this week, we are much more heartened and we want to share why… 

The Thai Cave rescue was an extraordinary event that captivated us and many around the world.  The fact that those boys were missing for 10 days before being found and that they all survived was beyond miraculous.  Seeing the divers, the medical personnel and the volunteers all working together to save these boys as the clock was ticking and the conditions were precarious really illustrated what people can do when they come together for a common cause, a collective purpose.  As well, seeing the boys be so brave and then be so thankful and gracious (and at times, quite funny!) in their thank you messages showed the human spirit triumphing against adversity.  What an amazing thing.

The second reason was seeing the play “Come From Away’ which is playing to sellout crowds in Toronto right now.  The story is about a little town in Newfoundland called Gander and how the town dealt with the arrival of several thousand people from all over the world arriving on their doorstep after their planes were grounded when the tragic events of 9/11 happened.  These travellers were stranded in Gander for almost a week, in a town that was so small, almost everyone knew each other’s names.  What the people of Gander and the surrounding towns did to help these strangers among them, regardless of their creed, colour or race is a beautiful thing and shows that no matter how different we are, sometimes all we need is a little kindness and humanity, even in times of great tragedy.  The play itself was poignant and at times sad but it was also quirky, hilarious and so uplifting.

My personal connection to this story is that my husband and I were in Cuba when 9/11 happened and during our flight back to Toronto a few days later, our plane was diverted to Gander because the US airspace was closed mid-flight.  As I was watching the play and thinking back to that time, it seems surreal that in my own way, I was there, even though we never left the plane and only spent a few hours there before resuming our journey.  In many ways, we are all connected.  We should remember that. 

If you are in Toronto, you should really see Come From Away.  You’ll have an awesome time so check out www.mirvish.com for more information.

Finally as a good person from The Rock would say, ‘Long may your big jib draw!’

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