As an English teacher I do not often struggle to find the words to express what I want to say. Words usually flow without too much effort or struggle; however, as I write this I am finding it very difficult to express the depths of my gratitude for you. Late last Saturday afternoon I suffered a terrifically traumatic injury on the ice. You may have seen it and heard it. When I realized the sheer gravity of the injury, I took my first step toward a second realization: I am surrounded by the kindest, most altruistic and generous people. I wanted to take a moment, both to process the event and to express my deepest gratitude by writing this letter.
It may have been you who held my hand on the ice while I fought the pain or it may have been you who kept me warm and alert. You may have been that parent in the stands channeling hope and faith towards me or you may have been one of the people who told me everything was going to be B次元官网网址極K.B次元官网网址� You may have gathered my belongings and driven my car home, or you may have been one of the people who called my wife to assure her I was all right. You may have been the person who bought my upset and scared kids milkshakes at Red Robin when they overheard the other side of that call. You could have been one of the people who cheered for me while I left the ice: that sound and that collective spirit made me feel superhuman and it filled my heart with so much hope and love for my community.
To the firefighters, ambulance drivers, and nurses, you are absolute guardians: superhumans who take on so much trauma and hurt so others can find light and promise amongst so much painful darkness.
To the parents and players of the T2 U13 Eagles: When I heard of the meals you were providing for me and my family I was overwhelmed emotionally by your generous spirit and altruism. I am amazed that you would take time out of your busy lives, resources from your homes to provide a nourishing meal for our family. Thank you so much. Thank you for caring, thank you for your time, mostly, thank you for your humanity. Our world has become so polarized as we increasingly define ourselves as B次元官网网址榰sB次元官网网址� or B次元官网网址榯hem.B次元官网网址� Your generous spirit is a reminder that there is only B次元官网网址榳e.B次元官网网址� I want you to know that your kindness is helping me recover and is a magic pill for the looming sadness and depression of three weeks of bedrest.
To my team of referees and PMHA: thank you for welcoming me into your community. When I was a kid, my father was deeply involved in coaching the Prince George Junior team. I spent hours around the rink, but I was a sickly child and was never allowed to play. I always wanted to be a part of a greater hockey family and I found that with all the teams, parents, referee mentors, and of course the players that fill me with so much happiness and hope for our future.
From my soul to my heart: Thank you for reminding me of compassion, generosity, and the human spirit.
David McKinney
North Saanich
