Editorial – Port Hope certainly is a special community.
The word “special” has many different meanings.
“Better, great or otherwise different from what is usual, exceptionally good or pleasant.”
All of them apply as far as I’m concerned.
It’s the people who make any community and Port Hope is a great community because of its people.
Caring about their community, taking pride in it, and going that extra mile for others.
Time and time and time again I’ve witnessed it. Especially over the past few years when I’ve come to know another “special” person.
Owen Reid is a resident of Port Hope who turned 14 over the weekend.
Owen has an incurable disease and is confined to a wheelchair. But he and his mother Sarah make the most of it.
Everyone who knows me, knows that I’ve been dating Sarah for several years.
She’s amazing. And aside from my mother I’ve never met a better mother – ever.
But this is about Owen and the community of Port Hope.
Since meeting Owen I’ve learned a lot about life. What is easy for others, is a daily challenge for some. It’s all how you look at it.
Owen has taught myself so much about what pure happiness is. His smile, his laugh, are contagious, infectious.
On your worst day, make a plan and call Sarah to meet Owen, I promise, you will smile by the end of the visit.
But what I want to bring attention too is how the community of Port Hope goes above and beyond.
Special Needs Shinny was a dream for Sarah and Owen. Through the “never say no” community of Port Hope it has happened.
Seeing, meeting other special needs children each Sunday afternoon who learned to skate and play hockey, with no expectations other than to smile and have fun. It’s what life is about.
That happened because of the staff of the municipality of Port Hope.
But the “never say no” community of Port Hope doesn’t stop there. A special surprise took place on Tuesday for Owen’s birthday when he was given a tour of the Joint Operations Centre on Victoria Street North. Owen loves trucks all kinds. So this was a perfect surprise for him.
Dave Beckett and Jeanette Davison gave Owen a guided tour of the facility. They took the time and listened to Owen’s questions. They made a child’s birthday as special as when a NHL hockey player greets a young fan.
A few moments, even minutes brightened Owen’s day.
After the tour, Owen refused to take off his “gear” while shopping. He smiled from ear to ear for the rest of the day and couldn’t wait to tell his classmates about his adventure.
But it’s not just about Owen. Just before Christmas, Queenies Bake Shop owner Adam Pearson and his staff handing out gifts to complete strangers in front of the store on Walton Street. To witness the smiles on the children’s faces and the surprise on the parents faces realizing there are still good people with caring hearts warmed up a chilly day. Adam didn’t do it for publicity, he didn’t beckon the media to be there at a certain time for photos – he just did it.
And he does many other things for the less fortunate.
Over the years, Port Hope Police, Port Hope firefighters, members of the Cameco Emergency Response Team showed up to put a smile on Owen’s face with a blue firetruck – Owen’s favourite colour.
Several years ago Lakeridge Chrysler owner Matthew St. Amand helped out Sarah and Owen. It’s something she has never forgot to this day.
These are just a few examples of who people of Port Hope are, what they do and how they care.
I’ve witnessed many others over the years.
People helping people, the “never say no” response.
This is just a small “thank you” to the many people in the community who have not only made Owen smile, but many others as well.
Little deeds are remembered long after they’ve happened.
Port Hope you certainly are special!
Video http://nesphotos.zenfolio.com/p34132047/hc56c4985#hc56c4985
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
