Hello Chestermere! As this is written the forecast is for some desperately needed rain in the Fort McMurray area. Let’s hope they got lots. Here at the office we are finishing off the fundraiser and distributing the last of the silent auction items. We don’t have final numbers as yet but the event raised well above $20,000. We also have arranged to truck the hundreds of pounds of donations from people all over the constituency to where they are needed the most. It is truly an honour to represent the warm hearted, giving residents of Chestermere – Rocky View. Thank you with all my heart.
Last Thursday I was honoured to be asked to speak at the Chestermere High School Graduation Ceremony. I will also be attending other graduation ceremonies throughout the constituency. Our young people are our future, and from what I saw that night, and indeed from what I see every day our future is in good hands. In spite of our current difficulties we are blessed to live here in Alberta, in Canada, and in freedom. I thought I would share a few excerpts of my speech to the Chestermere High graduates with you:
John Lennon said that his mother taught him that happiness is the key to life, and when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he wrote down happy. He was told he did not understand the question.
You, the graduating class of 2016 have endured so many heart breaking losses this year along with your many accomplishments, and I know that there have been moments where you have asked why.
There have been moments that you have questioned all your choices, and perhaps asked yourselves, “What is the point?” The truth is that your strength of character, the love and compassion that you have smothered each other with through each loss has changed the way you look at life now. You know the value of each and every life and the great privilege it is to have your respective life. You will never take it for granted. That is a gift! You will always know that you are our future, and that you are precious, loved, cherished and so valued. I know our lost friends and family would want you to know that, as you continue on with the immense privilege of living your most awesome life! My advice to you as you go forward in this journey is to become a seeker of joy. This has been taught to me by so many, and I would like to share some that wisdom with all of you:
• Always–Always say thank you.
• Tell people you love them–you have absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
• Be that smile that lights up the room.
• Work Hard, and spend time with the people you love.
• Volunteer and be involved in your community, church, school or other activities that help you create your world.
• Be kind to each other.
• Smell the rain
• Taste the snow
• Breathe deeply
• Jump in puddles
• Sing songs
• Ask hard questions, and spend time seeking the answers.
And did you know (this is proven): Hug people. Hugs add years to your life! I am so proud to be here, and stand with the Chestermere High School Graduating Class of 2016. Congratulations to all of you, and I so look forward to watching you find your “Happy”.
