Faithfully yours - Time to get to work

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Published on Monday, August 20, 2018

By Neil Strohschein

Neepawa Banner & Press

As I write these words, I am having one of those days in which I have few words of wisdom to offer to a group of people who have just gone through an unimaginable tragedy.

Those of whom I speak are residents of Alonsa and Silver Ridge; and those who had settled in for what they hoped would be an enjoyable weekend of camping at Margaret Bruce Provincial Park. Their lives were radically changed August 3 when an EF-4 tornado cut a swath through their communities, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

I will be the first to admit that I can’t fully appreciate the terror people must feel as they watch their world—a world they have spent a lifetime building—instantly destroyed. I can understand how it feels to suddenly and tragically lose a loved one. So this week, I want to direct some thoughts from my heart to those whose hearts have been broken by the events of August 3.

First, I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Jack Furrie. From what I have read and heard about him, he was an amazing person—a farmer, a teacher, a loving parent and grandparent, a wonderful neighbour and a very faithful friend. His death will leave a huge hole in the community; but he will live on thanks to the happy memories you will have of him. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers for many days to come.

Second, I want to commend those whose acts of heroism in the face of danger will long be remembered. I think of one family who housed 40 friends and relatives in their basement; another family who sheltered a total of 14 in their basement and two younger men who hurried next door to rescue an elderly couple who were trapped in their home. Such acts of courage in the face of tragedy remind us of the good that can be found in all people and of our readiness to reach out and help those in need—something for which rural Canadians are well known.

The road ahead for those directly affected by this tragedy will not be easy. We know that homes and businesses can be repaired or rebuilt. Lost property can be replaced. But lives lost cannot be regained. And it will take some time for those who lived through this tragedy to fully recover.

Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the courage to face each new day, the strength and wisdom to deal with its challenges and the faith to believe that you will survive and heal. It’s okay to shed tears, ask questions and express anger. I pray that you will be surrounded by caring people who will walk with you as you heal and rebuild.

Finally, a word to us all. If this tragedy has taught us anything, it should be that the technology in which we put so much trust can (sometimes will) fail us when we need it most. We must always be alert to what is happening around us; recognize the signs of imminent danger and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Our first priority must always be to preserve life—ours and those around us.

Some questions surrounding this tragedy may never be completely answered. Let’s leave the investigating to others. It’s time for us to get to work—to roll up our sleeves and help the victims rebuild their homes, their businesses and their lives.