Lesson Five: Save Everything You Can

“ You never know when you might need it!” We’ ve all heard it, but it’ s true. Because of this mindset, I must admit my siblings and I are all somewhat hoarders. My dad wasn’ t completely obsessed with reusing, though, and was sensible about buying a new car or a truck when we needed it.

Lesson Six: Build Your Community

As my siblings got older, my dad got involved in municipal politics. He was a Municipal District Counsellor and Reeve in the MD of Willow Creek for twenty years. At the same time, he was a director and then president of what is now known as the Rural Municipality Association, and vice president of the Federal Municipal Association. He worked in municipal politics at the local, provincial, and

federal levels. He was also involved in the senate of the University of Lethbridge, and I followed in his footsteps in this regard.

My parents could talk to anyone, from a stranger in town to the prime minister of Canada. They taught us to listen before we spoke and how to use humour to dissipate tense situations. They also taught us the importance of serving in our church and community and keeping in touch with family and friends. When you enrich those around you, you will receive enrichment in return.

When I think of my parents, I am filled with pride. Their experiences during the Depression, passed down to me, made me the person I am today. I was taught to be a problem solver, to learn from my mistakes, to appreciate what I have, and most of all, to enjoy being with family. The times may have changed, but these lessons still resonate for me and my family. And I hope they resonate for you as well.

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✔ Personal email address ✔ Current phone number and mailing address ✔ Nominee and / or beneficiary information

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