FROM THE EDITOR
Of Happenstance and Compassion
Margaret Sadler | Editor-in-Chief, news & views, ARTA
Heroes happen rather than are made. Heroes are likely in a place and time where they see a need and step in.
It could be as simple as that. Heroes walk among us— they may be us.
Are you a hero? Tamela Georgi, ARTA member and an occasional writer for news & views, co-wrote a book on Alberta heroes. She noted how reluctant they were to claim the title. To them, it was a simple matter of doing what they saw needed to be done. Holocaust survivor Carla Peperzak is often called a hero. Carla joined the Dutch Resistance as a teenager:“ They asked me to help, and I could help, so I helped.” Indeed, a study of Dutch Resistance fighters revealed that the most frequent reason for joining the resistance was simply being asked by someone— personal connections and social networks prepared people to take risks for the greater good.
Not all heroes have been asked; some step in unasked, but something prepared them for that moment of need. Likely, an awareness of the needs of others, an attitude of helpfulness, and an upbringing where others modelled compassion created that readiness.
A retiree volunteering at Edmonton’ s Food Bank gave a group tour of the downtown facility where the donated food is sorted, packaged, and sent out to depots around the city. This senior was delightfully passionate about his role at the food bank. To the organization, he’ s considered a hero— as are the other 2,500 + volunteers who are“ the heart and soul of our community’ s compassion.”
One of actor Nathan Fillion’ s directives to Concordia University of Edmonton’ s grads this year was“ Be lucky.” An odd injunction perhaps, but Nathan elaborated: Show up, be ready, recognize opportunities, and be grateful for them. The stuff of heroes, it would seem.
May you be lucky, too.
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