It’s a neighbourly thing

We were recently invited to celebrate a neighbour’s special birthday.

The timing was great as it came between seasons for the younger folks (and of course, us grandparents as well) running after children for ball, hockey, and other sports.

Many of the young adults there, men and women, had been friends of my sons since elementary school, so we had seen them grow up as well.

It struck me though, that way too many of their parents were no longer living or were currently struggling with health issues; people my wife and I had known for years.

It can’t help but remind you of the precious limitations of time and the undeniable fact we are on a one-way track as well!

I can’t say how proud I am of this group. Some have rebounded from troubled relationships or struggling businesses to not only survive, but thrive. Dur ing the evening, I was able to catch up on what was happening in their lives and listen to their plans for the next coming years.

I think our family was the only one there that was involved in twogeneration enterprises, so naturally that led to a discussion about how the “old bull, young bull” relationships were going.

All in good fun; they probably had already asked my sons the same question and knew their answer!

T hese folk are hardworking, technologically adept, street savvy, and focused.

I se e them making good decisions about building a future for their family while living in the present.

T heir knowledge, skill, and determination are impressive. Far better than when I was their age, I’m sure.

This is the energy communities need to tap into.

If only our government leadership would take the time to listen to what this generation has to say.

If they could see what I see, the “pioneer” spirit, which built western Canada, is still present in this generation. I can’t speak for your neighbourhood but ours is alive and well.

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.