I had an eventful April when I face planted on the driveway of my house, blood from a gash on my forehead dripping steadily drew a crowd (more than 3 people) and they decided to call 911. I, of course as a nurse, commented I’m sure that’s not needed but the amount of blood at that point was hmmm maybe it was a good idea.

All is well now, sutures dissolved, small fracture on face, had a black eye for a few days otherwise I recovered fairly quickly. What was nice was the people who came to my aide, two of them followed up to see how I was doing. The spirit of kindness is alive and the cultural differences of how one speaks, dresses, and skin colour were bridged by empathy and caring attitudes.

One of my young neighbours spent time sharing with me his reality of coming to Canada to attend school, work 2 jobs, challenges of finding accommodation that was not horribly expensive, and have enough money for food. Taking the bus as GO train is too expensive. Not eating fully for a couple of days and fortunately the temple provides meals to prayer attendees. All through the conversation his outlook was he will work harder than he has ever worked before, the note of sadness was shared as he related how “crooked” some people can be (especially his own cultural group who came to Canada in the 1970s). He spoke of landlords charging over $2,000 per month for half a room, no access to a kitchen and the home was crowded with young people.

As an international student he has academic deadlines, and he needs to work due to the cost of living, it was not divulged that Canada is expensive. The cultural shock for the young man was he had lived in a rural community, a small farm that his mother continues to maintain. She hand cuts the grass along the property as gasoline is not affordable, the grass in turn is mixed with grains and seeds for the animals. A daughter lives with her and she has a job at a clinic, she lives separately from her husband as she is not seen as worthy to live with her in-laws.

The young man admitted his school degree will not lead to a high paying job, as we conversed I commented on how short some professions and trades are, indeed learning a trade could lead to being your own boss. Then he could apply the values he holds dear–accountability, honesty, and fairness. I wish my neighbour well, my words were keep working hard, stay true to your values, and his spirituality as a Sikh (he reinforced his God and holy book brings great comfort). It was an illuminating conversation for me, I hope my listening demeanour helped and a young man continues to pursue his dreams whatever his culture, skin colour, or religion may be, our country will be enriched by such a soul. Diversity, equity and inclusivity not just words; a way of living. Namaste

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Paula M

Registered Nurse Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader