Last Tuesday, I ventured out to cover a story with our Moraviantown neighbours who were cleaning a 200-year-old burial site located across Longwoods Rd. from Fairfield Museum.
When I arrived, I discovered that a TV news crew was interviewing the chap whom I needed to speak with, and I could see he would be several minutes, so I thought I’d grab a rake and pitch in until he was available.
As I was raking, I spoke to several of the people working and was intrigued by the history behind the plot of land being clearing. Another reporter came out to do a story with the council members of Moraviantown and was very puzzled as to why I was raking.
Mind you, I was dressed in my usual office attire of dress clothes, so I probably did look a tad out of place, but then again, I was only raking at the time.
This reporter queried as to why I was raking, when I was obviously “on the job” for the Spirit.
I explained that I was waiting to speak to the person being interviewed by the TV crew and that I didn’t want to just stand around waiting.
This was an idea that the reporter could not comprehend. I was again questioned as to why I was helping “those people.” My response was that they were my neighbours and that my mother always taught me that you “never stand around watching when there is work to be done - grab something and make yourself useful.”
Now thoroughly confused, the reporter asked if I lived on the reserve.
I tend to forget that in the country your neighbours could live a mile or so down the road, or clear across the town. In the city, it’s a bit different.
After explaining that concept to the reporter, the next question thrown at me was, “Well, did your publisher tell you to do this?”
At this point I was getting quite frustrated.
Did I have to have a reason to help out my fellow neighbours?
Is this a new concept in today’s world?
Does this type of thing not happen in larger urban centres?
My response was, “It’s Earth Day, they are my neighbours, it’s a nice day out, and I would rather get fresh air as opposed to sitting in my office, pay it forward.”
And finally, “Do I really need to have a reason?”
When I got back to my office I began to wonder what has happened to our society when I can not help out with something or lend a hand without having to go through a grilling session.
I can honestly say that this situation bothered me, as maybe that is what is going wrong with our society. Let’s face it, with all of the hate crimes and wars that we see splashed across the media headlines, is it any wonder that someone would need to have an explanation as to why I would lend a hand in raking?
I’m grateful that I live in a small community, as I tend to see the generous side of our neighbourhoods, when people pitch in for no other reason than helping others.
Publisher: Dean Muharrem Proprietor and published by Bowes Publishers Limited at 261 Main Street, Bothwell, Ontario, Canada N0P1C0
