by Denise Freeman

When I moved to Owen Sound from a large city I had to learn how to interact with my neighbors. Now I am a very friendly, social sort of person, so I was taken aback by my ineptitude. When walking my dog, a smile or nod won't do, I have to stop, listen, chat, look into another's eyes and pay attention. Winston , dog of great skill, presents his upturned furry face and melted chocolate eyes to each passerby, rewarding them with his complete focus. When the furnace repair man arrives on a cold February day and returns our home to cozy and warm, next thing you know the conversation at the door goes on long enough that you might as well put the the kettle on for tea. And my all time favorite, at the Y after Aqua fit, the ladies change area is clattering with gardening tips and travails. No longer a newcomer ,I pipe up from behind the shower curtain that I just can't grow rhubarb. A friendly voice says, " I have so much, would you like some?" "I would love that", "who am I speaking to?", and I emerge naked and dripping to close the deal with my fellow senior swimmer. The next morning she arrived with so much rhubarb she needed a bundle buggy to transport it. Word gets around, rhubarb appeared in our mailbox, on the back deck.

These are charming anecdotes, but they illustrate an important truth. I need to shed some old habits and ways of thinking in order to get along in a place I want to call home. I need to learn from those who are already here how it is done in this place, and not impose my outsider ways . Today John Ralston Saul and Lee Maracle spoke to a full house at the Harmony Centre, about the Truth and Reconciliation report and how we can move forward as two nations working together to create a Canada that is just and fair to all. We were in a beautiful old church, now a remarkable venue for a variety of community events. If a building can be transformed, so can people. The space that once rang with hymns and Christian sermons, turned all ears to learned writers explain that we are all treaty people and we must adjust our behavior to make this real in all our actions. A women's drumming group was our" choir" today. At their essence, the messages are the same and very simple. Love and respect for all humanity.
Let it begin with me and you.

<