Nation comes together in time of tragedy

Through tragedy a nation’s true heart can shine through.

That has been self evident in the response to this past weekend’s tragic vehicle accident with the Humboldt Broncos hockey team’s bus and a tractor trailer that claimed 15 lives and injured a dozen more.

Although the accident happened at a small-town crossing in Saskatchewan, it has resonated in the second largest country that covers 9.9 million square miles, and across the globe.

Not even a week has passed, and already millions upon millions of dollars have been raised to help the families involved in the tragedy from everyday citizens, and also large donations from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets. Vauxhall Minor Hockey is embarking on some fundraising this week as well.

Several minor hockey associations across the province, including Taber, have set a $500 bench mark with Go Fund Me in support of the Humboldt Broncos.

Take a look across the front porches of residents in the Taber area and you will see hockey sticks and a light left on in paying remembrance and tribute to those who lost their lives and those recovering from the accident.

Hockey teams from across Canada have held special pre-game ceremonies to honour the Broncos.

Condolences have been sent from world leaders across the globe along with provincial premiers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended a vigil at Elgar Petersen Arena, the home of the Humboldt Broncos, along with visiting injured Broncos players in hospital.

Just as hockey has been at the heart of our nation, so too is the compassion Canada is known for on an international scale.

Whatever the political stripe of its residents, it is these unfortunate tragic moments that binds us together to re-remember what is truly important at the grassroots of the soul of the country.

Life is precious and is to be enjoyed by those close to us be it family, friends or acquaintances.

Just as vigils and tributes have popped up across the country in honour of the Humboldt Broncos, truth be told people across Canada in their own private time have made their own vigils. They’ve hugged their children a little tighter, kissed their spouses a little more passionately as they head off to work, or made a little more time for that trusted friend in the wake of the weekend’s tragedy.

Hopefully, the spirit of those who lost their lives with the Humboldt Broncos will live on in all of us to appreciate more what we have.

Life is fleeting, the time to embrace it is now.