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Crossing One Bridge
By Ann Henry
As I crossed the High Level Bridge today, it reminded me why Edmonton is a great place to call home. My attention was drawn first by the bright blue sky and then the valley which stretches for miles in either direction. I fondly reflect on the parks, the clean water, and many of the other things I take for granted. Then my eyes scan over to Old Strathcona, where every year my family and friends take in the Fringe, the second largest in the world. Every summer I love going down to Old Strathcona, to people watch and see some unique works. A backpack, water, a mat, and a well-worn program are a few clues in picking out the veteran.
There are many things I have come to love - The Works, Street Performers, and Heritage Days. It is neat to walk around and experience the ethnic diversity the city has to offer in respect to food, dance, or even crafts. The cultural diversity helps make our city unique and allows my family to make friends from many backgrounds.
Besides the outdoor actives, our family enjoys taking in the Christmas Carol (almost an annual tradition) and other plays and concerts at wonderful facilities like the Citadel, the Winspear, the Jubilee. This year, the Jubilee hosted our daughter's grade 12 graduation, and it was neat to see all those blue caps being tossed in the air. A symbol of a new group of young people ready to fly into the adult world.
I glance ahead and see the U of A campus, where I got my degree. I considered myself blessed in that I had the opportunity to attend one of the many world-class educational institutions the city has to offer. This year my daughter will be starting on her career choice at McEwan and no doubt will have many fond memories of the education she receives.
I also see the U of A hospital where many leading edge medical advances have been made. But , it reminded me how personally this hospital has touched our lives. Whether it was when our neighbours’ daughter recovered from a serious infection at the Stollery. Or when a close friend received surgery which has bought him many years in his fight with cancer. As for myself, I have been thankful for the wonderful rehabilitation that I received for my serious hand injury which occurred last fall. This hospital and many of the others have made a difference in our lives, whether it was Grey Nuns where our daughter was born or the Royal Alex for that emergency.
Also I look back and see the downtown core where there are many social service agencies looking after the city's less fortunate. I have good memories of the years I worked there helping out disadvantaged seniors. I was truly amazed by the generosity of Edmontonians in terms of their time, money, and volunteerism in helping make a difference in the lives of many. And this spirit is not just at Christmastime - it is evident throughout the year in many different ways.
It is amazing that I can see that the city has offered my family so much from just crossing one bridge. A bridge with history that was vital to Edmonton's growth and prosperity. That is why Edmonton is my home.
