When I began my podcast in 2018, one question I always made sure to ask was, “Who on Pender has helped you along the way?”
I wanted to give guests the opportunity to highlight one or two people from the island who have really supported them. I didn’t know what I would discover from this simple question, but I knew it was important to ask. As the episodes rolled on, what guests told me about the ways they had been helped by others, truly amazed me.
A one-day outdoor festival created to support a family struggling with an ill child, offers of employment in times of need, support while struggling with addiction issues, being welcomed into a circle of older women sharing their wisdom, help building a first home, a neighbour rushing over to cut down a dangerous tree leaning over a house, an older couple taking on the role of surrogate grandparents to the daughter of a young working couple. Help with working on a boat, a car, a garden…and on, and on.
The answers were inspiring and plenty. I loved hearing them. Eventually though, I made a conscious choice to stop asking this question. The feedback I received from guests was they were worried if they singled out one or two individuals, they would definitely be leaving out so many others. To be clear, almost every guest had so much help from the island…that there were too many people to mention!
I did not know this level of care existed in our community, until I took the time to ask. Surely, I know it now. So, this is one of the many things I have learned from my friends. The reality of where we live is – an unbelievable amount of care exists on this island.
If you ever doubt this, try asking someone, “who has helped you along the way on Pender?” I don’t know what you will hear exactly, but what I do know, you will hear something special and heartwarming. I also know, the next time you see that person in the community, you will see them differently.
It has been my great pleasure to have received these stories and I wanted to reflect this obvious, but hidden truth of our island back to you.
This island, and the people who call it home, we hold each other up.
This is where we live. This is Pender Island.
Chris Wakaluk
https://thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere.podbean.com
With over 75 different interviews from Pender Island locals – you can listen to ‘The Stories That Brought You Here’ wherever podcasts are found.