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An oasis of human kindness

I’d like to recount my recent experience at the Halifax Infirmary ward 8.1. I’m sure, as you read this, that you are expecting yet another tirade about our ailing medical system, or how we waited for hours in emergency while our precious double-double got cold, but this is not that letter.

I am writing so that you may help shine a light on an oasis of loving kindness up on the eighth floor of the Halifax Infirmary that our family were recently welcomed into during a difficult time. At the end of a long journey, my father Norton found himself among an extended family that we never knew we had, requiring a level of care we never knew existed.

There was the deep understanding and guidance of Drs. McSwain and Ball and the lighthearted travel stories of nurse Carla. Offers of hot tea, followed by warm blankets for Dad, helped to provide solace through a dark and uncertain time. Halls filled with song while the dinner cart rolled by, coupled with twice-daily greetings and smiles from housekeeping, widened the lens of our duress.

I am unfamiliar with the current nursing curriculum, but I am sure you will not find the chapter that sent nurse Elizabeth to my mother’s side with a genuine and much-needed hug, nor the soldier-like conviction with which nurse Beth sequestered our private room.

Our family are not sure of the glue that holds this island of genuine love and care together, but if you ever find yourself washed up on the shores of 8.1 of the Halifax Infirmary, you can be assured you will be welcomed with a cup of hot tea and a warm hug. You are in good hands. On behalf of our late father Norton, we offer our sincere and gracious thank you for helping us navigate our storm.

Shawn Adderley, Chilliwack, B.C. (and Frances, Paul, Lisa Adderley)

Let’s make stadium happen

Here’s hoping that Schooner Sports and Entertainment are successful in their efforts to get a stadium built and make a CFL franchise a reality in our neck of the woods. There are many supporters of this venture throughout our province and beyond, me included. I’m keen to convert my season ticket deposit into actual tickets.

The ownership group projects a positive impression for their professional business-like approach in doggedly working through all the necessary steps to make the Atlantic Schooners Football Club a reality. Nova Scotia and the league are lucky to have them leading the charge.

In recent years, governments in Ottawa, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Regina and even Moncton have OK’d the building or remodelling of stadiums. Good heavens, if they can do it, so can we. This is a sensibly modest proposal. Find a way, HRM and Nova Scotia. University football, minor football, pro soccer and concerts could be users of a stadium. Leave no stone unturned to find supporters, funds and users. Contrary to some naysayers, not only is it OK for the promoters to talk to the feds and the province, but it’s foolhardy not to explore how or if they might assist. Yes, there is only one taxpayer, but there are three levels of government, plus arm’s-length economic development organizations that spend our tax money.

So, let’s pull together to make this happen. This is an investment; give the business plan a chance. Embrace the vision and regional pride that comes with a professional football team. Let’s not fumble away this prime opportunity; they seem to only come around every 35 years or so!

Gary Westoll, Valley