Living in a small town makes me believe it takes a child to raise a village.
Maybe it is because I carry a camera and have pictures printed in the newspaper, maybe because I run the storytelling programs at the local library, maybe because I tell stories and paint faces, maybe because I have two children of my own who have been cared for and protected or maybe because I'm not much taller than the average 12-year-old, but all these things contribute to my relationships in town.
I've been involved in the community for almost a decade and know all sorts of people through their children. I've been a volunteer with children teaching them new skills, I've praised young people for their talents and generosity and I've questioned them for bad behaviour.
I value the sense of community and have been grateful when people have informed me of the actions of my own children. I know many people of all ages in town and am always glad to share a smile or kind word.
Knowing and caring also means worrying. I have always been a worrier. I spend nights awake worrying about things that really have no consequence and things I cannot control. I also worry about people I know and care about.
There have been times when I have been away from town and have heard news reports mention Maidstone and times when a friend or family member from somewhere else has called to report they've heard something about the town wondering if I know who is involved.
Last week we heard about three children who were missing and later turned up in Edmonton. It was during the winter storm warning and many scenarios flashed through my mind. We got a phone call and within a few minutes we were sick with worry because we knew the names. It could have been any names and we would have been worried, we know almost all of the children in town. It was impossible to hide the concern from our daughter and she was worried as well.
One of the girls is in her grade at school and when I told her they had been found she looked down and quietly asked "are they alive?" At almost 10 years old she has already heard scary stories and was relieved to learn everyone was safe.
We were relieved. We are part of this community and it seems the glue holding things together, the hope for future and the strength now, is the children.
