As our world becomes increasingly enmeshed with the digital universe, I received a reminder this week about the power of the printed word.
I received a letter to the editor in February 2012 in which Rita di Ghent of Toronto, Ont. described her family's roots in the Round Valley area of Northwest Saskatchewan. Her grandfather, Avery Ghent, homesteaded in that district, but later relocated to Ontario.
In her letter Rita described how her father was born on the homestead, and how her grandparents regaled her and her brother through the years with tales of their adventures on the prairies. In July the previous year Rita had travelled in Saskatchewan while on a musical tour with a colleague. She was able to fulfill her dream of visiting her grandfather's homestead.
Her letter thanking all those who welcomed her on her quest prompted a call from Joyce Hueller of Battleford who was certain there was a connection between her family and the Ghents. In the cyber world I had only an email address for Rita and Joyce didn't have access to that form of communication. I sent Rita a message telling her about Joyce and provided Joyce's phone number.
It took me a while to remember all these details when I received the following note from Rita Monday:
"Happy 2013! I'm sitting here thinking about my next trip to Saskatchewan (June 14- 25) and I wanted to let you know that I did, indeed, get together with Joyce Hueller. She brought along a lovely friend, Don Light. We spent the evening at My Friend's Place, eating, drinking tea, exchanging information about my Saskatchewan roots and playing music. It was a truly magical evening that I'll never forget. Thank you so much for bringing Joyce and I together. Warmest wishes, Rita di Ghent (granddaughter of homesteader Avery Ghent of Round Valley, Sask.)"
The power of the printed word lives on.
