A Glimpse of Paradise

The best of humanity was on display in Ottawa. Those who recognized this had a hard time staying away.

Part 1: Hero to Zero: Dan’s Story
Part 2: The Kindness of Strangers
Part 3: Helping Hands
Part 4: One Big Circle

Out-of-town visitors were struck by the extraordinary ambiance in Ottawa. Everyone pitched in. People gave with both hands. Day after day, there was an abundance of love and unity. The very best of humanity was on display.

One imagines paradise might be a bit like this.

For some people that ambiance was irresistible. It was addictive. And so they came back, again and again. Dan says a divorcée made the five-hour drive from Mississauga (near Toronto) three times.

Before leaving Ottawa on the first occasion, he says, she became emotional and was soon sobbing. “You’ve gotta fight,” she told them. “Stay here, fight for our rights and our freedoms. This is so important. For my kids. Your kids. This world.”

The next time, she brought along her young son. On her final visit, she gave Dan’s wife a ride.

For youngsters who were mere toddlers when the pandemic hit, normal life equals isolation, physical distancing, and masks. When that Mississauga boy visited Ottawa, Dan carried him on his shoulders up and down the streets.

Rather than being a sea of masks, those streets were filled with smiling faces.