To the Editor:
Sitting on the grass at City Hall with 300 people June 5 was probably one of my proudest northern girl moments as I looked around me at what makes Thompson as awesome as it is.
I read social posts and comments all the time about how much they hate Thompson, that they are so glad they moved or making fun of our community in both passive and disgusting ways.
And really I've learned to just bite my tongue and remind myself that these people don't get it yet. Their eyes haven't been opened to the beauty right in front of them. Some have their eyes closed by choice of disengagement, stubbornness and pride while others have had so much hurt their eyes are clouded with pain and they can't perceive beauty.
But on Friday night ... I cried. A lot.
Over the beauty of Thompson.
It's always the people.
Their hearts and how we come together when it really matters.
I cried over the incredibly touching and heartbreaking stories shared, the youth and vitality of the organizers (high school girls!) and the incredible solidarity after our community had come through COVID… together.
People from all walks of life and colours of skin came together for what matters: love and acceptance .
Some cautiously stepping out of their isolation for the first time in months. They needed to be together.
Some just itching to be around others and making noise clapping, praying, cheering and crying together.
Some hearing about and really grasping the realities of racism for the first time with their black and Indigenous neighbours. Together.
We came from different homes, different upbringings, different religious beliefs, different political viewpoints and different experiences but we are northerners together.
Thank you organizers and thank you to those who shared their truth.
Thank you Thompson for reminding me why I've continued to choose to make this community my home after being in the North my entire life and Thompson since 1991.
Together we stood. Together we stand.
We are in this together.
Caroline Winship
Thompson
