Thankful to be in Canada

JACK CHIANG, Southam Newspapers

KINGSTON, Ont. - "Thank you" is the most beautiful phrase in the English language.

Sometimes we don't say it enough. Other times, we don't have a chance to say it at all.

I'm thankful to be in Canada, even when I am constantly reminded about our problems with the deficit, with high unemployment and with the uncertainty of Quebec.

Today, while most Canadians are wondering about the future of Canada, my thoughts are on events that happened more than 30 years ago in China. These were the events that brought me to Canada and I can remember them as if they had happened only yesterday.

My family was forced to leave our home in Canton, China, to avoid Communist persecution. We left all our possessions behind and escaped to the nearby British colony of Hong Kong.

The sheer number of refugees made relief efforts difficult. There must have been a million of us. In those days in Asia, there were no such things as unemployment insurance, welfare cheques or baby bonuses.

We did everything we could to survive. My older siblings had to pick up scraps of food from the local market. They were barely in their teens, but they worked at a local quarry, carrying blocks of stone that were too heavy for their young bodies.

My brother, now a tough-looking detective sergeant with the Hong Kong police force, said he still cries whenever he thinks of that miserable period of our lives.

I was too young to do these things with them, but I was old enough to go to the food lines with my mother.

I remember the hours of waiting on a dusty field under the burning sun.

But what I remember most vividly were the stamps on the bags of rice. They read, in big, bold Chinese characters: "Donated by the Children of the United States of America," and "Donated by Rotary International."

Those packages were probably worth pennies to the donors in those days, but they were a matter of life and death to us. Their rice filled our minds with hope. It showed us that even strangers cared about us.

In my more than 20 years in Canada and the United States, I have seen people donating to help total strangers in their own country or around the world. They donate to Rotary, Kiwanis, Kinsmen and other service clubs. They donate to the United Way and to the Salvation Army.

Their good deeds are becoming more and more important because of all the budget cuts, layoffs and plant closings.

Whenever I see them in action, I can't help but think of those good folks who helped me when I was a starving child.

I wish their names were stamped on each and every package of rice we received. Then, I might be able to track them down. They already knew that it was not our fault that we were starving. What I would like to tell them is that their generosity was not wasted, that we survived because of it, that we all managed to make something out of our lives.

I would like to tell them that one of my brothers has a successful career as a policeman, that another is an electrical engineer in Vancouver. One sister is a real estate agent in New York City; another is an office supervisor in Mississauga, Ont. And I have been a journalist for almost 20 years.

I would like to meet these generous donors, whether they are in Canada or elsewhere in the world. I would just like to tell them something short and sweet: "Thank you."

Jack Chiang is a columnist and an editor at the Kingston-Whig Standard

See what I mean when I rant about those that take their life here for granted ? ? ? ? Good post BTW

All you nay sayers read this and them bitch ya lame bunch......

For CKA and RH - Thank-you!

Yeah, when I lived overseas and travelled, I quickly realized North Americans have it WAY better than everyone else in the world. Those who don't travel abroad just don't realize how sweet life is here. I thank god almost everyday I'm Canadian and can live here for the rest of my life.

Like me, I'll bet that you wouldn't trade your 'overseas' experiences for anything.

WOW. That was really interesting. GOOD POST MAN!. R=UP

I agree whole heartly with your feelings, CKA. Canada has given me a chance to do best for me, my family and my country since day1. I've always trusted Canadians fellows where ever I go and to whom I've partnered with. Our freedom is priceless and our pride is strong.

Thank you for this great Web site

Hi,
Canadian War history is what I knew a bit about.
I would like to upload some flashers (patch)
that will tell you where the VANDOO come
from and why they are a strong force.
WWII. Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment working
with 2CAB. Second Canadian Armoured Brigade.
Let's see who knows!