I am always inspired by the stories I hear in my travels throughout Rocky View County.
From charity trips in developing countries to fundraisers for local athletes and causes, there are many people of every age, lifestyle and background who give back to their communities.
Others are earning accolades, embarking on fascinating adventures and travelling the world.
It is touching and inspiring, and frankly, it is nice to report good news in this time of economic difficulty and political uncertainty.
But there are no more inspiring stories than those of the many young people who are making a difference in their neighbourhoods, schools, province and even internationally.
Having grown up in a farming community, I understand, firsthand, the difficulty many rural kids have in finding opportunities.
My parents lived about 25 minutes from the nearest town and we had one vehicle.
There werenít many options for my three siblings and I. Despite the difficulties of travelling, my family embraced the performing arts.
A family of singers, my siblings, my mom and I sang often for family events and in church.
It was my niche.
I started taking piano lessons when I was 13 and I am proud to say my parents never had to get on my case about practicing. I naturally gravitated to it, and even remember my older brother begging me to quit so he could watch television.
In my early teens, our whole family got involved in amateur musical theatre.
My siblings and I participated in several productions and many hours were spent rehearsing songs and roles.
I will never forget my little brother singing Iíd Do Anything while playing the lead character in Oliver Twist. My sisterís angelic voice while singing Wouldnít it be Loverly? from My Fair Lady is also forever etched in my memory.
Voice, guitar and piano lessons became part of our lives, as each one of us found the talents unique to us.
I know it was difficult for my parents to invest the time and money it took to get us involved. Being a one-income family with a farming hobby, mom and dad were forced to stretch every dollar just to feed and clothe us.
I donít know how they did it, but they gave me a gift when they allowed me to pursue my passions.
My family wasnít the only one that went out of its way to give the children all it could. Many of our neighbours were sports families who sacrificed their free time - and money - to get their kids to practices and tournaments.
The difficulties the families faced helped form their children, making many of my farm friends hard-working and grateful, even as adults.
After all, when your parents sacrifice to provide opportunities, it wouldnít do to let them down.
That rural spirit of labour, reward, integrity and gratitude, which was so much a part of my upbringing, is evident in many of the residents I meet around the county.
For me, attending open houses, events and speaking to the many humble and inspiring people I have come across in Rocky View is comfortable and familiar to me.
I understand the difficulties and rewards of rural living. Although I now reside in the city, the country will always be my home.
