Chris Clegg
Last week’s regional commentary in this space prompted me to start thinking. Actually, better called inspiration. Slave Lake Lakeside Leader editor Joe McWilliams was reminiscing about his time in the news industry.
Both of us have spent over 35 years in the news business. More remarkably, both employed by Jeff and Mary Burgar, owners of two newspapers, McWilliams at the Leader and I at South Peace News in High Prairie.
For me, the most amazing experience and by far the most memorable incident occurred during a Tot Talk session at Driftpile Mihtatakaw Sipiy School. Not an interview with a celebrity, politician, famous sports or wrestling star, but a very special Tot Talk with a little girl. It was published Feb. 21, 2018.
I asked a Grade 2/3 student, “Do you think grownups do enough for kids?”
Calleigh Bellerose’s answer was priceless!
“Yes! My mom and dad love me!”
That is the perfect answer and one that caught by surprise! It simply does not get any better!
One expects the usual answer that grownups buy toys or take the kids to the park. Buys them candy or a new video game. Hugs and kisses are good, too, but what Bellerose recognized is at the heart of a healthy family and – most importantly – happy kids!
“Yes! My mom and dad love me!”
How and why Bellerose gave such an answer at such a young age does not matter. What matters is that she knows it. I hope every reader reading this commentary realizes just how special her answer is.
Unfortunately, not every child grows up with love in their family. The vast majority do but it saddens my heart to know many do not.
I did another Tot Talk one day when I asked a little boy what the worst show was on TV.
“My dad lies on the couch and watches porn all day,” he said.
Ouch! Talk about one extreme to the other! Makes you wonder how much teachers actually hear from their students at school! We all know little girls and boys are brutally honest.
There have been countless interviews in my 35+ years in the news business. Many stories are very uplifting. Many people are doing very good work in the community. Events we cover such as festivals and celebrations are a nice break from what we call “hard news” in the business, i.e. covering politics and more serious issues. It is to the point that when I go home, I rarely watch provincial or national news. Shame on me! Frankly, I’ve had enough after dealing with the local political scene during the day and it is time for a diversion. Give me some comedy, sports or nature shows. I enjoy watching a lion eat a wildebeest! Savage Kingdom shows what really happens on the African plains and it is not pretty and the Nature theme song on PBS is one of the best theme songs ever!
When I’m feeling down – and there is plenty going on in this word to get one feeling this way – I always remember Calleigh Bellerose’s answer. Similar to what Morgan Freeman’s character Ellis “Red” Redding said in The Shawshank Redemption when he recollected Andy Dufresne riding in his car heading for the Pacific Ocean after escape from a corrupt prison.
“When I picture him heading south in his own car with the top down, it always makes me laugh,” said Red.
Maybe not laugh, but Bellerose’s answer in Tot Talk sure makes me smile!
Thank you, Calleigh, for a terrific memory!