Dark contrasts
--- by Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey 
You could see the marks left by her tears in her dirty and haggard face. The fear and distrust were easily read in the way she sat and looked at you. Such a lot of sorrow in a 12-year-old girl's face. But if I had seen my mother and older sister dragged off to be beaten, raped and killed I think I would be the same. Or if I had run for my life, hiding out and only travelling at night eating what I could find or dig along the way, I would understand. 
"Mom, I don't have anything to wear," she cried. Her mom came up and opened the closet to pull out several new outfits. "But mom, I want to wear my green jumpsuit." 
Later at breakfast she complained about the choice of jams for her toast. 
Two 12-year-old girls, one living in war torn Bosnia, and one living safely in Richmond, BC. 
What a dark contrast in their lives and in the challenges they face as they mature into womanhood. Will the little girl from Bosnia even get a chance to mature? 
As Canadians, we too often take for granted the richness we share and the abundance that surrounds us. Go visit a grocery store and take a moment to decide what kind of milk or cheese or meat you'd like to buy for dinner and remember that somewhere in the world there are people who have no such choice. 
Take a walk in your local park and enjoy the warmth of Canada Day with your family. But remember somewhere there are people who cannot walk freely for fear of being shelled or shot. 
This Canada Day take a moment and remember the greatness we share and say a prayer of gratitude that we live in this wonderful country of ours. There are so many valid reasons why the UN says Canada is the most desirable country to live in, and why 100's of people risk their lives in an attempt to reach our shores. 
Enjoy the contrast, but work to keep it a safe place for us to share and to open our arms and our hearts to help those who don't have the good fortune to live here. 
Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey is the grandfather of two little girls and a proud Canadian. He travels North America sharing his Ideas At Work with professionals who would like to enhance their careers and businesses. Principles made personal yield powerful results - IDEAS AT WORK He can be reached at: ideaman@canada.com  Visit his website for more information: www.ideaman.net