Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter to publicly share an experience where adversity became a blessing.
Due to an injury, I was unable to drive for two months and became reliant upon the Penticton/Summerland Handi Dart for rides home from work.
The bus arrived on time each day at my workplace, ready to take me home. That is where the blessings began.
During these rides, I witnessed the genuine caring of our driver.
He entertained us, and took the time to demonstrate kindness and compassion to each and every one of his passengers, going well above any job description or job requirements.
He completed regular acts of kindness intended to brighten his passenger’s day, knowing specifically what would make the difference.
I also made new friends (fellow passengers) who made sure to reserve a specific seat for me, and who conversed with me regularly about the excitement of riding in a firetruck during a Santa Claus parade, who in our families did what household chores, how many people were in each of our families, plus daily reminders of recycling versus general garbage pick up days, etc.
I looked forward to my special ride home from work every day.
It is with great sincerity that I extend a thank you to those that make the Handi Dart available.
Thank you to Grant Stone, the bus driver, and to my new friends for blessing me with their kindness.
Sandy Mikkelsen
Summerland