Dear Editor:
Just when one can feel as if we are slipping into a morass of poor human behaviour, we get acts of kindness that refresh our belief in the good nature of our fellow citizens. I wish to recall one such recent incident and hope by doing so I will be able to reach out and say thank you to my benefactor.
I was recently biking to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve from West Vancouver. I had put all of my valuables in my saddle bag and headed out for what was a great day to be out on the bike.
On our way back to Lonsdale and ultimately the Spirit Trail, we stopped at Andrew's on Eighth coffee shop for a break. Feeling generous, I offered to pay for the drinks, only to realize my saddle bag was no longer on the bike. I immediately began to retrace our ride without any luck.
Now my mind was going over all the steps I would need to do to replace my credit card, drivers licence, and buy new phone. This was not a insignificant loss and a major inconvenience. To make matters worse, my e-bike was now running low on power and looked unlikely to get me back to West Vancouver. My beautiful bike ride was becoming a bit of nightmare.
Finally returning home, pushing the bike, I put the bike away, grumbling with a sense of dread what my next few days would bring. On turning to the house however, there it was, hanging off the back door. Wallet, phone and water bottle, everything as it was but no note for me to contact my good neighbour and say thanks, you saved my day, week, month.
Whoever you are, you are amazing. Just send me your name and I would like to suggest we go for a beer (on me of course) and discuss how one small act of kindness can make us all feel more connected and human. Thank you, thank you whoever you are.
Neil Alexander
West Vancouver
