Lights in the distance
Happy articles are more than just seasonal pick-me-ups.
There is a nice Christmas-y story in today’s paper by Jeff Mahoney. It is about a stranger who found a wallet stuffed with cash on the sidewalk in downtown Hamilton.
He returned it to the owner, didn’t want a reward, or any recognition. In fact, he didn’t even leave his name.
It is a simple tale, and perhaps of no consequence, but then again, maybe it is.
Perhaps that one act of random kindness can change the world. At least that’s what most journalists think.
That’s why it is the kind of uplifting story you’ll find often in The Spectator or at thespec.com — more often, in fact, than you might think.
Amid bleak stories about the threat of nuclear war in Korea, starvation in Yemen, refugees in Europe, homelessness in the United States, crime in Venezuela, ethical missteps on Parliament Hill, mismanagement at Queen’s Park or poverty in Hamilton, these stories of human kindness and triumph are shining stars and guiding lights.
They are more than just seasonal pick-me-ups.
There was, for example, a story earlier this year about two siblings with a rare medical condition — and a second story about the outpouring of support from the community after the story ran. Despite considerable challenges, the story told us, there was gratitude and great happiness in that household, even though they continue to be tested.
And another one about local referees who rallied to raise money for a Hamilton colleague who lost a leg to cancer. That story has a nice epilogue yet to be told; look for it in the coming days from columnist Scott Radley.
There were stories after stories that documented community fundraisers for Hamiltonians in need, whether they were suffering the aftermath of a house fire or a farm accident, a medical condition or a car collision, a bad decision or just bad luck ...
Journalists know these tragedies well because we document so many of them, but we also know they can spur us all to comfort the afflicted, and put our own lives in perspective.
Look carefully, and you’ll see a story not just about a tragic incident, but a lesson: how can I help those less fortunate?
How can I help prevent that befalling me or my loved ones? How can I help society as a whole avoid it in future?
There are bright lights visible amid the darkness — if you look.
Articles about homelessness and environmental destruction can be depressing and infuriating, but they remind us there is still work to do.
Stories about violence strike some as scaremongering, but the intent is to make us all safer.
Stories about mismanagement or corruption or scandal might seem like muckraking, but the intent is always to make the community, the nation and the world a better place.
Stories about injustice not only help the little guy, but help us all improve.
It is not just a seasonal thing for journalists; it is a year-round commitment.
Random acts of kindness occur at any time of year, because professional philanthropists, community organizations and individuals never stop. Neither do journalists.
Merry Christmas.