To the Editor,
I’m writing with a full heart and tears still in my eyes.
During Cold Lake Aqua Days, I lost my engagement ring and wedding band in the lake. I was playing football with my daughter, nephew and family friends. My wedding set is a little too big and the water was cold- and well, they flew off my hand.
I was absolutely heartsick - devastated. But what happened next moved me beyond words.
In the middle of my panic, something beautiful unfolded. Strangers - many of them - gave up their summer afternoon to help me search.
As many as 25 people, most of whom I’d never met, combed the waters alongside me. They didn’t know my name, but they saw someone in distress and stepped up without hesitation.
In my overwhelmed state, I failed to thank them. I didn’t get to tell them how much their kindness meant to me, or how deeply their actions warmed my heart and restored my faith in humanity.
We so often hear about the loss of compassion in our world, but on that day, I found the opposite - an abundance of it. An incredible show of humanity from people who simply wanted to help.
After nearly two hours of searching, just when I had nearly given up hope, my amazing son found my ring. I wept then, and I’m still weeping now.
July had been a heavy, difficult month. But August began with unexpected joy - joy brought by generous, selfless strangers.
To everyone who helped me that day - I’m sorry I didn’t get to thank you properly in the moment. Please know your actions meant more than I can ever express. You turned my heartbreak into hope.
With endless gratitude,
Rebecca Balanko, Morinville, Alberta
