I was born and raised in a small rural community west of Red Deer.
Growing up, I quickly learned that my family went beyond my mom and dad and three siblings.
First, it was my large extended family. Aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of my family were a huge part of my life from infancy on.
Family gatherings were regular and deeply enjoyed.
On one side of my family, I can count 25 cousins, the youngest of which was a mere 12 years younger than me, the second oldest.
We had good times: tobogganing, snowmobiling and engaging in massive snowball fights in the winter.
The summertime offered a whole new set of offerings including swimming, biking, horseback riding and weiner roasts in grandma and grandpaís back yard, in which I was lucky enough to live.
On the other side of the family, there were fewer first-cousins, but there was a whole slew of second-cousins that would come out to the farm to visit. Everyone liked coming out to the farm to get away from the busyness of the city.
As a teen, I was often responsible to babysit those little first and second cousins, and I am convinced that is where I first picked up some of my parenting skills. Those times have created some lasting memories.
My community wasnít just about family. My parents were actively involved in the local community and afforded me many opportunities to get to know our neighbours and friends.
The first group of people outside of my relatives that I felt completely at home with was what I call my ìchurch family.î
It was a small group that we spent a lot of time with. I even attended private school with a number of kids that I went to church with.
I remember sleep-overs, birthday parties, field trips and sharing many hours of girlhood secrets with those friends.
More than 20 years later, whenever I see one of those old playmates, the connection is instantaneous. Time seems to disappear and our friendship renews itself. I still count that group of friends among my best.
In addition to church, my parents were involved in other ways, often dragging me along for the ride. My mom served many a local funeral luncheon and wedding supper at the nearby community centre.
Once my older brother and I started attending the local high school, my parents became very involved in that arena as well.
My younger siblings participated in many a sport, and my mom and dad were often in attendance, cheering along with parents of the other team members.
It was a childhood rich in experience, yet I couldnít wait to leave the community and make my way to the big city, which I perceived as being much more exciting.
It is only now, as an adult, that I realize how important my home community is to me.
Recently, it became necessary for me to attend a family funeral in my home town. It was a difficult time, made tolerable by sharing the grief with the many layers of community that I accrued growing up. It made me realize once again, how important it is to share your life with a larger group of people that know and care about you.
That is why I am delighted that Dartique hall board got the necessary funds to complete renovations and upgrades to the community centre.
I hope the newly renovated hall helps create memories for many generations of children.
