When I was younger I hated to lose anything, even if it was the most insignificant and replaceable item like a favourite pen or a sweater. I would moan at the injustice and frustration. It's funny how over time material things have become less important, and loss has taken on a whole new meaning. Now that I'm older, there is a lifetime of loss to reflect on. Relationship problems, breakups, devastating fires and business failures have all pierced my heart. But there is nothing that brings me to my knees more than losing someone deeply loved.
Death ushers in the unknown, unfamiliar and the unsafe. When someone who held permanent residence is gone, never to be seen in the flesh, or heard out loud ever again, somewhere in my abdomen pain begins. This heart-wrenching realization creates a specific suffering that reconciles me to my fragility and insignificance. What a laborious and painful effort it is to move forward with the heavy burden of grief firmly affixed to my being.
Death is a teacher and a motivator. It is poignant reminder that our time is finite, especially if we are fortunate enough to get older. I sometimes deceive myself when I try to run from this brutal reality that will not be denied. I am quite sure that it is because of this truth that with each passing year my priorities have slowly shifted to the search for meaning.
As I struggle with my own personal grief, I can't help but think that maybe this is the reason why I find myself journeying with the Community Arts Council during this time of transition in its history. It is the end of an era in Prince George with the pending loss of our Studio 2880 location. Nonetheless, it is a beginning too. I can sense new life; birth.
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, I attended a captivating meeting along with 40 other community-minded leaders, artists, volunteers, politicians and professionals from all walks of life, vocations and organizations. We were invited to discuss the feasibility of creating a new Creative Hub in the old BMO building on Third Avenue and Quebec Street in the downtown core. The format of the meeting was a World Caf Style Workshop, where we moved from table to table to wrestle with practical questions. Who will the users and partners of the new Creative Hub be? What changes to the building are needed? How can we optimize the existing floor space of the building? What are some conceptual uses and who else could be involved? What are key operational priorities that will create a foundation of short and long term success? Finally, what does the architect say?
Answers derived from the wisdom, experience and generosity of those who attended were enthusiastically shared. It was an amazing four hours of focused collaboration absent of personal and political agendas. We are fortunate in Prince George to have many honorable individuals among us who step up. I mean people who truly care and who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work hard for something that could potentially serve the citizens of our city for generations, no matter what it takes.
Pure love in action for the future of the arts and culture in Prince George. A gift and a tonic for this broken heart.
