Dumpster Diving

I'm sitting here, at my desk watching 2 guys, totally dumpster diving in each bin (the super big ones) on either side of our fence.  One guy is slamming a 2 by 4 into something that is crashing and smashing and creates quite a racket.  "Way to go, Brian!" yells his buddy, busy at the other bin.  Out snakes a long black cord in his hand, then another, looks like something from a computer.  Might be copper they are after, or parts of the old computer or tv to sell.  They are quite happy with the find, as they saunter away.  Wow, such is alley life at 5:30 pm Winnipeg time (West End that is, the surburbs are more quiet in the way of dumpster diving).

Met a friend today, a girl who used to attend our summer Bible club years ago.  She lives with her boyfriend's family when she comes to town.  She had a new haircut, glasses and purpose since the last time I had a soft drink with her at the cafe.  She told me she was at a funeral of a 23-year old cousin.  Ended his life.  "Guess he could take it no more" she said softly.  So, with many cousins and friends that have taken their lives on her reserve over the years, she is tired of it.  "I want to do a walk, from Vancouver to Prince Edward Island.  And I want to dance at each stop."  Cool.  So, why?  "I want to raise a voice for all the people, across Canada, I want to raise money for Youth Centers all over the north, on all reserves.  The youth need help, this issue is so huge."  What kind of dance would she do?  "Fancy dance, I would dance myself.  To have many watch and others join."  She was serious, so calm, so young....I thought.  I told her she would have to use alot of pairs of shoes, who would join her, how would she write her proposal for funding?  She was quiet, but seemed determined.  She would have her say, she would make her voice heard.  My friend is a unique lady....not many aboriginal youth would say that, would say she wants to raise awareness or that she wants to be a mentor to the many hurting, lonely, desperate young people that make up much of the population of the north.

As I walked home, fall leaves descending gently, I wondered...could I walk that far for justice, dance for the hurting, go through what she does and still have the emotional energy to plan and dream for the future?  For others, no less.  Yah, right...I hope she asks me to come along, I just may learn something.