Sandra W

April 16, 2026, Volume 7, Issue 16

To anyone who witnessed the car accident at Ridge Road and Rebstock earlier this March,

I would like to express my eternal gratitude for all the kind words and support I received that day.

At the time, everything felt overwhelming. It was like the Third World War to me. People kept saying, ‘It’s only an accident,’ and I didn’t understand that then, but I do now. They were right.

This was the first accident I have ever been in, and I truly didn’t know what to expect. But what I will never forget is the kindness that surrounded me.

A gentleman I had never met before took my house key and went to turn off my stove. That meant more to me than I can properly express. To have someone think of something like that in the moment, it was extraordinary.

To the neighbours, the tow truck driver, the firemen, and the police, I just don’t know how to say thank you. You calmed me down and took such good care of me.

At my age, experiencing that kind of compassion has left a lasting impression on me. You hear so much about what the world is like today, but this has put me in a very, very good place.

Now that I am healing, I can look back and say, it was an accident. But it was also an experience that showed me just how wonderful people can be.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Sandra W

Editorial: A Quiet Reminder of the Good Around Us

Jen Wilkinson

Listening to Sandra tell the story, it wasn’t the accident that stayed with me; it was her outlook.

At 92 years old, after a lifetime of living, she found herself shaken but not discouraged. Instead, she was grateful. Deeply grateful.

In a moment that could have easily been defined by fear, she chose to focus on the people who showed up for her, the helpers, the reassurances, the simple but meaningful acts of kindness.

There was no bitterness in her voice. No anger. Just appreciation.

And that’s what makes this story worth telling.

We are often surrounded by headlines that highlight what’s going wrong in the world. But this, this is what goes right. A stranger thinking to turn off a stove. First responders offering calm along with care. Neighbours stepping forward without hesitation.

These moments don’t always make the news, but they shape who we are as a community.

What struck me most was this: at 92, she didn’t walk away from the experience more fearful of the world, she walked away more hopeful.

That perspective is both rare and powerful.

It reminds us that even in difficult moments, there is still kindness. Still decency. Still, people are willing to step in and help.

And sometimes, it takes someone who has seen nearly a century of life to remind us just how much that matters.

Even though Sandra reached out to us to give her a platform to say Thank you…I think Sandra deserves a thank you as well.

Jen Wilkinson