For every great idea and project, there are naysayers waiting to complain. They see progress as something bad no matter what form it comes in. There are no rose coloured glasses to be polished only thorns to poke deeper in the skin of those around them. Yet, in spite of the complaints, groups and individuals forge forward.
One of the greatest Canadians in our history, Tommy Douglas once said, “We should never, never, be afraid or ashamed about dreams. The dreams won’t all come true; we won’t always make it; but where there is no vision a people perish. Where people have no dreams and no hopes and aspirations, life becomes dull and a meaningless wilderness.”
Many wonderful creations started out as dreams. People told those who built the Titanic that it was too big. It floated and glided through the ocean with amazing speed and glorious richness. While it met a tragic end, its beginning was remarkable and one of more dreams for those who survived and made it to North America.
Gold rushes were led by dreams. Many never found the big strike, but found other riches along the way in the form of experiences that are not found while sitting safely in one’s home. A rich life is not lived like that.
The Field of Dreams and the Bridge of Dreams are two more projects that became more. “If we build it, they will come.” People walk, bike and jog along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail every day. They have come.
Our Veterans Square was once a place of honour and not much else. Now it is a place of honour and a heart for our town. Riverside Theatre started out as a dream. I am not sure how many people have been in there for a show or two, but I know the numbers are high.
China Ridge hosts many outdoor enthusiasts. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and events and school programs all have a part in its future. China Ridge has evolved because of dreamers.
Our museum and library were transformed by dreams turned into reality. Towns are built from dreams. Lessons are learned from the mistakes.
Lance Armstrong fought through cancer to win the Tour de France a record making amount of times. No one could have predicted that outcome. Amelia Erhardt was never found after a flight somehow went wrong, but she is immortalized because she was an adventurer before her time. Clara Hughes was a little girl watching the Olympics when her dream took form. Her dream surpassed her when she won at the Summer Olympics cycling and Winter Olympics speed skating. Dreams have power. Even when they don’t finish out as planned for good or for bad, they are still inspiring.