Peace of Mind

Lewisporte - On July 11-12 I covered the Second Annual Health Foundations Regatta. These are great organizations and it was a great couple of days.

I was able to meet many pirates that showed off their eye patches and new clothes. It was a great experience.

On Saturday I was able to take a boat ride out to Exploits Island with Alvin Gale and his family on the Kimron. It was a surprise to me where we were going. We were just supposed to go out and take part in the poker run, but somehow we took a "wrong turn."

Mr. Gale thought it would be a good idea to take us to Exploits Island and I am very glad he did. That place is like something out of a movie. It is extremely beautiful and peaceful.

I went for a walk on the hill and looked out over a place that was a booming town, now all is left are the beaten paths, old houses but I'm sure a lot of memories and fun times were left there to.

The Island is now the home to cabin owners who have once lived there as children or their family came from the Island. There is also a rare type of sheep and I was also told a mysterious cow. I didn't see him but we did encounter little presents on the way.

This town is so full of spirit and good-natured people.

The regatta is just one example of people getting together to raise money for a worthy cause.

I met a little boy this week that has a spot in my heart. I heard so much about Gideon Stairs and his family in the month and a half that I have been in Lewisporte, but I finally got to meet him and his family this week.

The Stairs family is a family that is so strong and so gracious. They are a true team. The family has been going through some hard times but all in all they are still strong and you can see that.

I tagged along with them when the Search and Rescue Squad from 9 Wing Gander came out to see Gideon. What a show they put off, it was great. Gideon was so excited, it was great to see his face light up like it did.

He was even more excited when he was able to go in the helicopter and he received his own hat and toy helicopter.

Last Friday the family headed to Disney World and the community of Lewisporte once again showed up at their doorsteps with a lot of pocket change for them to enjoy their trip.

I hope the family has a great trip and I will be seeing them when they arrive back in Lewisporte.