Giving Thanks for Newfoundlanders

This post is a bit of fun – completely unrelated to phonework, which may be a first, but Thanksgiving seems to be the perfect time to share these thoughts.

It started on September 9 of this year. My husband and I were having a conversation about a project he’s doing with two or three other people. He was expressing a few concerns and then somehow revealed that one of the other people involved in the project was a Newfoundlander. My immediate reaction was: “Oh, well then, everything’s going to be okay.”

My husband nodded his agreement.

In that moment I was struck by the significance of the conversation – we both had a strong and certain belief that the presence of a Newfoundlander on the project – and any project really – meant everything was going to be okay. That’s quite a reputation for group of people to possess!

Later that same weekend, on Sunday September 11, I was working in the kitchen and listening to Rex Murphy on Cross Country Checkup. It was taking place in Gander, Newfoundland in honour of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Thirty-eight jetliners, carrying approximately 6,700 passengers, arrived in Gander as a result of the U.S. closing its airspace on that day. Many of these people returned to Gander for the commemoration (some of them return every year) and the sound and language of their praise for Newfoundlanders was nothing short of astonishing.

To listen to this episode of Cross Country Checkup, click here:Cross Country Checkup

One of the guests simply said, and I paraphrase here, “I had no idea that people so kind and generous actually existed on this planet until I came to Gander.” Wow, that’s an amazing compliment to bestow on one specific group of people.

I realize, of course, that it is always best in life to avoid generalities. For example, I’m not particularly pleased with the generalities most often associated with my Irish heritage. As a consequence, I work to avoid them but in this case … I had to share with you my delight in realizing that, when it comes to Newfoundlanders, the generalities attached to them worldwide are words like generous, kind, fun, reliable, hardworking, calm, etc. etc. The long list continues in this same complimentary vein.

And when I take a moment to think about the Newfoundlanders with whom I’ve shared my life – from my first secretary/office manager in Toronto in the early ’90s who brightened up every single work day to several “office mates” today who continue to do the same – I can say that all the compliments are true. When they are around you know everything’s going to be alright. In fact, most likely more than alright – even in the most stressful of moments, its going to be fun. No wonder we all want to be Newfoundlanders! So I encourage you to take a moment to be grateful for the Newfoundlanders in your life. Send them along this blog and let them know that you appreciate them. And, of course, if you’ve got anything you want to contribute to this discussion, send it along. Happy phonework everyone! TPL

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