Olds High School at the time was much larger than our past school history. The numbers in our classrooms were much the same but we encountered a sea of unknown faces. I remember only two recognizable people, former Sundre-area students. We didn’t even register on the radar; we felt invisible.
As I had done previously at Sundre, I watched for others, who like me, hung out on the fringes. We were the shy, reserved few who had no interest in becoming part of the “in” crowd.
I made friends quickly with Bev and through her met several others. Being involved in youth group at church, I soon made some long-lasting friendships, people of similar faith and belief systems. Patty and I are still in contact, getting together only occasionally but able to talk as if we met only yesterday. I have watched her come through many hard situations but continue to remain strong in her faith.
My dad worked several jobs at a time most of his life. He continued to work construction with Sid Doyle, his boss and friend while we lived on the farm. They worked throughout the Sundre and Olds area. He was employed at the high school and then the college. The construction jobs were all day, five days a week, the custodial job every evening.
Sid eventually retired, ending Dad’s extra career. He had earlier applied for the custodial position at the Baptist Church, a job he enjoyed well into his 70s. He saw the tasks as a ministry, an area where he was able to excel. He not only did the cleaning and yardwork, but he also developed friendships with the pastoral staff and the many volunteer workers that came in during the week. He was a part of the construction crew of volunteers that built the new sanctuary and offices at the church over 20 years ago.
Along the way he and mom gathered many close-knit friends. Mom taught Bible class, Sunday school and vacation Bible school. She was a member of a sisters group, a collection of Christian ladies who created quilts and clothing for the needy.
Over the years I watched my parents actively seek out community. They realized that we are not an island. We all have a need for friendship with people of similar interests. We call these relationships fellowship, a great concept.
Joyce Hoey is a longtime Gazette columnist
