Everyone knows (in retrospect), that the perfect day almost never is. Something's bound to go off the rails, big or small. Usually, though, the day ends up pretty great anyway.
Bride Jo, however, was having a major problem: the zipper on her wedding dress broke. The photographer, Lindsay Coulter, arrived on the scene to discover calm ladies trying to fix the problem, but not having much luck.
Lindsay had noticed that the neighbour's garage door was open, however, and suggested that they ask the neighbour if he had a pair of pliers. She came back with the pliers and something better: news that the neighbour had taken in a Syrian refugee family, and that the father was a master tailor. A few minutes later, the tailor and his son arrived, and they helped Jo fix her dress. Lindsay caught the moment on her camera.
The father spoke no English. The neighbour and the family were communicating with one another via Google Translate. The refugee family had arrived in Canada only four days before, having just left one of the worst situations imaginable, and the dad was still happy to give Jo a hand.
Many people are afraid of the Syrian refugees; they're worried that they'll bring crime, that they'll strain our social system, or take our jobs. But while we might get a few troublemakers, we have so many, many more who are simply so grateful to be here, and alive. Bless these people who have survived such hardships and who may have escaped their former home with little more than their lives.
While they may never be able to return such a huge favour, generosity repays itself in smaller ways.
Sometimes, when life hands us lemons, someone gives us the tools to make lemonade. And we make a friend in the bargain.
If Jo had the perfect day, she never would have encountered the neighbour's refugee family like this. A stranger wouldn't have been able to help her save her wedding day, and the world wouldn't have gotten to see this story.
The Canadians who reach out to the Syrian refugees and welcome them into their homes - you are amazing people. You're living examples of what can be done to help the refugees here, and how we can help them integrate and use their skills to become happy and productive citizens. I know that, as they settle in, most will learn to love this country fiercely.
As an immigrant myself, I can assure you that you shouldn't fear that immigrants take this country for granted. We have overcome obstacles to live here.
We have chosen to be here; to make this our home.
I have been here 18 years, and I am proud to call myself Canadian and live in a country that gives kids who might die a better life.
One day, I am sure these refugees will be, too.
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