When it comes to inspiration, there is plenty to be found in this world. Some people experience epiphanies whilst standing on top of mountains, some minds are blown in front of pyramids, and some hearts are set a-racing whilst looking up at the stars. But I think a majority would agree that the most palpable and concrete of inspirations come from real people. And the wonderful thing about travelling is the presentation of opportunities to meet them.
I met one gem in particular during my time in British Columbia. The largest city in the ‘most beautiful place in the world’, Vancouver, is inspirational enough as it is, with glassy skyscrapers, a vast Pacific Ocean, imposing suspension bridges and mighty coastal mountains all jostling for attention on one horizon.
But if the little inspiration gland in your soul does not secrete its enzymes after even one visit, then you only need to look a few hours outside of this impossibly sumptuous urban space. Such wonders like the Okanagan Valley, Whistler, Wells Gray Park, The Chief in Squamish, Vancouver Island and the Strait of Georgia all play host to frolicking but marauding residents including moose, bears, cougars, eagles, dolphins and orcas.
Despite all this, even after all of that, some may still like to pretend to remain unimpressed. Ok, well I’ve got a trump card to play. My mate, Dave. If he doesn’t inspire you to summon your courage and steer your day from disaster, then I despair for you.
Come with me to a little suburb of Vancouver, named Ladner. Admittedly, it’s not high on everybody’s list, but this charming sprawl of detached housing is witness to, amongst other things, some rather wonderful views of Washington state’s Mount Baker floating over the morning haze that decorates the flats of the Fraser delta.
Mount Baker however – and I’m talking about an active volcano here – is nothing. Nor are the rest of the phenomena alluded to previously. Dave triumphs over them all. He is a towering mountain, with a vast soul, mighty mind and imposing determination.
Throughout his life, cruel Lady Luck has sent curses speeding toward him not once, but multiple times. Originally a victim of encephalitis, his motor function has become seriously impacted and he has been left trapped in a body that is constantly in pain. His only means of communication is through facial expressions and non-verbal exclamations.
But this does not define him. What defines him is his smile as wide as the horizon, his eyes that light up brighter than the midday sun, his character as warm, welcoming and defiant as an Indian Summer’s day in September, and his sense of humour as mischievous as it is soft and genuine.
It’s nerve-racking, and frankly terrifying, to be placed in a position of responsibility for such a monument of a man. But, both he and his beyond-inspirational mother put full trust in me and I was welcomed into their home and into their family. In no time at all, the fear had vanished and that wonderful place became my second nest.
The people of Vancouver saw us venture into town together on several occasions. Two friends studying art in the city’s gallery. A couple of mates looking up in awe at the achievements of athletes in the BC Place stadium. And a pair of lads heading off for a wander around Boundary Bay, to bathe in the serene scenery.
Dave has had more of an impact on me than plain old inspiration. Adversity (mine so trivial when measured against Dave’s) has less of a grip on me now – I don’t deserve to be sullen if these heroes of Ladner can greet the world with such benevolence and vivacity.
This wasn’t a traditional story of adventure. This wasn’t a story of how volunteering in Namibia caused me to question my purpose in the world, or of how clambering over the last lip of K2 taught me that nothing in life comes easy.
No.
It’s an account of a man teaching me what bravery is.
And that man, my friend called Dave, has inspired me to replicate that bravery within myself.
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