Celebrating Marg

"Gold medals aren't really made of gold.  They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts." - Dan Gable

A week or so ago, our dear friend Marg was the recipient of a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal.  The medals were presented at a big ceremony at Roy Thompson Hall.  As we weren't all able to be in attendance, last night we had a small dinner party to celebrate this great accomplishment.  

Marg has known since December that she had been selected for this honour but she didn't tell any of us until January.  She didn't want to seem boastful.  She asked the Member of Parliament who called her to tell her about the award, if he could just put it in the mail.  Of course, he said "no".  This is the part of this story that makes me sad.  Winning a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal is a big thing.  Marg should have felt it was absolutely fine to celebrate herself.  If it had been me, I would have shouted about it from the highest mountain-top.  

Marg has been working to benefit the autistic community for more than a quarter of a century.  She earned the medal.  It's wonderful that people in the community thought to nominate her for the award.  Too many people who do good work and make significant contributions remain forever in the shadows - their efforts taken for granted or virtually unnoticed.  And yet, we all have the same heart's desire - to be seen and heard.

There can't be medals for everyone.  But maybe we could all try a little harder to make everyone feel noticed and appreciated for their efforts.  If we do that, perhaps then, when one of us gets honoured in the way Marg did, we will feel free to celebrate ourselves.

Congratulations Marg! Well done.  Well deserved.