OPINION

By Jerry Gay

I have heard about “Cousin Virginia” for well over two years now. She is a Nordic woman by nature’s design. Dad was an Icelander and mother came from Danish descent. Virginia Wampler lives in the Peace Arch City most of the time, except for summers spent in Point Roberts where she grew up as a kid. She stays for several months in her trailer sitting on the last bit of memory left from the original family homesteaded heritage. She is an unbelievable bundle of optimism and honest exuberance. When helping others she is especially caring with just the “right touch,” always.

Reality for Virginia is focused on her belief in God with constantly heartfelt gratefulness for her “given life.” In return, this kindly weaver of a genuinely loving legacy brings smiles to everyone she greets or meets. She reveres the holidays and becomes emotionally childlike because she believes so much in the “real magic” of Christmas. In her annual open house, Virginia lovingly shares her home decorated with more than 24 trees of varying sizes, colors and decorations placed throughout in every room, along with countless nativities and craft items, with pastries for a school bus load.

When we reach out and embrace our neighbors we see pictures that enhance every day life in our own international community.