Part 5 – Lessons and Looking Forward 🌱
Growing up in Clearbrook and Abbotsford taught me that authority can be protective — or dangerous. The beatings of my brother’s friend, the tense streets, the prison, and the town’s churches all left an imprint — a lesson in fear, power, and vigilance.
Decades later, I watch as the city faces new threats: extortion, violence, and uncertainty. Patterns of control and fear echo across generations. Yet the story is not only fear — it is also resilience and action. Families, business owners, and local organizations are stepping up, bridging gaps, and fostering solidarity.
The city’s history teaches a vital lesson: systems fail, but people endure. By recognizing patterns from the past, communities respond more effectively today. By acknowledging fear, mistrust, and historical injustices, residents reclaim safety and agency.
For me, this series is a reminder that personal memories are powerful tools. Abbotsford is a place of contrasts: danger and safety, fear and courage, control and resistance. Observing from afar, I see that change is possible — not because the system is perfect, but because people choose to act, support each other, and hold onto hope.
The story of Abbotsford under pressure is ongoing. In every act of resilience — a neighbour watching a shop, a community leader protecting youth — there is a thread of hope, a reminder that even in the face of fear, people can survive, support each other, and look forward to a safer future.
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