Your heart aches for these parents, doesn't it?
Good morning from the island — we're still here, the orcas were spotted at Active Pass, and honestly, life is fine. Today, on The Buzz, we're talking about something that makes you just stop and hold your breath, doesn't it? Something that reminds you that even with the ocean air and the serene gardens, some things never truly fade from our collective memory.
### 35 Years of "Keep Hope Alive"
Well, here's the thing. This past Sunday, down in Esquimalt, the Michael Dunahee Keep Hope Alive five-kilometre run and walk took place. It marked 35 years since little Michael disappeared from a playground in Victoria. Thirty-five years. Can you imagine that feeling, as a parent? The mother, Crystal Dunahee, spoke about "that feeling of not knowing," and it's a sentiment that resonates right through our quiet streets here.
It's not just a story; it’s a fabric of this city. Every spring, when the cherry blossoms are just starting to really burst, this event happens. It's a sombre reminder that while we cherish our island peace, there are enduring mysteries and heartaches. This run isn't just about Michael, though it very much is about him. It's about how a community, even one as seemingly tranquil as ours, refuses to let go. It speaks to a deep, quiet resolve you find here, a sort of post-haste determination that isn't loud but is incredibly persistent.
* **What This Means for Victoria Residents:** * It's a yearly gathering point, not just for the Dunahee family, but for anyone who remembers the shock that rippled through James Bay and beyond. * It’s a testament to the idea that Victoria might move at its own pace, but it remembers its own. * The event also raises funds for Child Find BC, showing that a local tragedy can fuel broader efforts to protect children.
This isn't just about a race. It's about a wound that, while healing, leaves a scar that the community tends to with care. It's about hope, tenacious and green like the moss on our Garry oaks, refusing to be covered by the seasons.
Agnes Szymanski, MiTL Sports Desk, Victoria.
The Morning Wire crew digs into all the local stories, you should give them a listen at mornings.live.