SheLa Morrison
Special to the Record
Christopher Hamilton's second-biggest wish is to return to the Comox Valley — to its kind and friendly, community-minded people and to its unique natural beauty.
His first-biggest wish is to move a hand again.
Readers of this paper might recall that Hamilton leaped into a burning vehicle to rescue a man he had never met; then he and significant other SheLa Morrison comforted the badly injured man until paramedics came. The pair received RCMP commendations and are nominated for Carnegie Hero Foundation Awards.
Two months later in almost the exact same spot on North island Highway, on the morning of his birthday, Christopher was sent flying off his bicycle into a ditch after being sideswiped by a white SUV-type vehicle that rendered him a quadriplegic.
He was saved when heroic teen Tyler Burgess-Smith found him many hours later — for which the young man received the Comox Valley Hero of The Year Award.
A garage sale was held last May to raise money for a variety of needs not covered by his disability pension. The event brought forward the very best of Comox Valley citizenry.
Pat Bell generously loaned the use of his McPhee Mini Storage's parking lot. Tessa from the All-In-One Party Shop gladly loaned tables. Maria of Maria's Esthetics donated a piano that ended up providing impromptu music that had sale-goers singing, dancing and playing their own instruments.
Chris, manager of Domino's Pizza on Ryan Road, has been heroic in his help. Rheta and Chris at Coast (Gently Used) Furniture took some remaining items to sell in a "Christopher's Corner" in their Cliffe Avenue store, with generous proceeds going to Christopher.
Help and/or uplifting stories came lovingly from Sherri R., Susan B., Trudy A., Ruth M. and especially Bob B., and Tina, Richard, and their kids Isabel who came up with the idea to have a lemonade stand at the sale and Max, who entertained us with his virtuosic violin-playing; and much-appreciated, the talented Hillary and hard-working Andrew.
Much of the pair's belongings (and those of SheLa's mom who had passed on not long before) as well as donated items were not sold and have been stored in a friend's yard. They will be sold this weekend at a final garage sale.
The last garage sale is taking place this weekend at 1170 Lazo Road in Comox. For details, phone 250-339-1125 and, ask for Diane.
The location is behind Extra Foods. Go left on Balmoral Road at the old Lorne Hotel, continue towards McDonald Woods. Do not continue to Goose Spit. Instead, turn left at the four-way stop onto Torrence Street and the next right is Lazo Road. Continue to 1170 Lazo Rd.
Donations can be sent to Christopher (both his and SheLa's names have to be on any cheques) at Christopher Hamilton and SheLa Morrison, G.F. Strong Spinal Cord Rehab Centre, 2nd floor, 4255 Laurel St., Vancouver, V5Z 2G9 or dropped off to their trustworthy friend Diane Wilson at 1170 Lazo Rd.