The news in the media is doom and gloom and it is very discouraging, to say the least.

I am a 92-year-old man who spent his teenage years during the Great Depression, and also endured nearly five years of the Second World War. Money was very scarce during the Depression and there was very little during service life.

When I was discharged at the end of the war, I had my last pay, some coupons to buy clothes and no home. I was 30 years old and had very few prospects. I had a wife in England who would be arriving in Canada during the coming year as a War Bride, and I have to admit that she was my greatest asset and the best thing that every happened to me.

The one big thing I did have was hope. The Depression and the war developed in me the ability to look at things in a positive fashion, and to take steps to make poor situations better. Hope is one thing that everyone should try for, regardless of the times, and it gives you that extra lift.

One thing that has sustained me over the years is praying. Many good things have derived from it and given me consolation when I needed it most. Every week, I make a point of praying for family, friends and those who are ill. It costs me nothing, makes me feel good and gives me hope, which has been the whole point of this letter.

Ron Crawford, Millgrove