“Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He, who can call to-day his own:
He who, secure within, can say:
‘Tomorrow, do thy worst, for I have liv’d to-day.’”
-Horace
Once in a lifetime, if one is fortunate, something extraordinary happens, in the pattern of daily existence that touches and changes one’s outlook permanently. Seemingly mundane activities take on special significance when viewed as part of a greater plan. It takes a particular brand of people to take life and raise it to a greater plateau, making every day one of wonder and hope.
Such an incident occurred in 1984, when we attended a meeting at the home of John and Claire Schollen. Discussion involved the pro-life issue and what could be done politically in British Columbia to stop the growing rate of abortion and block the establishment of abortion clinics. It was decided that education was the key and those present would do all within their power to “turn the tide” against this growing evil.
John and Claire had been active for a number of years in the pro-life cause, fighting tirelessly against abortion. Their phone calls would give us subtle reminders of the importance of the cause and we felt we must find a way to help.
In 1988, that opportunity came when I was nominated to run for the Federal Conservatives in Vancouver East (the strongest NDP riding in the country). The Schollens, along with others, worked day and night to support their pro-life candidate when Mulroney and his gang created more road-blocks than the opposition on this particular issue. John and Claire worked tirelessly to drum up support, hoping the election could educate people to the evil invading society.
They also encouraged me to tackle many contentious and perplexing issues in a local newspaper column. As time passed it became more challenging, when the editor decided to censor anything that he felt was not “politically correct.”
Through the years John and Claire have been not only an inspiration but an example to many. Countless hours of charity work, coupled with a devoted effort for the pro-life cause and the importance of life from “conception to natural death” has made an impact on untold lives.
Claire, as a director for Vancouver Right to Life and John, as a director of Campaign Life Coalition B.C., in addition to their numerous other charitable endeavours, continue their struggle to educate the public.
No one has worked harder for a cause, which is why it was even more agonizing for them when Claire was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Knowing their abhorrence to fetal tissue transplants, it seemed ironic that she now carries the disease with which they have become so familiar through their fight against abortion.
John and Claire have given so much life to others, without asking for anything in return. Now we must offer our prayers for them. God knows, nobody deserves them more!
