By the Way: A world of thanks

By Rev Dr. Nancy Cocks on October 11, 2025.

I am very thankful this Thanksgiving. In August I was rushed to Foothills Hospital for open heart surgery which I’m thankful to say was successful. I am even more grateful for the health care team that surrounded me.

From the doctors and nurses providing cardiac care to the porters, aides and cleaning staff working diligently to keep the place running smoothly, I met the kindest, most efficient people from across Canada and around the world.

I asked about “home” – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Philippines, China, Syria, Nigeria, Jamaica. Newfoundland, too! Studied in many places, including Medicine Hat! I owe this ‘united nations’ of caring, committed people a world of thanks.

This human kaleidoscope got me reflecting on my own family story. My great, great, great grandparents came from Scotland as migrants, pushed off the land they’d farmed, choosing to sail for ‘the new world’ rather than endure harsh conditions at home. Desperate and daring, they raised a family which has spread from Nova Scotia across this country.

It wasn’t easy. I’m grateful for unknown indigenous folk who helped them adapt to a new homeland. Like many of my health care team, I come from an immigrant background – so I am grateful to live in this country where I’ve been welcomed in communities in five different provinces.

Yet many Canadians are wary of immigrants – though most of us have an immigrant story somewhere in our family history. We used to be more welcoming. Many families came here from desperate situations to build new lives – and Canada is the better for it. \The Foothills healthcare team is but one example of the expertise and energy we all benefit from.

This Thanksgiving, consider how your family ended up here – and be grateful for the roots you’ve put down. A paraphrase of Psalm 24 begins, “The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people.” Look at newcomers as those who belong to God – and be grateful for all they have to offer.

Rev Dr. Nancy Cocks is a retired Presbyterian Minister

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