August 17 2010, 2:56pm

The following is one of the many stories of belonging that our Grand Forks community has to tell and is another reason why our attitude towards diversity makes it such a great place to live. Jeff is 60 years old, raises Donkey’s and enjoys swimming. Peter is a 36 year old man with a disability who delivers the Weekender and also enjoys swimming. Jeff and Peter first met and started to get to know each other in the shallow end of the pool over the span of a month or so. What started with “Hi” and the shaking of hands, has evolved into small chat and joking around together. One of their favourite games is to call the others name and quickly hide under the water before the other turns around. As time went on and they got to know each other better, Jeff invited Peter to visit his Donkey farm. At the farm, they chatted endlessly and exchanged laughter while feeding the Donkeys; it was apparent that a solid friendship had formed. Having previously learned Jeff’s birthday, sometime after the day at the farm, Peter called Jeff to invite him for a celebratory coffee where they joked and laughed for hours. Now, a year later, the two men continue to see each other at the pool and look forward to the opportunity to say “Hi” and share a few laughs.