Hurricane Floyd has taken a tremendous toll on its victims. One of the most common things heard after the storm was, "I'm glad it didn't get us." Us being P.E.I.

The Island, as well as the rest of Canada, has been lucky when it comes to staying out of trouble's way. There's been the bigger-than-usual snowstorms, but as far as the big stuff goes, we've escaped with few injuries.

This goes to show how lucky our Œcradle in the waves' really is.

Fortunately, the Island's news program, Compass, is unlike those of the U.S. No stories depicting the devastation brought after a tornado. No shots of the pain on the faces of families who have lost everything they own due to a major storm.

This has been taken for granted for too long and it's time Canadians realize how easy we really have it.

Yet, one thing is for sure: If something like this ever did happen, our closest neighbours would, more than likely, be right there to help us. The proof is there.

Last year, when Toronto was hit with a major snow and ice storm, it didn't take long for fellow Canadians to show up to help.

People left their families for weeks so they could do their part.

It's not only weather-wise either. For example, how many school shootings has there been in Canada in the past year? How often has a person walked into, not just anywhere, but a church, with full intentions of killing an unknown amount of innocent worshipers?

"We're lucky" doesn't seem to be the greatest choice of words.

Maybe it's something more than that.

SML SD