By Ward Kindlein
I would like to share with my family and friends the excitement I am feeling!
There are a couple of reasons that I am so happy with how my life has developed since 2015 when both of my legs were amputated below the knee, the medical term is bilateral below knee amputation. I had to give up my previous career due to a breakdown of sorts combined with the health problems associated with the amputations. While I was recuperating I was trying to think of a new career that I could excel at and the thought of counselling so I could help people kept recurring.
By the spring of 2017 my wounds had healed enough to the point I could get up off the couch and reenter society. I decided I would find something to commit myself to that would benefit my community, friends, and neighbours. I have been involved with giving back to the community quite often throughout my life and enjoy the feeling of doing good deeds.
On my fiftieth birthday I phoned the campaign office of Surrey – Whalley MLA Bruce Ralston and offered to help in his reelection. I spent the next four weeks working every day to help get Bruce elected for his fourth term. I began to wake up happy because I had something important to do. It is very exciting and exhilarating to discover something you enjoy doing. To get up in the morning and be happy when getting ready for work is a coveted feeling that should not be squandered.
Soon after he was re-elected in 2017, Bruce, who had often complimented me during the campaign for my contributions and skills, offered me a part-time temporary position in his constituency office. I was excited at the opportunity — and a bit nervous!
At first I was working half days, and slowly, as I regained strength, I moved up to full time hours. I worked hard and enjoyed the work, getting more and more comfortable and confident with a career choice that allows me to help my neighbours in my community.
As the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, MLA, Hon. Bruce Ralston, is very busy in his role, but always has time to be out in our community, meet with constituents, and represent the government at events and meetings around the province.
MLA Ralston has always been very positive in working with me to give me the confidence and skills to excel in my work as his Constituency Assistant. He has told me many times how good I am with people and praise my ability to help them solve the challenges they meet. Through my own experience, I know all about the hard knocks that can be tossed at you, and in my job I take it as a personal challenge to find solutions to the problems that people in Surrey – Whalley face.
Why am I telling my story?
September is “Disability Employment Month,” and this month 2 years ago Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey – Whalley, hired me as his permanent full-time Constituency Assistant to manage his community office.
For a long time I had no goals, no dreams, no hopes. I had given up on myself. MLA Ralston saw me for what I had to offer and was able to guide me in finding my confidence once again. He challenges me to do better and be better every day and asks me to do new and different tasks that I never before thought I could do.
Bruce has shown me the kindness and commitment he puts into his work for constituents and the dedication he has in helping every single person who comes through his door – no matter how different they are. I am very thankful to Surrey -Whalley MLA Bruce Ralston for looking past what others call a disability and for giving me a chance at living life again.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
