I sit here on Remembrance
Day not remembering solders that gave their life ( however I am truly
thankful ) I am remembering Dawn who ensured that I had a chance for
a life.
We celebrated her life on
Friday and what an event it was there were so many people (2-300) a
lot from my past social workers, Foster parent, fellow Crown ward
kids, Dawns family and Friends. I was taken back by two things one
the sure amount of people that knew dawn and were touch by having
Dawn in there life, and listening to all the stories of Dawn and
seeing all the common themes of who she was to different people. I
was honour to speak about her on behalf of all the Crown (other kids
in Care of the children s aid society) here is my speech.
Dawn
When I was asked to speak about
Dawns on behalf of all the young people that Dawn worked with I felt
truly honoured. Dawn was one of the most influential people in my
life, the impact she had on me will be everlasting as I am sure it
will also be for all young people Dawn dedicated her work to.
The first time I met Dawn I was
just about five years old. Dawn came to my house as a support worker
for my family. I remember thinking that she looked so beautiful and
warm. That was until she announced that her first task with all of us
was to have us make our beds, as you can imagine I was less then
impressed nobody had done that before. As I struggled and grew
frustrated all thumbs twisted in the sheets I felt like a failure. I
looked up in defeat and there Dawn was with a warm smile and some
encouragement. She was there to ensure I didn’t give up and to to
support me through the process. At the time I didn’t understand why
it was important to learn to make my bed, But I know I am forever
great full that she was there to guide me through this process of
this lesson and many other life lessons I was yet to make.
I feel that this is a metaphor of
how Dawn was with all her kids that she worked with. She supported
them with positive emotions showed them kindness warmth and love and
gave them guidance to aspire for a brighter futures,. She saw
something in me in all of us and helped us see it and believe in our
selves. Dawn was always there for me in my life more then the call of
social worker duty. She took me in the her home with her family to
share her life and create happy childhood memories that I treasure
dearly and grow excited to share with my own children. I went to her
in times where I felt like I couldn’t go to anyone else and she had
an amazing gift in one conversation to point you north and make you
feel calm collected and ready for anything that life could through at
you. Dawn had a passion for her job and cared deeply for each child
in her case load. When her efforts did not get what her “Kids”
needed she would shake up any tree to get what she felt we deserved.
She did this so each of us had all the opportunities we needed to
change our lives and become a success story’s, I am sure she did
this because if she didn’t maybe nobody else would. Her efforts
were not in vein there are many of us that are thankful for having
her there for each step of the way. After all here is my success
story I am now happily married to Doug and have two beautiful boys
Hayden and Hunter and a Career inspire young lives at the YMCA.
I will leave you with some of the
things that I learned from Dawn and will carry with me forever.
Dawn believed that we should not
be ashamed of where we came from how we grew up these are the
experiences that shape us. She taught me to draw upon those
experiences struggles and successes to learn something positive from
them and grow upon. After all I couldn’t control my past but my
future was my choices and my decisions of where I want my life to go.
She also taught me to be selfish, to take care of my self , believe
in my self then and only then can I be there for others.
I was overwhelmed by the
responses I revived from everyone about my words and I was so happy
to be able to share a sliver of what Dawn meant to me. I could never
put into words everything as it would be in its self a never ending
story.
I still cant believe she is
gone forever, I find my self for a split second of calling her and
connecting about some thing that has happened in my life then reality
comes crashing down. At the celebration I felt like the whole time I
would turn to see her walking through the room. I am left with
questions of why her of all people she did so much good for everyone
in her life and had such a purpose. I cannot help but question
spirituality and after life I am so cynical and wish to believe that
she is still somewhere happy but I know inside that is not the point
she is gone from here and all of us it was her life and lessons and
what she did that we celebrate hold on to and connect with her again.
Life is the important thing not Death and what happens after. I miss
her with every ounce of my mind body and heart and often write of
talk to her wishing for a response.
I know that she inspired me
so much in life and I am trying to figure out what I can do to honour
that I believe it getting back to my roots of where I came from
(Children s Aid Society) and touching and inspiring some young lives
so they to will aspire for a better life.
I felt pretty drained after
this and as I wipe the tears from my eyes i am reminded of the things and moments in my life that keep me going
strong.
Beautiful moments:
Hayden and Hunter had a
little bit of a incident where they were booth banned to their rooms
which are next to each other they started talking through the heating
vent on the wall. Hunter very innocently says " wait Hayden are
you in there?" pointing to the wall "how did you get in the
wall???" Hayden says " I am stuck" Hunters says "
don’t worry I ll get you out" Jumps up and says to the rescue.
Hayden after the science
Centre yesterday says " This has been the best day of my life, I
got to go to Karate, have a haircut, eat Pizza Pizza, go to the
science Centre all in one day"
We managed to fit in
Drawing together shapes and "plans", creating play dough
monsters, Dog walking, Science Centre the Movies, Sleep overs and
Dinner in our weekend too I am Tired but content because for me too
it was a great weekend of creating memories.
here are some Photos of
course.
Always a good source of entertainment.
Working on Play dough Monsters
Hayden is always looking after Hunter I love them
Light Table
Hunter Stoped just before this in Aw watching the puff of smoke rise to the ceiling
Bubbles!
Hayden's Favorite making rivers
Oh so worth the pennies
Who's going to WIN??
I love the looks of Concentration, Wonder and Discovery
Making Noise
Drawing Just like Hayden
