The Journey to here.: Remembering and Creating Memories

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.