Violet & Kimmy

Here they are, two peas in a pod. Violet brings alot of smiles and chuckles into Kim's life. Kim talks about Violet to all her friends and she asked to bring her good friend Kristen for Easter dinner as she wanted to meet Violet.

Family Dinners

Today, we celebrate Orthodox Easter. I try to keep some of the traditions from my family and their roots alive. My grandparents on my mother and father 's side both immigrated to Canada from Lebanon at the turn of the century. My grandparents came here as teenagers, poor and created businesses here in Quebec, thus making their contribution to our economy. The only surviving member of my mother's family is her sister Violet who is now 91 years. She spent most of her years in a town outside of Montreal , but now resides here. I made a commitment a few years ago, that as long as she is alive and able, I would always have her for the holidays.

It really is a joy to have her with us. She may not remember all of our names and how we are related to her, but she is lively and full of repetitive conversation. She seems to attract the younger generation. Kelly-Anne adored Violet. I can remember Kelly-Anne's last Christmas. She sat next to Violet on the sofa and just chatted away with her. Kim now goes at times and takes care of Violet at her residence and enjoys every minute of it. There is always a little story to tell after the day is over...little things Violet will do or say that just amazes us about her sense of awareness.

Last Christmas, Maya sat on the floor beside Violet's chair. Violet looked over at Maya, then looked up at us and said "Nice dog you have there." Well, I wonder what Maya thought of that! Of the three felines, Maya seems to be the one who hovers around Violet when she is with us.

The table is set, the food is pretty well prepared. We will enjoy the day, give thanks to the Lord for family and friends gathered, the sunshine and gifts that He has given us. A candle will be lit for Kelly-Anne as she always has a place at our table.

Being Recognized

More Resources

One thing which I only found out through my experience of going to court is that in the Palais du Justice here in Montreal and I believe everywhere else in Quebec are computers which are accessible to all who would want to use them. I understand that they have become a very important tool for women who feel the need to inquire about their partners. By keying in a name and date of birth, information regarding any past criminal charges would appear.

Here is the link to all the court houses in Quebec. If you feel the need to use their computers, I would first call to verify that they have them set up.

http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/joindre/palais/palais-a.htm

For those of you living outside of Quebec, check with your local court house to see if this service is available and if the law in your state or country allows citizens to have access to this type of information.

I only wish I knew this existed while Kelly-Anne was still alive.

Kelly-Anne's Presence

As Jules and I planned our wedding for February 2007, we thought about how we could pay tribute to Kelly-Anne. We wanted her to be remembered and be apart of this occasion. Our theme was Valentine's Day. I had been browsing on EBay and saw this candlestick holder which was originally from an Avon catalogue from 1979. How fitting I thought. Kelly- Anne was born that year and the candlestick holder had hearts all over it. I went ahead for the first time and made a bid. The next day I saw that I had won my bid...it was under $10.00 and I made arrangements to have the candlestick holder sent to me from the United States. The package traveled across the country only to be returned to the west coast by Post Canada saying that our address did not exist. Needless to say, the address on the package was correct and I finally received the candlestick holder. I guess it was meant for our wedding. I wonder if Kelly-Anne had anything to do with that. You can see the candlestick holder in this picture on the table. Kim and I both light the candle during the service as a symbol of light and of Kelly-Anne's presence with us.

Time for Reflection

Here are a couple of quotes which I really like. I usually include them in my presentations to groups. I would like to share them with you. Both are from Eleanor Roosevelt. Take a moment to reflect on these words.


1. " Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission."


2. " One's philosophy is not best expressed in words, it's expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility."

WomenAware

In continuing with resources for abused women, I would like to share some thoughts on this wonderful organization here in Montreal. For over 13 years Women Aware has been helping women who have been or are in abusive domestic relationships. I had the honor of participating in their 10th year anniversary celebrations. I can tell you that these people involved in this organization are there because they want to be there. They want to make a difference and are dedicated in helping other women. Women Aware even go into the schools to talk to students about abuse.

I was very touched when their director June Mitchell and President Theresa Forester and other members would come to the courthouse to support Kelly-Anne's family during the trial. Each time that I turned around and saw them sitting behind me, I felt love and encouragement from these ladies.

I suggest that you take a few minutes and look over their website. http://www.womenaware.ca/

Please pass this organization on to others who may benefit from their services.

Resources for Abused Women in Canada

Part of the purpose of this blog is to be a resource to other women who are in an abusive relationship or for other individuals who may know of someone who is and would like to try and help them. I will be posting periodically information which I have either researched and thought valuable to share with you or information which I may have obtained through my networking with the many women's organizations which I present to.

Here is a website with all the names and addresses of women's shelters across Canada.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/violencefamiliale/pdfs/fem-dir-2004Women_f.pdf

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