This evening, while watching a little t.v. there was a commercial advertising Easter egg chocolates. The scene was a bright sunny afternoon, probably somewhere in the mid -southern states where children were running around in a green space with their baskets hunting for eggs. Jules piped up and said to me " Do you remember when we use to have Easter egg hunts for the girls?" That question struck a cord as those memories of Jules hiding Easter eggs on Easter Sunday brought back a few chuckles and tears.
Jules, being great at hiding things and very crafty at finding unusual areas where no one would ever think of looking...like inside a toilet paper roll while being in the holder would have as much fun as the girls. They would never find all the eggs and months later we would find a couple either melted down or stuck to something.
Easter egg hunts did not just start when Jules came into our lives 11 years ago. When the girls were little we always had hunts. One particular year, we went to Beaver Lake as there was a hunt being put on by the city. I remember that the weather was not exactly dry and warm so Kelly-Anne and Kim wore there rubber boots and ran around an area of the mountain looking for eggs. They really didn't find much of any at all but had a good time participating in the hunt.
One of the special hunts were would have was the golden egg hunt. I would manage to find eggs wrapped in gold paper and buy a couple and place they in strategic areas. Usually we made sure that both girls would find a golden egg.
Many years ago, my best friend Joyce bought the girl's stuffed bunnies. Kelly-Anne named hers Dave and Kim named hers Molly. Kim still has Molly on her bed and would bring her over when she would sleep over. Dave is somewhere at their father's house and I have asked Kim to find him so I can give him a hug.
My story this evening may sound" korky" to some, but for me it brings back those special, sweet childhood memories of too much chocolate and lots of excitement.
This Sunday, Kim Jules & I will have our own little Easter. The Easter egg will not happen....as Jules says we will wait until Kim has her own little ones running around.
Happy Passover and Easter to all!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Quebec launches sex-assault awareness campaign
Here is an important story for anyone who is a victim of sexual assault or suspects that they know someone who is. Click on the link below for the story. In the article, you will see another link to the government website on this subject.
Remember, sexual assault is a crime.
If you are in a situation where you are being hurt or someone is being abused and you are afraid to speak to the police if the perpetrator is in the house, you can dial 911, and not have to speak. Just leave your line open. If you are calling from your home phone the dispatcher will be able to identify your address and send the police to your home.
This will not work if you are using a cell phone. It is always a good idea to have a few phones in different rooms in your home, not only for this reason, but even for possible break ins or other family emergencies.
Quebec launches sex-assault awareness campaign
Remember, sexual assault is a crime.
If you are in a situation where you are being hurt or someone is being abused and you are afraid to speak to the police if the perpetrator is in the house, you can dial 911, and not have to speak. Just leave your line open. If you are calling from your home phone the dispatcher will be able to identify your address and send the police to your home.
This will not work if you are using a cell phone. It is always a good idea to have a few phones in different rooms in your home, not only for this reason, but even for possible break ins or other family emergencies.
Quebec launches sex-assault awareness campaign
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Photos from Celebrating the Spirit of Kelly-Anne
Here are more photos of the fundriaser at McKibbons. Thanks to Rene for sending them to me.
http://r3nz.com/mckibbins/
http://r3nz.com/mckibbins/
Celebrating the spirit of Kelly-Anne
On Saturday, March 20th , the Montreal Barbarians Rugby Club hosted the annual fundraiser "Celebrating the Spirit of Kelly-Anne, Take 111"Mickibbon's West Island was standing room only as Montreal entertainers volunteered their time for this great cause. We laughed ,drank, munched on a lovely buffet prepared by McKibbon's, chatted with friends and cried. This was truly an event that Kelly-Anne would of enjoyed and I know that she would approve of such a fundraiser in her name. The funds are to support the rugby club junior and elite teams. I have said in prior posts regarding this event, and I will say it again that I am so touched how her friends from the team do their part to keep Kelly-Anne 's memory alive. That is true friendship and team spirit. The Montreal Barbs... a class act!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Relationships with the Police
This past week in Montreal we witness the annual demonstration against police brutality. A mere 100 people showed up to voice their dissatisfaction with the police. It's not alot of people given the population of Montreal. My first thoughts were that this was such a waste of tax payers money and here is a bunch of people that have absolutely no clue as to what the police are all about. For some of the demonstrators, they were there because it was the thing to do. They never ever had any real interaction with the police.
I though back about my relationship with the police, mainly the major crimes department. Prior to Kelly-Anne's death, I never really had any interaction with the police. Dealing with major crimes from October 3rd 2004 on, was a very special experience.I said back then and I still maintain,that these investigators are gold medalists and that Kelly-Anne had the right people in place to be her voice.
This past October on the fifth anniversary of her death, I called major crimes and asked to speak to a police detective who worked on the case. I also met him at a function a couple of years later. When we spoke, I asked him if he remembered me. He responded by saying of course he did, but I am surprised that you remember me , he continued. I responded to him saying how could I not remember him. I though afterwards how could he think that I would of not remembered him. The relationships that are fostered between the family and the police are so close. That may seem odd to some, but in reality the police become family. They suddenly know everything about you and are sharing some of the most intimate things with you. Once you are involved with the police your life becomes an opened book.
I can remember daily telephone calls from the detective in charge after Kelly-Anne's death just calling to say hello to see how we were. I can remember his visit to our home. I can remember the telephone calls during the trial to tell me to take care of myself. The openness to be available to us at any given time was always offered.
The police department took us under their wing. We couldn't of gotten through everything without their support.
I would of loved to have been at that demonstration last week to tell these people my story.
These demonstrators never lived in my shoes, and probably never had my experience. All they see is the negative and cannot allow themselves to see the police in any other way.
It's so sad to wear blinders.
Each time I hear of a murder in the city, I know our major crimes department is out there working earnestly to gather all the information and to find the person responsible for the crime. It's long hard work.
Kudos to our police force!
I though back about my relationship with the police, mainly the major crimes department. Prior to Kelly-Anne's death, I never really had any interaction with the police. Dealing with major crimes from October 3rd 2004 on, was a very special experience.I said back then and I still maintain,that these investigators are gold medalists and that Kelly-Anne had the right people in place to be her voice.
This past October on the fifth anniversary of her death, I called major crimes and asked to speak to a police detective who worked on the case. I also met him at a function a couple of years later. When we spoke, I asked him if he remembered me. He responded by saying of course he did, but I am surprised that you remember me , he continued. I responded to him saying how could I not remember him. I though afterwards how could he think that I would of not remembered him. The relationships that are fostered between the family and the police are so close. That may seem odd to some, but in reality the police become family. They suddenly know everything about you and are sharing some of the most intimate things with you. Once you are involved with the police your life becomes an opened book.
I can remember daily telephone calls from the detective in charge after Kelly-Anne's death just calling to say hello to see how we were. I can remember his visit to our home. I can remember the telephone calls during the trial to tell me to take care of myself. The openness to be available to us at any given time was always offered.
The police department took us under their wing. We couldn't of gotten through everything without their support.
I would of loved to have been at that demonstration last week to tell these people my story.
These demonstrators never lived in my shoes, and probably never had my experience. All they see is the negative and cannot allow themselves to see the police in any other way.
It's so sad to wear blinders.
Each time I hear of a murder in the city, I know our major crimes department is out there working earnestly to gather all the information and to find the person responsible for the crime. It's long hard work.
Kudos to our police force!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
More Crimes
This past week we heard that a 24 year old man was stabbed and killed by a 16 year old in the St. Henri district of Montreal. Many people said that it's a bad neighbourhood and were not surprised that such a crime happened.
I personally do not know the area but as far as I am concerned crimes happen everywhere. My bigger issue in all this is that again we see knives been used as the lethal weapon and that a 16 year old is the suspect.
A couple of years ago I did a CTV National interview regarding knives. Statistics shown then, that more murders were being committed with knives than with guns. Everyone has a knife in their home, but most people use them for it rightful purpose and not as a weapon. A knife registry is not the solution...the solution is getting 16 year old kids away from bars and involved in sports and community activities. A 16 year old should be at home in bed at 3:00 a.m. This is only my opinion and many may have other opinions, but I am a mom and I never had these issues with the girls at that age. I always knew where they were and who they were with. I can also remember staying up late and waiting for telephone calls from Kell & Kim to be picked up from a house party......but never at 3:00 a.m.
Another family will grieve and and other family will see their son go to jail and probably be sentenced as a adult. His life will be grim...but I ask who is to blame for this crime?
We also saw this week, which just set me fuming, the death of a three month old baby who was neglected from her parents. The young couple who spend their days and nights at a video arcade playing a game with a virtual baby. The media says that they were addicted...what the hell is going on ? The baby was fed once a day and she starved to death...no wait, I call it a slow and painful murder. I hope this couple never see the light of day again. I am angry, but remember this baby had no voice and no one to defend her.
I find it worrisome that we are not getting better at being parents. Babies are still having babies and parents are raising babies in dysfunctional homes and the end results are at times dreadful.
I hope this spring and summer brings less crime to our streets and less heartbreaking stories.
Families need to be more supportive of each other especially when new babies are being born into the families and parents need to be more assertive with 16 years olds.
What's your take on all of this?
I personally do not know the area but as far as I am concerned crimes happen everywhere. My bigger issue in all this is that again we see knives been used as the lethal weapon and that a 16 year old is the suspect.
A couple of years ago I did a CTV National interview regarding knives. Statistics shown then, that more murders were being committed with knives than with guns. Everyone has a knife in their home, but most people use them for it rightful purpose and not as a weapon. A knife registry is not the solution...the solution is getting 16 year old kids away from bars and involved in sports and community activities. A 16 year old should be at home in bed at 3:00 a.m. This is only my opinion and many may have other opinions, but I am a mom and I never had these issues with the girls at that age. I always knew where they were and who they were with. I can also remember staying up late and waiting for telephone calls from Kell & Kim to be picked up from a house party......but never at 3:00 a.m.
Another family will grieve and and other family will see their son go to jail and probably be sentenced as a adult. His life will be grim...but I ask who is to blame for this crime?
We also saw this week, which just set me fuming, the death of a three month old baby who was neglected from her parents. The young couple who spend their days and nights at a video arcade playing a game with a virtual baby. The media says that they were addicted...what the hell is going on ? The baby was fed once a day and she starved to death...no wait, I call it a slow and painful murder. I hope this couple never see the light of day again. I am angry, but remember this baby had no voice and no one to defend her.
I find it worrisome that we are not getting better at being parents. Babies are still having babies and parents are raising babies in dysfunctional homes and the end results are at times dreadful.
I hope this spring and summer brings less crime to our streets and less heartbreaking stories.
Families need to be more supportive of each other especially when new babies are being born into the families and parents need to be more assertive with 16 years olds.
What's your take on all of this?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Missed Opportunities
This week while riding the train to work and home, I have been doing alot of thinking about the past. The train seems to spark something inside of me that allows me to reflect on life in general and Kelly-Anne. Maybe it's the fact that I don't have to be concerned with the traffic and driving. I have those 20 minutes just to rest and be worry free twice a day.
My thoughts yesterday morning were about the fact that there are certain things that I never go to do with Kelly-Anne and Kim together. One of them was to have professional pictures taken of just the three of us...you know the new fashionable photos of dressing alike...jeans and a white t-shirt look. It may sound so lame, but I missed that opportunity to do just that. I also missed the opportunity to take a trip ...just the three of us...a girl's weekend away.
The notion of traveling to Italy with Kelly-Anne a few weeks prior to her death was an idea I thought of doing...but I didn't. If I had known then what was going to happen later, I should of gone with her to Italy...but I didn't and I regret that now.
My point in all this is that we can't have any missed opportunities with the ones we love. Now, when Kim asks me to do something, it is very rare that I refuse. Even if she asked me to go to a movie on a cold winter's night during the week, I will go even if I am tired.
We can't allow ourselves to say no....we can always negotiate a better day or time...but the vent cannot be forgotten and put off until next year. It's about today as we do not have any control of the future and the past is never coming back.
My thoughts yesterday morning were about the fact that there are certain things that I never go to do with Kelly-Anne and Kim together. One of them was to have professional pictures taken of just the three of us...you know the new fashionable photos of dressing alike...jeans and a white t-shirt look. It may sound so lame, but I missed that opportunity to do just that. I also missed the opportunity to take a trip ...just the three of us...a girl's weekend away.
The notion of traveling to Italy with Kelly-Anne a few weeks prior to her death was an idea I thought of doing...but I didn't. If I had known then what was going to happen later, I should of gone with her to Italy...but I didn't and I regret that now.
My point in all this is that we can't have any missed opportunities with the ones we love. Now, when Kim asks me to do something, it is very rare that I refuse. Even if she asked me to go to a movie on a cold winter's night during the week, I will go even if I am tired.
We can't allow ourselves to say no....we can always negotiate a better day or time...but the vent cannot be forgotten and put off until next year. It's about today as we do not have any control of the future and the past is never coming back.
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