A Paramedic....Really ?

What is a three an half year old's response answer when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up? Paige is adamant that she wants to be a Paramedic. I find  her response to be admirable and mature...but of course a three year doesn't know the truth about the work of a paramedic. I don't either, but at my age and what I have lived and learnt over the years, I can well understand and appreciate everything a paramedic does.

When Kelly-Anne was savagely attacked, the paramedics went above and beyond the call of duty. There was this one paramedic who I will never forget. I won't name him here, but I can tell you that he  had his sixth sense with him on that frightful night of October 3rd 2004. He  knew enough to take  pictures of the crime scene which  later benefited us greatly in court. 

These are the chosen few who are able to selflessly help others. Look what they face...car accidents, crime scenes and so much more. The reality is they are human beings that  go home at the end of the day and face their families. They carry those vivid scenes in their head which at times results into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They suffer our pain as survivors of homicide. They ask themselves if they really did enough for the victim. Never once did I ever say they didn't do enough. Never once did I  blame the paramedics for not  keeping my daughter alive.

Paige at her young age displays the love and compassion that she has for people. She spent time in an ambulance recently just to learn about what  goes on in there.  Her parents had a hard time to pull her away. She is like a sponge and listened with  great interest to the paramedic as she explained her role. Paige uses her first aid kit and does first aid on her parents and her stuffed  animals.

What will Paige's future profession really be? No matter what she decides, she will succeed. She has good genes.

If you know a paramedic, do something special for them.... a cup of coffee, a kind word will go a long way.

I know I may never see the paramedics who helped Kelly-Anne again ...but let it be known that I have never forgotten them. They will always have a special place in my heart.

September 2016

Once again, summer begins to make its exit. The days are still bright and hot, but we do know in my part of the world that the cool autumn nights will soon be here. I have always maintained that my feet remain bare from June 1st  to October 1st....meaning a pair of flip flops is all I really need.

September brings around the change in the way I cook. Jules and I agreed that we will continue our regular evening routine of cooking on the BBQ.  However the crock pot will be next in line. Soothing soups and stews will headline the menu this fall. It's nice to think of the things that give me so much pleasure; my family and friends, my love for cooking, the colorful leaves and the autumn spur of the moment road trips in the country.

September brings my thoughts to Kelly-Anne and her trip to Italy. The excitement of her first overseas voyage and  her pain of what she would come home to. Even almost twelve years later, I am still haunted by this. Honestly, I don't think I will ever get over it.

Kelly-Anne continues to send me messages. She continues to guide me. I am so thankful for this long distance connection. Her infectious laughter is heard at times.

I see more often now the resemblance of  Kelly-Anne in Kim. If I am standing behind Kim and she moves her head a certain way, all I see is Kelly-Anne. Paige is a going concern...just too smart for her age. I know Kelly-Anne is so proud of her niece.

My time this fall is to rest and appreciate what is around me. Hot coffee in morning and the solitude  gives me time to reflect and plan my next adventure. A part time job that I can be passionate about awaits me somewhere.....until then, I will continue to enjoy the rest of my summer.

On October 16th, Concordia Women's Rugby will host the Kelly-Anne Cup at Concordia field on Sherbrooke st.west. They will play against McGill. The game starts at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact me through this blog. Once again, it is a fundraiser in Kelly-Anne 's memory. All money raised will go to Women Aware. This is an organization here in Montreal who   works very hard to raise awareness about domestic abuse.They have helped countless women and children. Women Aware never left our side through our darkest moments. Everyone is welcomed to attend.

Until then, enjoy the sunshine and what is left of the lazy days of summer!