Another Good Resource

Here is a link to Shelternet. I have discovered this website which is available in many languages. All women shelters across Canada are listed along with other information. Please pass it on to others who may be in need of this reference.


http://www.shelternet.ca/splashPage.htm

Mother's Day

I awoke this morning to the sunshine beaming into the bedroom windows. The warmth of the sun made me feel that it would be a good day. I can remember my first Mother's Day after Kelly-Anne died. Without going into detail, all I can say that it was horrible.

After breakfast I decided to take a few hours for myself. Jules wanted to do his house cleaning...yes I have a " homme rose". He is wonderful. I went to the cemetery to be closer to Kelly-Anne. There, I cried my eyes out, talked to her and asked her to hold my left hand as I will have my right handed operated on tomorrow. Many cars and people swarmed the cemetery.... families visiting mothers and grandmothers. I wondered how many were visiting their daughters and sons.......it really is so abnormal to be visiting my daughter's graveside. It's not the way life is suppose to be. I thought about all the other mothers who are in my shoes....the loss of their daughters and sons to senseless murders, to illness, accidents and suicides. I feel for each and very one of them. We all live under this black cloud that follows us every where. The only thing we can do is learn how to live with this hidden handicap. I said to Kelly-Anne that I will try and find purple tulips to bring to her. This week I will venture out bandages and all to look for some.

I went to do some shopping...I called today my last day of independence for a while as I will have Jules at my beck and call for a week and a half....he will drive me around, cook and clean.

I met up with Kim in Pointe Claire village. We browsed around in the shops, bought jewellery
and had coffee. I think going shopping has to be the most favorite outing Kim and I enjoy together. We both love fashion, jewellery, shoes and purses. We had supper with Jules...salmon on the BBQ and creme caramel for dessert. Kim gave me some neat gifts...a pair of cool shoes, makeup and a subscription to a magazine, but the best was the card. The inscription says :

" You're the kind of person this world needs more of -

because you live what you believe in, and reach out to make a difference "

The day has now come to an end. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this post. May the memories we have with our children and grandchildren be cherished forever.

Another Resource

Here is a website from Quebec Justice department which has good information concerning domestic abuse, breaking of leases for women who are living in abusive relationships, and for victims of crime. Well worth looking over.


http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/publications/generale/rec-ress-a.htm#criminal

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.