Continuing to Touch Lives

I had a special day yesterday...I was invited to speak to the Women's Studies class at Concordia University. I spoke about Kelly-Anne 's story, my life moving forward and of course the signs of domestic abuse.

Here in the back of the class sat a young women with tears rolling down her face. After my talk she came up to me and told me that she knew Kelly-Anne from one of the summer pools where Kelly-Anne had once worked. This young women told me that Kelly-Anne had taught her to swim. It seems everywhere I go, I meet someone who knew Kelly-Anne or knows someone who knew my daughter. I hear new stories which allow me to learn more about Kelly-Anne. They are a constant  reminder  how she touched other people's lives. And for that I continue to be a proud mother knowing that
Kelly-Anne is never forgotten and has left many positive  lasting memories for so many young people.

She is truly an example to follow.

Remembering

" Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet" Anne of Green Gables


As we remember  Kelly-Anne today on the 10th anniversary of her senseless, horrific death, let us remember that even 10 years later women, children and unborn babies are still being murdered in many countries throughout our world. Please take a moment to reflect on the lives savagely taken through anger, jealousy, power and cultural beliefs.

What have we learnt from Kelly-Anne death? What can we do to prevent these heinous crimes?
I ask you reflect on your place in our society, your responsibility and how you can make the difference.

The quote above was Kelly-Anne's favorite quote. Ironically it was written on all her emails. Little did she know how this quote would be rooted in my thought process for the rest of my life.

I invite each and everyone of you to take your place by making a difference towards abuse against women. Tomorrow is a new day for all of us. Let's make it count!

Love you Kell today and always.xxxx Mom

ASPIRE APP

With special thanks to Robin McGraw ( Dr.Phil's wife) there is now an app for  smart phones,  iphones and android which allow someone who is a victim of  domestic abuse to get help. It doesn't replace calling 911, but at least if  one does not have a land line, or is not  at home, there is a way to contact someone or the authorities.

Here is the link. Please read and share with anyone  whom you feel needs to know....and honestly, we all need to  know this information.

https://www.whengeorgiasmiled.org/the-aspire-news-app/

10th Cocktail Fundraiser

                                            

                                                         Kelly-Anne's family 
                                                      
                                                                 and the
                                                       
                                                    Quebec Lifesaving Society

                                               invite you to attend the 10th annual

                                              Kelly-Anne Drummond Foundation 

                                                       cocktail fundraiser

                                                                    on

                                          Saturday, October 18th at 6:00 p.m.
                                                                   at
                                Dollard des Ormeaux Aquatic Centre banquet hall

                                               12001 boul.de Salaberry
                  
                                            Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec


Westjet Airlines has graciously donated to the cocktail,  two free airline tickets to anywhere in the world where Westjet flies. The drawing will take place during the cocktail for all guests who have paid admission and are in attendance. One lucky winner will win the tickets  !

There will also be a silent auction. If you or you know a company who would like to donate to the silent auction, please email me through this blog or call the Lifesaving society.


tickets are $50.00 each
call 514-252-3100 to reserve your tickets, or to donate.

Saying No to Violence

This past week the City of Pierrefond's Mayor Jim Beis took the time out  to place flowers at the monument in Grier Park, Pierrefonds which is dedicated to Anne-Marie Edward ( victim of Polytechic), Janet Kuchinsky ( unsolved homicide) and Kelly-Anne. The mayor wanted to mark the anniversairy of these three  very special Pierrefonds residents. I was very touched  with the Mayor's gentle and sincere words. I was surprised when  he said he knew Kelly-Anne. I guess I a still leaning  even to today how many people she knew and how she  touched the lives of the  people she met.

The message in the centre on the pristine ground is clear  to everyone who walks by it. The words are there...say no to violence. The three monuments remind us of lives taken way before their time.

As my friends rallied around me with the autumn breeze touching my face and the sun shining, I felt loved and honored that a part of  the day for the mayor, was set aside to reflect and remember.

I am very thankful that again my daughter Kelly-Anne is remembered.

May her memory and that of Anne-Marie and Janet be eternal.

Video: Find Your Courage

Here is the link to the film which I made with an incredible write/producer a couple of summers ago. This  project was a turning point in my life and journey towards healing. I would like to share it with you.  For me I was grateful to be allowed to express myself, hoping that if the film touches only one person, a life may be saved.

http://www.ingridberzinsleuzy.com/#!video/cm8a

That Smile

Life has been somewhat stressful these days. Hubby and I are asking a lot of questions and looking for answers regarding a  pending move and business issues. Jules believes strongly that things are the way they are because they are suppose to be that way. I on the other hand am asking why and how come ?

Last night I was blessed to have Kelly-Anne again in my dream. There she was about 10 years old with  that bright beautiful smile on her face. Her curly locks were  bouncing around her face and she was talking away. I cannot recollect what she was saying but she was standing next to a door which opened. Since her death I have had frequent door opening dreams. I can only believe that she was giving me a  message that she was aware of what is going on in my life and that another door was opening for me.

I awoke this morning feeling relieved and confident. Kelly-Anne in my dreams reaffirms to me that she is aware of what is going on here on earth. I feel her message is telling me not to be afraid and to move  forward with grace and dignity.

I am very fortunate to have this special relationship with her. Even from heaven we still communicate. I feel that  I have been blessed to be able to feel  her presence. I do not have this type of relationship with  any other family member or friend who has passed. I carry Kelly-Anne, well let me re phrase that....Kelly-Anne carries me each day. As she supported, coached and loved me on  earth, she is still doing the same from heaven.