Cheryl Fortier

Cheryl Fortier is artistic and multitalented. Her fifth grade teacher inspired her to take up music and she has been singing to inspire every since. She has experienced many of life’s transitions, and most recently moved to British Columbia to start the next chapter of her life. She is this week’s Woman of the Week.

Tell us a little about yourself

Although born in Sudbury, Ontario, Nepean and Kanata have been home until recently. I am single and over the years Mom to Dog children: Sandy (though my Mom took him over), Chase (sadly Mom was highly allergic to him), Lex and Buddy. They were greatly loved and spoiled – not in a bad way – ok maybe a little. Lucky to have parents married almost 59 years, two brothers, nieces, nephew, a couple of greats, plus wonderful friends I call sisters of the heart.

I am a daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece, auntie, great auntie and friend. Without a doubt, I am blest to have so many incredible people in life’s journey.

Career has mostly consisted of administrative work – starting with data entry, working up to executive assistant. Without a doubt, whatever the job, the best part of it has been helping people. A dream came true a few years ago, starting a business, Black Paw Biscuits. This came about after creating biscuits for my wheat intolerant dog Buddy. Giving some to friends’ dogs, they loved them and would do anything for another. Feedback was great and they asked for the recipe – sorry that’s a keeper.

Love quilting and getting into machine embroidery. This is where my business should have been and will head in the future. Other passions include: baking, playing guitar and singing at church – leading choir or being a soloist nearly 30 years.

Who inspires you in your life?

Mrs. Dorothy Hoey (grade 5 teacher) inspired me – I had no idea what this would lead to. She was probably 55-60 years old and decided to learn guitar. WOW I was fascinated when she brought it into class. That’s all I wanted for Christmas, nothing else would do. Thankfully Mom & Dad put one under the tree. Singing and playing guitar is a vital component of my life.

I met Tonya Pomerantz a few years ago. What an extraordinary woman she is – author of Unlock Your Future – 7 Keys to Success, entrepreneur and so much more! She was pivotal in helping me find my feet and voice again as I traveled through a difficult transition. She helped me in numerous ways and she is a sister of the heart.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life? What did you learn? What do you wish to share with others?

The biggest challenge of the past was being diagnosed with lupus in my early 20’s. Thankfully with great doctors, medication and getting rid of negativity/stress, remission came about, lasting a very long time. I learned when you have negative people or environment; it greatly affects your life. Surround yourself with positive people who will make you laugh when you want to cry, support your decisions…It makes a world of difference.

There have been other challenges, but these next two are certainly the hardest to date. I’ve always been close to Mom. We started to notice a pattern of forgetfulness and some odd behaviour. It was apparent things were changing. She would say there’s nothing wrong with my brain, I’m not crazy. No she wasn’t but she was eventually diagnosed with Dementia Alzheimer’s. Sadly this not only changed her life but that of our family. The disease advanced very quickly in leaps and bounds. Dad was the main caregiver – not an easy task but add a stubborn woman who doesn’t believe she has Dementia; it was a very difficult situation. I helped out as much as possible, giving Dad a break making supper and clean up, taking Mom for drives – she always wanted to go out and home!

The other challenge was the decision to leave everything familiar and move to British Columbia. I got into debt, bad debt, and due mostly to being unable to find full time employment to sustain household/living expenses, plus business expenses exceeded income. It was an intolerable situation and I decided to be in the driver’s seat. The only solution was to sell my forever house – it’s just a building that holds my stuff. The week before closing, my beloved Buddy was put to sleep. This is something that only close family knows. There was just too much going on, that I was unable to handle anything else. I said he had a new home, but didn’t say that home was heaven. I regret not telling my friends, but I couldn’t do it. It was hard to leave – so many friends, family and memories. The hardest part of leaving – saying goodbye to parents, knowing Dad wouldn’t have the extra help.

The day after closing, I was on a plane to Langley BC, paid debt and started a new life.

That lasted a month. My head wasn’t in it. Dad’s stress level was at 90% and in a week he would have been in hospital, two weeks I believe he would have died. Jumped on a plane, within a week, Mom was placed at Richmond Carefor and is doing better – so is Dad. We have been updating the house, (BIG thanks to his sister, Anne), to put the house on the market. Soon I’ll be heading back to BC and dig into this next chapter of life.

Dementia is, in my opinion, the worst disease after ALS. Your brain is robbed of its functions and memories. I’ll lose Mom twice – once to memory and then in death. No one should have to go through that.

What I learned and want to share is what great friends and family I have. There with hugs and a shoulder to help through the rough and good times. To ask for help – don’t be shy or too independent and educate yourself then share what you know.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of my life so far, overcoming challenges, making it on my own and working through life’s struggles to move forward. For the most part I’m happy with a positive outlook.

What do you want your older self to know?

What would I want to tell my older self? I really don’t know. If possible, I would tell my younger self – You will survive it – whatever it is and don’t live the “what if” life! Enjoy life as it comes to you or go out and reach for it!