WOW! This is first of all a true honor and very humbling experience to be nominated for Woman of the Week. Thank you Pierrette for inviting me to share a bit of my story.
I am a Mom of 3 beautiful daughters and grandma of 8 amazing youngsters ranging from 4yrs to 22yrs and yes, I agree with any who say “wow” a young Grandma lol.
Born and raised in Ottawa (beautiful Sandy Hill) one of 8 kids, 6 brothers and 1 sister. Life so far has been filled with joys and sorrows but thankfully the joys have far outweighed the sorrows.
I first married at the age of 23 to a good Irishman who I met through my volunteer work at my local parish. Married in 1973 and sadly my Mom passed away in 1974 and my Dad a year later – greatest sadness to this day beyond the heavy loss of parents at such young ages is that my parents never got to meet my children and they grew up without ever knowing their grandparents.
My first time out of Canada on my first plane ride came when my first born was 10months old and we were posted to Paris, France with External Affairs. Amazing experience and memories. My 2nd daughter was born in Paris ( a whole other fun story of that experience…23 hrs of labour and I demanded we fly home to Canada?).
Spent the following 4 yrs on postings to London, England then wrapped up in Washington, DC. Yes, the travel and experiences were amazing but sad my Irish husband changed overtime to an angry alcoholic who needed help that I couldn’t give so after 10 yrs I chose a new path – single parent. Not easy and if not for the support of family and the strength that I learned from my Mom, I don’t think I would have survived. I somehow was able to channel all my fears and sadness in a positive direction. Remembering my Mom and how she always was there for her neighbours offering support in whatever way she could – sometimes just a listening ear I made the best decision of my life -” Give to others what you can and it will come back two fold”.
Thus began my 25 year charity career. From working with homeless women and kids (St, Joe’s Womens Centre where I happily met my second husband who loves me and every day makes me a better person) to sitting on Board of Directors of Ottawa Food Bank to raising funds for the Children’s Wish Foundation and then recent support of seniors in long term care at St. Patrick’s Home Foundation. I not only survived; I thrived. I found my “home” – engaging the community to share my passion and committed purpose to give back and help those who were most vulnerable.
All of us truly live in a wonderful community – people of all walks of life – from big corporate boardrooms to the kids lemonade stands- I knew my Mom was smiling – watching the impacts of giving and caring return two fold….Where am I now ? Out of the official charity profession – making room for the younger generation to step in – I miss the “official” side terribly but life’s twists call for new doors to be opened…so I recently took a big leap into the area of property mgmt – not easy but a decision that had to be made to keep myself healthy and more financially secure – some old timers like myself who loved doing for others but not very smart in planning for the “rainy days” needed a job that could keep a solid roof over my head. Life is full of surprise but always my Mom guides my decisions and I know she is always watching and cheering me forward.
Who inspires you in your life and why?
Number one – my Mom. A special memory always comes to mind with this question…age 16 and going grocery shopping with Mom- no car so cab ride home as groceries to heavy to carry the few blocks home…at the time we lived on Russell Road (ottawa Housing community Mom gives the driver our address “1783 G Russell Rd…driver jokes and says “oh you mean Peyton Place”. No, says my Mom and repeats our address…the joking and not so nice driver repeats…I, the very embarrassed teenager say “shh Mom , it’s ok”. Nope, says my Mom – never be afraid to say who you are or where you live…she thanked the driver and simply cancelled our drive – we walked home slowly and tired but to this day her wise words have guided me…Never be ashamed of who you are or embarrassed by where you live…Be Yourself and Be The Best You Can Be…truly my Mom was a Woman Living Fully !
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life?
Single Parenting – feeling that I couldn’t give my children all they deserved but with help from family and staying connected to my community the best I could at the time keeping my children always in front of me and my angel Mom beside me.
Two years ago, the tragic loss of my oldest grandson at the young age of 17. My daughter continues to inspire me with her courage and strength and though many days I fear she will give up – her love of her other 3 kids and her pure determination to keep going for her kids makes me remember how my Mom stood strong for all of her kids and I guess I have been blessed to share what I learned back to my beautiful, strong, loving daughter. The circle of life and love continues…
What did you do to move through them? What did you learn?
What helped me the most was finding that one person who I could share the good and bad with and who could help guide me without “taking sides” or judging my choices – I knew it couldn’t be a family member but rather someone who had experience and wisdom to help me get through the tough times
Volunteering became a lifeline for me and truly the best decision as I met folks who faced far greater challenges and if I could help them just a bit it really made me appreciate what I had and opened the door wide to who I was and how I could make a difference.
What are you most proud of?
My three beautiful daughters who are all amazing moms and incredibly strong, caring women, each in their own unique ways and they really are very different from each other. Each one lives life with courage, laughter and caring hearts. A mom can’t ask or hope for anything better.
What do you want younger women to know?
Believe in You…remember the taxi driver…Do Your Best…YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH
What does living fully mean to you?
Giving to others and yourself your very best – keeping in mind “how good is your Yes if you don’t know how to say No”, if it means your health, your general well being and your ability to give your best. We are All “Good Enough”.
Favourite quote?
Not sure if it’s an official quote but “live your life with passion and purpose and always pay it forward when and however you can”, and always, “nope..it’s 1783 G Russell Road” a quote from Lena Macdonald, my Mom.
