There is so much of my past that has been a focus of mine since Kailynn passed. Of course, Kailynn being number one! But a HUGE part of who I am today has come into focus! Most know that I became a mom at the age of 17 to Kailynn’s older brother Michael (I always think about how I gave life at the same age that Kailynn lost hers….). I was lucky enough that in Regina there was a program called Balfour Special Tutorial which has since been renamed The Shirley Schneider Support Centre after the marvelous woman who started it all many years ago. Michael also attended The Mackenzie Infant Care Centre 30 years ago! These two programs and the support they provide are extremely dear to me. Late last year when SKS was doing our clothing drive for warm winter clothing for those in need, a group of extremely talented ladies had made some toddler mittens that were like puppets! We decided as a group to donate to MICC for the littles at the centers. This is when I met Edie Paquette, Executive Director of MICC. I dropped off the donation in the normal COVID-safe fashion, hastily sharing a brief story about my time at MICC. Fast forward a few months, and Edie reached out to me to ask if I would present “Kailynn’s Story” to the MICC staff during a professional development day on March 7. Kailynn’s story doesn’t have any obvious connection to the school or the daycare except myself, but what I wanted to show these amazing humans was the results of their work. I was standing in front of them because I had a story to tell. That story was my trauma. But what they didn’t realize is the ladies that were in their positions 30 years ago helped shape me into the person I am today. They, along with the staff of the then Balfour Special Tutorial, played a part in my strength, my determination, and my drive to share with others that there is sunshine after a storm.
Menu