Linda

Linda was a woman who grew up in Moose Jaw, SK in a house by the railway tracks.  I really don't know much about Linda's early days since I first met her when she was 23.  That was the day I was born and since she was my mom, I don't have memory of that first meeting, but I'm sure it wasn't all that pleasant for either of us. 

My mom was not a saint.  There were a lot of battles in our house and not a lot of win-win solutions for any of them.  She could be exasperating and one-sided in a sibling battle, and she smoked like a chimney; but she had a charm to her that drew many friends.  Despite her shortfalls, there are many memories of the time that we had with her that I cherish deeply.  Let me share a few of those.

"Who buys a cow when the milk is free?"
This was my mom's advice for dating when I became a teenager.  I wasn't sure what she meant for a few years, but when I finally understood, I was shocked that this was what she chose to guide me with.  Like I said, the woman had a charm.

My mom also had a great sense of humour.  Most of my memories are of her smiling and laughing contagiously.  She was also quite embarrassing to be around with her big personality.  When I had to accompany her on grocery shopping trips, she would purposely approach strange boys close to my age and ask for their names and numbers because she had a couple daughters who might be interested.  Of course, I was long gone down another aisle before they could have a glance around.  I don't think she ever procured a single number, but she certainly shocked more than a few local teenagers...myself included!  After a while, it became a running gag, but it took a few years to appreciate that direct approach. 

I remember a time when my mom was my greatest advocate.  I had gone out on my teaching internship and had a terrible situation.  I was failing and was miserable in my placement, but persevered instead of asking for help.  When I was asked to withdraw, I felt my dream of becoming a teacher was over.  It was my mom who took me aside and asked if I still felt I should be a teacher.  I said I wasn't sure anymore.  She blankly called me on that by replying, "Bullshit,  It's all you've ever wanted to be, so fight for it."  I did.  And after a second, extremely successful internship, I convocated and I am now in my 22nd year of teaching.  Thanks Mom.  

My mom was also very sensitive.  While on the surface she seemed to dismiss the occasional rude comment or dismissive remark by me or one of my siblings, I remember once seeing a tear or two roll down her cheek afterward.  I don't think I spent nearly enough time hugging or telling her I loved her, but I think she knew it by the way she took pride in the little things we did for her.  

My love for knitting, crocheting, and sewing are all gifts I received from her.  She also loved to bake, but to be honest, she was terrible!  I can remember many a burnt cookie, rock-hard bun, and enough booze in her Christmas cake to inebriate a sailor!

I only had my mom in my life for 28 years since she passed away suddenly of a heart attack when she was only 51.  I don't think there's any coincidence that I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about her since I turned 51 myself this year. She was a feisty broad with a lot of charm and I hope that I have inherited some of that.  Thanks mom.

Introduction

In my brief 51 years on this planet, I've had the fortune of being surrounded by some incredible people; people with talent, humour, charisma, drive, and charm.  I have also had the misfortune to lose many of these people.  Losing someone close to you is so difficult, but I feel that it is important for me to honour their memory by sharing with you some of the great life lessons that each has taught me, and in turn, perhaps teach you.  In this way, their legacy lives on and their spirit remains alive.  I feel it's the least I can do for such great people.