1982

My mom and I left my dad and moved to B.C.. She worked hard. I remember her studying and going to work. She always made sure I was being taken care of.

I got on airplanes to go visit my dad. I remember crying about when he was coming to be with us. She never once told me he was a bad man. She never once told me she was scared that I might never come back.

No matter how awful I was to her I always knew she loved me, she might not of liked me, but she definitely loved me. My mom protected me and never showed me how scared she was, she made me think we were ok and we were, and she showed me how strong she was and never let me know if she was stressed. She is brave, she is supportive, she is strong, and she is a role model.

I remember the time I came home from school and she was crying. Her friend had died. This strong woman who rarely showed any weakness, had broke. Years and years of pent up emotions had erupted out of her. She decided to go to counselling, to take care of herself, and eventually I went to.

I appreciate her loving and protecting me from everything… but I appreciate our relationship now more then ever. The choice to go to counselling has benefited us both beyond words. It has helped me both personally and professionally. I have become more patient and I understand my mom and my students better.