Dear Mom:

Because of you I鈥檓 free.

Since I was a little girl, you encouraged my expression of my unhindered self.

I took part, explored, created, befriended many, wandered, and loved 鈥搊penly and without fear of judgment.

Although you didn鈥檛 get that from your parents, you knew it was important.

You left the convent and rebelled, they never forgave you.

So you enrolled me in whatever we could afford, from swimming lessons to bowling, to girl guides, softball, volleyball, and more.

You fed me delicious home-cooked and -baked foods, fed my friends, drove us anywhere.

With unconditional love through college, university, relationships, countless moves, new sports, non-profit jobs/activities, fundraisers, my travels, my world grew IMMENSELY.

Because of you, at 55, I still thrive.

There is no fear to start a new job at 54, join ice hockey at 55, design and paint my home in bold, rich colours, learn home repairs, take naps, work hard, express love.

For nearly 81 years you gave me your everything.

Mom, Isy (you allowed me to call you by your name), your last words to me in hospital were 鈥淕o home to bed鈥� - I was exhausted from sleeping on a chair.

Paige Charron, Aldergrove