There are amazing people throughout this province and country stepping up to help those affected by recent wildfires. Amazing, brave men and women coming together and tirelessly going above and beyond what they already do on a daily basis to help their fellow neighbors. In a month or so, on Father’s Day, we can almost take this note word for word and substitute "women" with "men" and "Mothers" with "Fathers." A special thank-you to all of the brave and generous men/dads out there, especially on the front lines, for your tireless work and service you are all continuing to do. Of course all ladies are lucky to have you in their lives!
On Mother’s Day, I took a moment to acknowledge not just all of the amazing moms we know but all of the women out in the world, especially in Alberta right now who are getting the job done.
In a time of chaos, uncertainty and heartbreak, countless women of all ages: mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, aunts and neighbours have selflessly stepped up in an unbelievable show of love and support. Women have banded together and are giving their shoulders to cry on, their arms for hugs and their homes to provide safe havens, food, possessions, monetary gifts, etc. Your support for your families, loved ones, friends, neighbors and strangers is unwavering and everlasting. Thank you for your giving generous hearts. You will never be forgotten and your legacy will live on... you rock.
To the brave women police officers, firefighters, medical staff, all first responders, emergency shelter volunteers, Red Cross volunteers and their support systems, especially on the front lines, we pray for you, your safety and your stamina... you rock. We also pray for your family and friends as they wait for your safe return.
To the women who feel helpless that they can't do anything but keep hope in their hearts, pray for the families and strangers and just reach out to someone with a friendly phone call, you are doing something; you rock.
To all of the amazing women through the centuries who came before us who have passed along the torch of love, family and sense of community, and showed us how to do what we are doing now in the face of tragedy, we remember and honour you.
To the principals, teachers, childcare workers and women that hopped on buses or in cars with children that weren't yours, to care for them; you rock.
To the women and moms out there who gathered their families, neighbors and pets without any thought for themselves and got them to safety, you rock. And to these same women, and moms that literally drove through fire this week to get their families to safety, you are rock stars! Your bravery, stamina and love holds no bounds. You are raising resilient amazing children. You are fierce and we salute you; you rock
To all women, this may not have been the Mother's Day that a lot of you planned, envisioned or deserve but know that your service to your family and fellow women will pay it forward for many generations to come. You are getting the job done with grace, humility and perseverance. The next generation is taking notes. Thank-you.
To all those women who have been affected by the fires in Alberta and B.C., we will continue to stand by you in the days to come as you face your new realities whatever they may be. We hope and pray you can get a moment to yourself. A moment to yourself that isn't in a bathroom somewhere (right?), where you can cry and acknowledge what you have just been through. A moment to collect yourself because we know that life has to go on and you have to figure out what to do next even though you may be still waiting in limbo. Please ask for help. You are surrounded by women who are itching to do something to make your feelings of helplessness go away. We want to show you, you aren't alone.
Women helping women, what an ultimate testament of Mother's Day, I think our ancestors are so proud! Thank you to all women, everywhere, who came before us and who are now stepping up every day, especially in the face of tragedy. You are getting the job done; you rock. Happy Mother’s Day.
Wendy Pillot, St. Albert
