×

All you need is desire

In

At the end of October, I was contacted by the “Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta” (FPFA) and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was one of the recipients of the “Manon Bouthillier Prize” for 2022. Members of the FPFA (individual schools, school boards, school councils, parent councils and parents of francophone in Alberta) nominate volunteers who are engaged, involved and passionate about francophone education in Alberta.

While flattered, I initially wasn’t sure I deserved the recognition. I didn’t understand what I had done as a school volunteer that was so impactful in furthering French education in Alberta. It was only when I learned why I was nominated that I could see how I did so.

As you likely know, I have been actively involved with Terry Fox School Runs since 2018. However, the recognition is specifically for 2019 onwards. That was the year I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and I offered to speak to the students at the school my kids attend about Terry Fox and his legacy. After all, I know a LOT about living with cancer, I speak French and my children attend the school. English schools have access to a number of cancer patient speakers. Unbeknown to me, the pool of francophone cancer patient volunteer speakers is virtually non-existent. I happened to fill that void.

Unfortunately, I was not available to receive the Award in person at the 35th FPFA symposium on November 5, 2022. It was today, just before my kids did their holiday performances, that the school principal had a chance to give me the plaque. The timing seemed so very fitting: December is the month of giving.

I have been beaming all day. It’s not the Award itself that makes me feel so proud; it’s knowing that every time my children see it displayed at home, they remember that giving can be done in many different ways. The only thing they need to have is desire.

If you also think I am deserving of this award, feel free to buy me a coffee or contribute towards some of my uninsured medical expenses.

14 comments

  1. It is such an inspiration. At a time you were in dire needs yourself, you continued to give! I am proud to call you my friend. God bless!

  2. Congratulations Natalie! How terrific to be recognized. I’m sure many students and teachers are benefiting from your honesty and insights!

  4. What a beautiful and well-deserved recognition of what you wife given to the French school community in Alberta. It’s a strong and vibrant community that many outside of Alberta don’t know about. Your gift of time and sharing your story is special and sure to leave a lasting impact on the lives of students and staff. Your two children have a lot to be proud about when it comes to their mother 💖 Hoping that all the love and positive energy you put out is sent back to you tenfold. xoxo

  5. Congratulations Natalie. Well deserved. Glad you are recognized for your dedication and giving nature. Félicitations Mon amie. Super fière de toi. Je suis convaincu que tes enfants le sont aussi.

  6. My dear Natalie,
    You embody Terry Fox’s words:
    “I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.”

    You are showing us how to live
    You are giving your children the best gift a mother can give them, how to be strong, how to live each day to the fullest
    You have put more life into your years than most of us will ever do just a fraction of.
    Thank you for being you

    1. Thanks Marilyn! I’m sorry for the delay. I’ve somewhat neglected my blog. But I’m excited to be launching a new project. I hope you read my next blog!

  7. Natalie, I am so honored to know you as a person and a good friend. You are a legacy for so many, not just your children.

Comments are closed.

Author

[email protected]

Related posts

In

My eulogy to my Tub Talk Partner

In June 2019, we quickly went from being two strangers, sitting at opposite ends of the tables for a “Breasties” coffee meet up where we only knew each other by name, to becoming close friends,...

Read out all
In

Our lemonade just got a little sweeter

What a day May 30th was for cancer care in Canada! I was energized to read the Terry Fox Foundation’s open letter calling on doctors, scientists and philanthropists to increase collaboration within the oncology community...

Read out all
In

The moving goalposts

As I reflect on my year the term “moving goalposts” came up regularly in my life. However, the best time it was used, and which makes me smile every time I think of this DM...

Read out all
Kids running at the Terry Fox School Run in 2023
In

#1 Terry Fox School Run Fundraisers in 2023!

There are so many things for me to be proud of when it comes to my kids. I think I have the best kids in the world! OK, so does every other mom, so this...

Read out all
In

Survival guilt : living among the dying

I know it sounds strange that I would claim I have survival guilt, which is typically reserved to victims of a unplanned traumatic event such a car crash, a property fire, large-scale tragedies or crisis....

Read out all
In

Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t.

Since restrictions have eased, I’ve been out more and have had the opportunity to meet some new people. When they learn about my cancer, several of these individuals have told me how sorry or awful...

Read out all