We are heartbroken today. We got the devastating news this morning that one of our students in Deer Lake, one that Greg taught this year in Grade 8, died yesterday. He was thirteen years old and he hung himself.
This student is one you would never expect to do anything like this. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face. He always stopped to talk to you. He loved Sawyer and always wanted to give her lots of kisses and talk with her. This student went to church every week, he was a christian, sang in front of the church. He went to visit and talk with the Elders of the community. He loved to hunt and fish and play his guitar. This is what we saw on the outside, obviously no one in Deer Lake realized that there was a lot of hurt going on on the inside.
I am shocked, sad, heartbroken, numb. I feel awful for Greg who spent 5 days a week 7 hours a day with this boy. Please pray for Greg and I, Deer Lake and this boys family as we grieve the loss of this special boy.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Father's Day
Well, it is my first Father's Day and I am disappointed it is being spent thousands of kilometres away. It is because of Sawyer that this day means something extra special for me this year, and I can't hold her, kiss her, and tell her how much I love her. But that is one of many sacrifices I (and Claire) have made with living in Deer Lake the past three years.
The last week I spent leading the Grade 8s on their yearly graduation trip to Toronto and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I couldn't imagine a better way to end my tenure in Deer Lake, than to spend quality time with my students and fellow chaperones. As much as there is too much work and responsibility on the leader, I wouldn't give up the chance to experience Toronto with the students. Everyone had fun, stayed safe, and created lasting memories that will be talked about for years to come.
Last month, Claire had the opportunity to create a blog about what Mother's Day means to her. I decided to take the similar challenge and spend some time (got nothing but) this day to write what Father's Day means to me.
The whole world changes when you become a father. As we were getting ready for Sawyer to come, many people would say things to prepare us for a child. "Better get your sleep now" "You'll always be tired" "Won't have time for yourself." Many of these things are true, but as for most things in life, it is all about how you see things. I do get less sleep now, but it is because I am spending more time with Sawyer. I do feel more tired, but it is because I am chasing after my giggling daughter. I do watch less sports, but it is because I can't take my eyes off of her. You see, life does change and it may, no it will get hard, but there is nothing greater in the world than being a father.
Why I Love being a father, in no particular order (except #1, it is the best):
1) When Sawyer gets up from a nap and you peek your head in the door, to see Sawyer jump up and have the world's greatest smile. The smile is the best part. Knowing she has a grin from ear to ear JUST because she sees you. You don't need to say anything or have a gift or do anything. Your presence alone is what makes her day.
2) The ability to provide for my family. Being able to provide for oneself is a great thing and being able to provide for a family means so much more.
3) When giving Sawyer her bottle, she will cuddle with you. Before Claire and Sawyer left for home, Sawyer fell asleep on my chest for the first time. What a magical feeling.
4) Sawyer's dance. Seeing her move her legs when music is played.
5) Sawyer's infectious laugh. At times, especially at night, she will walk around the house and just laugh and make sounds.
6) The future. I am looking forward to spending time with Sawyer as she grows up and being able to help her through life's challenges.
7) Buying clothes. Seems weird right. But being able to buy pink Toronto Blue Jay shirts and hats is pretty awesome. Pink has never been my colour.
8) Sawyer's Kisses. They will make your day.
9) Watching Sawyer love life. I know it will change, but for now, just now, Sawyer has no problems with the world. She is not concerned about friends, boys, and other worldly problems. All she wants right now is you and your attention. And believe me, my eyes are glued to her.
10) Completeness. Sawyer is the smallest member of my family. Family. With Claire, myself, the little munchkin (and even Edgar) we are a family. This is it, this is the start to my family.
The last week I spent leading the Grade 8s on their yearly graduation trip to Toronto and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I couldn't imagine a better way to end my tenure in Deer Lake, than to spend quality time with my students and fellow chaperones. As much as there is too much work and responsibility on the leader, I wouldn't give up the chance to experience Toronto with the students. Everyone had fun, stayed safe, and created lasting memories that will be talked about for years to come.
Last month, Claire had the opportunity to create a blog about what Mother's Day means to her. I decided to take the similar challenge and spend some time (got nothing but) this day to write what Father's Day means to me.
The whole world changes when you become a father. As we were getting ready for Sawyer to come, many people would say things to prepare us for a child. "Better get your sleep now" "You'll always be tired" "Won't have time for yourself." Many of these things are true, but as for most things in life, it is all about how you see things. I do get less sleep now, but it is because I am spending more time with Sawyer. I do feel more tired, but it is because I am chasing after my giggling daughter. I do watch less sports, but it is because I can't take my eyes off of her. You see, life does change and it may, no it will get hard, but there is nothing greater in the world than being a father.
Why I Love being a father, in no particular order (except #1, it is the best):
1) When Sawyer gets up from a nap and you peek your head in the door, to see Sawyer jump up and have the world's greatest smile. The smile is the best part. Knowing she has a grin from ear to ear JUST because she sees you. You don't need to say anything or have a gift or do anything. Your presence alone is what makes her day.
2) The ability to provide for my family. Being able to provide for oneself is a great thing and being able to provide for a family means so much more.
3) When giving Sawyer her bottle, she will cuddle with you. Before Claire and Sawyer left for home, Sawyer fell asleep on my chest for the first time. What a magical feeling.
4) Sawyer's dance. Seeing her move her legs when music is played.
5) Sawyer's infectious laugh. At times, especially at night, she will walk around the house and just laugh and make sounds.
6) The future. I am looking forward to spending time with Sawyer as she grows up and being able to help her through life's challenges.
7) Buying clothes. Seems weird right. But being able to buy pink Toronto Blue Jay shirts and hats is pretty awesome. Pink has never been my colour.
8) Sawyer's Kisses. They will make your day.
9) Watching Sawyer love life. I know it will change, but for now, just now, Sawyer has no problems with the world. She is not concerned about friends, boys, and other worldly problems. All she wants right now is you and your attention. And believe me, my eyes are glued to her.
10) Completeness. Sawyer is the smallest member of my family. Family. With Claire, myself, the little munchkin (and even Edgar) we are a family. This is it, this is the start to my family.
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