Becoming a parent has taught me one thing about mentors, as thankful as I am for those who have shaped my life I am even more grateful to those that love and mentor my children.
I received an e-mail from Mom Central who is a proud sponsor for The Big Shout Out, an initiative that acknowledges and celebrates mentors across Canada. It’s all a part of the 100th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada in 2013. While it’s a wonderful organization, this campaign is not meant to promote Big Brothers Big Sisters but rather the broader theme of mentorship.
I immediately knew that I HAD to take this opportunity to give “A Big Shout Out to Brenda!”
To fully understand the amazing role this angel fills I have to give you a speedy background story about my children. Seven years ago I married an incredible man with an ex-wife and two beautiful girls, at the time five and ten. Less than a year after we were married both girls moved in full time with us, obviously this sort of uprooting was an adjustment on everyone!! Several years into the girls residing full time with us they were both adopted legally by me. Again this came with a bunch of adjustments and "stuff" for the girls to deal with. You would imagine that the story would end here, but just under a year after the adoption was made final, the girls’ mother was tragically killed in a motorbike accident. This occurred just over six months ago. At twelve and sixteen the girls are far too young to have to deal with all of this. Our family is so blessed with so many amazing people, but today is Brenda’s day…………
Brenda is the go-to expert when it comes to piano, voice and choir in our area. Both girls have taken lessons from her and the relationship she develops with her students is like no other. It is as if her pupils were children of her flesh. Her heart and capacity for compassion is colossal!! The bond that has formed between her and Big Sis (my sixteen year old) is so special. I see it in Brenda’s eyes - her heart breaks for what the world has thrown at that young lady. Brenda is always there to listen and give good, solid, sound advice. As a parent I can with confidence lean on Brenda, knowing that she truly has Big Sis’s best interest at heart. This is a priceless gift that I could never show enough gratitude for.
Each Thursday evening I ask the question, “How were lessons tonight?”
Sometimes the response is, “Oh we didn’t do anything, we just talked for an hour.”
This delights me and warms my soul.
Big Sis is young and I can’t say where her life is headed, but I do know whatever the destination, it will be brighter because of Brenda – a woman with much more than music in her soul!!!!
I could never thank you enough Brenda…. never.
That made me weepy and I don't easily get weepy.
ReplyDelete