This past week I have been feeling extra sadness. I think it’s part languishing and part grief and part the overwhelming feelings that accompany learning of 215 indigenous children whose bodies were discovered at a residential school in Kamloops.
I have not processed the latter yet and am trying to educate myself about the horrors our churches and government inflicted on children and their families. I am not ready to tackle those feelings yet; but I am working on it.
The grief comes from attending another celebration of life on Zoom for someone who passed away far too young. Kim Jackson was a Guidance Counsellor and Vice Principal at St. Dom’s and a really important part of our community.
First let me say that it is a little strange that an online celebration of life is becoming the norm. There were tears and beautiful readings and stories of a life well lived, but there were no hugs and the informal conversations that help with shared grief. Having said that, I really appreciate that we have the chance to gather virtually and begin to process our loss together.
The second thing to note is that Kim and I were not really close friends. We knew each other and I loved our encounters, but they didn’t happen on a regular basis. I would see her at DOMS or at mass or out and about in town, and I know her family, but again, not really well.
So why am I feeling so sad? I think it’s because she was always such a presence. She was very dynamic and colourful and way too young to be leaving this world behind.
She is also the third leader in the DOMS community to pass away, behind Paul Frederick and Barb Roche. All three shared some traits that made you want to be in their company: a sense of humour that kept you on your toes, wisdom that comes from really seeing the world around them and a deep love for those children whom others might find harder to love. They all worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for the children and families around them.
During her celebration of life, Kevin Strong read one of her favourite poems. I loved it so much that I reached out to him and asked for a copy.
When I think of Kim, and Paul and Barb, I think of people who embody this philosophy. Their legacy is in all of the people whose lives have been enriched through knowing them. May we all learn to Believe.
