July 7 – The people we meet and care about …

Dear Devon

It was a pleasure to meet you today (finally) at Surrey Gay Pride.  I remember the first time I heard you on your radio show – You had great things to say about everything and everyone. On the radio, you SCREAMED out your frustrations and your thoughts for all to hear.  I heard you and I applauded you for your compassion and caring.  You not only talked about Amanda once but twice.  I remember the first time we came across each other.  It was on Twitter.  At the exact right time, I looked and your message said that you were going on air to talk about Amanda and to tune in.  I caught it at just the right time.

If had only been a short time after  hearing about Amanda’s story and yet you had so many positives to say.  You stood by her and by me despite all the ramblings going on in the cyberworld.  You yourself have gone through difficult times in your life.  Subsequently, you understood what life could be like.  You have celebrated many more birthdays than Amanda and will celebrate many more with friends and family.  I hope to be included in one of those categories.  We met today for the first time.  It was one of joy and probably nervousness.  You never know how one may click and relate.  Being the person behind the keyboard is always so much easier.

I hope that I was what you expected.  You have wonderful friends and a great network.  You share things so openly.  You are loved by your those who appreciate your unique qualities.  You are the epitome of the ‘snowflake’.  Fragile.  Unique.  Individual.  Strong.  As I people watched today at Surrey Pride Day, I saw lots of people who were so very comfortable in their  bodies and lifestyles.  I said to my friends, if only mental health were destigmatized like that so that we could walk around freely and have booths that shared all the resources to help and support.  And that there were people who attended and were receptive and open.  It should never be hidden.  Otherwise, how can we help.  I still feel that more resources are needed.  But without the voices out there saying that, will the message ever be heard.  How can we work on telling our governments that this is an issue?  That we lose youth and adults to the mental health system.   That when we see on the Vancouver East Side, adults needing help, that those adults were once kids/youth in need of some help.

Thank you for being my friend … and I hope to be there for you in your daily journeys.  Every day is like a page in a storybook.  We are here to take it in and then document our adventures.

As heart and souls collide

Mama bear to you … xoxo