I had the most amazing day yesterday
I was grabbing lunch at my favourite Banff lunch spot – known locally as “Sushi Train”. It was quiet and I was answering a few emails before packing up. A beautiful woman next to me struck up a conversation and we had a lovely chat for a few minutes. She was from a few hours away and had dropped her teenage sons off at the ski hill for the day. When I said I had to go to work, she asked and I explained that I am a consultant that supports nonprofits. I was just on my way to the YWCA Banff to meet about an upcoming campaign to build more services for women and children fleeing violence – explaining that it was no hardship to go to work – I loved what I did.
Photo by Kristy Davison.
She lit up, thanking me for the work I do. She had spent significant time in shelters growing up, the last time when her mother left her violent father for good when she was twelve. She remembered having fun with her sister trying on clothes that had been donated to the Y and having a wonderful time. Her mother then went on to marry a gentle, kind man. Despite that, she said, she somehow married her father. At first, he was nice, funny, but it didn’t take long to develop a drinking problem and become very violent. She drank to cope. She finally left and is feeling so good and empowered to be able to have her own thoughts and make good decisions. She no longer drinks and her boys are receiving amazing therapy and support through their school.
She then told me that, despite having filed several restraining orders and complaints with the police, her ex-husband had recently, legally obtained a handgun. Upon hearing this news from her sons, she went to the police to learn that, since it was legally obtained, there was nothing they could do. She does her best not to live in fear, but to be smart and aware. She was amazing – so strong and brave.
She thanked me for my work, and so many others who support these critical services. I hugged her and thanked her for sharing her story. As I left, I remembered our Rotary President asking us as we left the meeting to perform a random act of kindness this week. I quietly paid for this wonderful, strong woman’s lunch and left.
It was one of those days that fills you up, and helps you remember your purpose. I am so grateful to be doing the work that I do and to be surrounded by amazing people.