Birthing a Good Society

The birth of a good society comes when people start to trust each other, to share with each other, and to feel concerned for each other.
~ Jean Vanier

Tonight I was at the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba’s annual gala dinner. This year the recipient of the award was a former employer of mine. One of my first employers was St. Amant’s Center—I worked there for a summer in the Occupational Therapy Workshop. It was an eye-opening experience on lots of levels.

I worked, naturally, in the Workshop itself but I also did some one-on-one sessions with some of the residents in this residence for disabled people. This work impacted me for life. I worked with one young woman who had been the victim of a drunk driver. She had been a vibrant teenager with a passion for horses when everything was taken from her—she lost her hearing, her speech, and her ability to walk. Her sense of frustration was obvious and it broke my heart to see her mentally aware of how limited she had become. At the age of 20, I made a decision then to never drink and drive. I have pretty much kept that promise to myself on her behalf, only occasionally have I had a half a glass of wine over dinner when I know I am driving somewhere.

It was also my first time working with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effected children. That was tremendously challenging for me. I had no idea that alcohol could do such horrific things to life in the womb. Back then, not much was known about it.

This evening’s event captured the journey of the Centre and the Grey Nuns who started it. I was pleased to see that even though the Grey Nuns no longer own the facility, their legacy was remembered and honoured tonight. The work that the Centre continues to do is ground-breaking, based on the dignity of each person, but working together in a community. Vanier’s quote above hits the nail on the head. Doing the work that St. Amant has done all these years does birth a good society where people can trust each other, share with each other and feel genuine concern. My summer at St. Amant was one of the best jobs I have ever had. The influence of the people remain with me and have clearly shaped me.

Congratulations to St. Amant on their achievement!

Peace,

Suzanne