September 30, 2023

YMM Parent Message Board – Issue 3

By on October 15, 2020 0 679 Views

Words of Inspiration from YMM Parents

Twenty-twenty has brought struggle and heartache to the Wood Buffalo region with the COVID-19 pandemic and the spring flood. However, hope surrounds us, and our residents have demonstrated how we can come together during these times. YMM Parent spoke with some of the community’s most influential parents who display their strength through positivity, and they have words of inspiration to help keep us looking up!

“During this unprecedented time, it’s easy to focus on the challenges that our community is facing, more now than ever before. But we are YMM!!! We have proved that we are resilient, and we truly are better together. Ask for help if you need it, help out where you can and continue to be excellent to one another.”

—  Jessica and Steve Dubeck, Mindful Elevation Float Space owners and 2020 Flood victims pictured with their children, Amelia, 11, and Spencer, 3.

“Being a parent is the greatest joy of my life and I am thankful for all the growing up I have done with them. Having lost one of my two kids, I have learned to continuously practice focusing on what I have and not on what I don’t have.”

­— Julio Florez, Royal LePage True North Realty realtor and local ambassador for mental health awareness pictured with his daughter, Katrina.

“When the world gets loud, get quiet. Reflect on values and dreams to guide you through tough decisions. It feels hard because it is hard. Acknowledging that is as important as remembering we are not alone; humanity is in this together. And the human urge to love and connect is what will help us tackle the hard stuff.”

— Tinna Ezekiel, a defier of odds, a believer in good & enforcer of kindness pictured with her daughters, Clare, 10, Billie, 6, and Arlo,2.

“I wake up each day and say, “I’ve been given the gift of this day. What am I going to do with it?” Daily gratitude and a good dose of nature and lots of hugs help a family get through challenging times. I remember what my ancient aunties always said: “It will all work out in the end. Lighten up!”

— Kitty Cochrane, École Dickinsfield teacher and 2020 Flood victim pictured with her 16-year-old daughter, Gwenna and husband, Greg. 

 

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have a story idea, program or event that you’d like to share with us? Reach out to YMM Parent on our website or through social media. Our purpose is to be a sounding board for you and our community. We also want your feedback on stories you’ve read inside our publication.

Contact us at dawn@balsom.ca.

 

Connect with Us!

Send your photos, drawings, jokes and letters to our editor at dawn@balsom.ca.

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About the author

YMM Parent Team is a collaboration of authors and contributors from in and around Fort McMurray.