My mother taught me a lot of things by example. When I was younger, she used to take me with her when it was time to vote, when she gave blood or when she volunteered in the community. As I became an adult and picked up some of the same habits, I remembered to thank her for modeling such community-centred behaviour. She looked a little bewildered for a second, then shook her head and said, “Joce, I just didn’t want to pay for a babysitter, that’s all.”
If you know my mom, you wouldn’t be surprised by that response. She’s a practical woman, through and through. Patricia Lemoing is her name, and why, yes, she did work at Actionmarguerite before retiring. Between my mom and I, we’ve had a hand in four RCN network organisations. What can I say? We speak French, we like to help, and we love a short commute.
She and my dad own an investment property in the downtown area. Like all of us, she’s noticed a change in the last several years. There are more people in distress and in need; there are more people who are doing their best to make their way without the supports and care they need to thrive.
Many people would have turned away from what they were seeing. They could have decided it wasn’t their issue to resolve, they could have decided it was dangerous, they could have decided to ignore the difficulties around them.
Spoiler alert: not Pat.
My mother visits the area with her garbage bag and picker almost every day. She got to know many of the residents in the building, as well as many folks who live along the riverbanks or in the shelters nearby. She learned what resources were available to help and who she could call for support. She asked questions about the issues in the neighbourhood and tried to find solutions.
What I’m most proud of is that she met every person in the neighbourhood exactly where they’re at. She talks to the kids from the nearby high school, she talks to the folks trying to find valuables in the garbage bins, and she talks to the shelter staff. She’s learning, she’s curious and she’s open.
It’s not perfect out there. I’m a downtown resident and I see it, too: the ever-increasing distress and despair. But guess what I do? Just like my mom, I talk to folks. I smile at them when I cross them on the sidewalk. I crack jokes and stop to check in on those taking a rest on benches. I extend every courtesy I can because these are my neighbours, too. Because this is my community.
But most of all, I do this because Pat taught me how. And this month of May, on Mother’s Day, I salute all the moms who taught their children to lead with kindness and compassion. Here’s to Pat, and all those like her!