A week ago I was honoured at the Unlimited Woman Awards in the category of Community. One of the best parts about the night was that my family was there in person to celebrate alongside me. My parents took my daughter around the room as people were mingling, getting ready for the ceremonies to start, and my husband was there too, making a rare but very welcome appearance in a room filled to the brim with women. 😉

In the week leading up to the event I had thought a little about what I would say if I won and I hadn’t come up with much. I’m not used to being recognized for who I am, and the whole thing kept reminding me about my wedding day. Then, almost 13 years ago now, when the doors opened to the sanctuary and 100 of my loved ones stood up and turned to look at me standing there with my father, I immediately started to cry. And I sniffled all the way down the aisle toward my lovely waiting husband, whom I soon indicated should get me a Kleenex from the box sitting in the front pew. (They say that was the first “order” I gave him in our marriage!)

I suppose I was worried, then, that I would cry at the awards. It was a very personal thing to be nominated by three women (Lornna, Shannon and Denise) – whom I admire very much – for how they see me showing up in the world. But when the moment came I think all I thought about was getting up to the stage in one piece and putting together a few coherent words. (I didn’t cry.)

Later my family told me that my daughter was VERY excited as I walked to the stage, which made winning the award all the sweeter. To have her see me recognized for being a community-minded person is something I will always cherish. Being alongside those other amazing women in the room, even more so.

Thank you.