The names of loved ones lost too soon were displayed at the front of the room on paper butterflies, as community members gathered to remember and offer support to each other on Sunday afternoon, during an event that is sure to grow and blossom in St. Paul.
It was two years ago, that the lives of many in the community were flipped upside down when a van crashed into Racette Jr. High School. Since that time, family and friends of those most affected have been grieving and healing, and on Oct. 26, many of those same people gathered to take part in the first Megan Wolitski Memorial Walk.
“I thank you all for coming in support of each other,” said Christal Brodziak, the main organizer and initiator of the walk, and also Megan’s aunty. She said the walk aims not only to reach those dealing with loss, but also to reach out to people who have been blessed and have never known the intense feelings that come along with grief.
“There are people out there who don’t know this pain,” said Brodziak.
The event took place exactly two years after Megan’s family said goodbye to the bubbly 11-year-old girl, who died as a result of the injuries sustained from the crash. Rooms at the CPAC were filled to capacity by 1 p.m., as supporters showed up at the walk.
Participants were given the opportunity to write the names of loved ones who are no longer with them, on paper butterflies as a way to remember and honour them. Dealing with grief was one of the main topics discussed during the presentations preceding the walk.
Along with honouring loved ones, the Megan Wolitski Memorial Walk will act as a fundraiser to support angel boxes, which will be offered to families at the St. Paul health care centre who have lost babies. Brodziak said she chose to honour her niece in this way because Megan loved spending time with young children.
Brodziak recalled the emotions she felt when she was notified about the crash.
“I felt so hopeless and at a loss of what to do,” she said, adding, much of the next few days were just “a blur,” and the 24-hour wait to see if Megan would improve was “agonizing.”
“No one should ever have to say goodbye to their 11-year-old niece,” said Brodziak, adding, “I cried for my daughter’s idol. I cried for my family. I cried.”
Brodziak described how she made the decision to seek help and attended counseling to deal with her grief.
“There are days I know my sister is hurting, and that hurts me.”
Following Brodziak’s comments, three speakers took to the podium and shared their stories about grief and loss. First up was Tammy Renauld.
While pregnant with her third child, Renauld says everything was going well until she went into labour. Due to complications, Renauld’s youngest son would pass away shortly after birth.
“When something tragic happens in your life, it changes who you are,” said Renauld, as she spoke to the crowd. She recalls being given a box of items from the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton to remember her son Lucas. The box included items such as imprints and photos, and is similar to what Brodziak hopes to offer.
Renauld said she was happy to know that work was being done to create angel boxes for families going through similar tragedies in St. Paul.
Crystal Charbonneau also spoke about her first-born son, Caleb. While pregnant, Charbonneau was told Caleb had anencephaly and wouldn’t survive much passed birth. In May of 2011, the Charbonneau family welcomed and said goodbye to Caleb.
She described the entire pregnancy and delivery as being “bittersweet.” But, she found that relying on God and her faith helped her through the tough situation.
“We had a choice to make - run from God or run to Him,” said Charbonneau.
Daleen Pinder also spoke about her experiences, although her story was slightly different. Pinder says when she was 30 weeks pregnant she and her husband found out their son would have Down Syndrome.
“Life is not fair, and unfortunately we all have to go through these traumatic events,” said Pinder. She described how her “knees went weak” when the doctor told her of her son’s diagnosis, and the hardships and feelings that followed.
Over the years, Pinder has realized that it is these “life imprints” that make a person who they are, and has since become a life success coach. She says she has moved through different stages of grief and has learnt lot from her 10-year-old son.
Pinder said she is grateful for her “life imprints” and is working to help and serve others now.
“The truth is life is hard, and it gives us things we don’t always want,” said Pinder. But, there is resiliency inside of everyone and all people are capable of living rich lives.
In total, 150 people were registered for Sunday’s walk and about $2,500 was raised. Funds will be put towards angel boxes. Additional money is expected to be raised through an online Facebook auction on Nov. 29 and 30.
Next year’s Megan Wolitski Memorial Walk is already scheduled to take place on Oct. 25 at Reunion Station.
In closing, Brodziak again took to the podium to offer thanks to the community for the support shown immediately after Megan’s death, and more recently with the support shown for the walk.
“I’m proud to live where I live.”
