A Night To Celebrate My Dreams Coming True at #jacksdorval

I’m blessed to be surrounded by an amazing community of family, friends and well-wishers. I truly believe that we are stronger as a community when we all come together and share in each other’s success. A few weeks back, I ran into the managers from Jack Astor’s Dorval at a charity event. We got to talking and when I told them of the news of my new segment at City News Montreal, they were gracious enough to offer to throw me a party to celebrate my new segment #DiverseCity.  Of course I said yes!  I was already a big fan of Jack Astor’s Dorval because of their community spirit, generosity, and amazing customer service so it was a great fit. And that’s how I ended up with a room full of family, friends, and colleagues celebrating one evening.

The night was wonderful – even with the minor tech glitch that saw me delete my prepared speech seconds before heading up to the mic. Oops. I should have gone old school and used index cards. I spoke from the heart and don’t think that I missed anyone in my Thank Yous (If I did I’m sorry).  My family, friends, and colleagues have all been so amazing through this transition and I couldn’t have done it without their support. 

I made sure to thank my brother, both for coming out despite his hectic family schedule, but also for encouraging me to start blogging. While I’ve always wanted to work in media, if he hadn’t put the idea of starting a blog in my head years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  Of course, because he’s my brother, I ignored his suggestion at first. But eventually curiosity won over and I’ve been blogging for 7 years here at CanadianMomEh and it’s been nothing short of an incredible ride. 

Celebrations are always bittersweet for me without my mom – especially ones concerning my career. When I was around 7 years old, I was reading the Montreal Gazette and was very excited. I rushed up the stairs and announced proudly to my parents that one day I wanted to write for the paper. My mother said “No, one day you want to OWN it”. Every time I celebrate a new career achievement, I can’t help but think of how proud she would be. I feel particularly close to my mom when I take my lunch break at City News Montreal and eat with The Price is Right on in the background – she tried to never miss an episode. 

I don’t know if there are words to adequately thank the wonderful staff at Jack Astor’s Dorval for an evening full of fun, food, and friendship as we celebrated new beginnings. They’ve got a customer for life in me – a fact which will undoubtedly make my kids happy since they love it too. Thank you to everyone who came out and to those who sent well wishes via social media. It was a wonderful night.