26/05/2020
“The river I step in is not the river I stand in.” – Heraclitus
Anyone who’s frequented the Queen Street East streetcar over the bridge above the Don River in Toronto, Canada knows the quote I’m referring to.
While the areas surrounding the Queen St. Viaduct are slowly becoming gentrified, these neighbourhoods have mostly consisted of public housing projects. My mom was a teacher at Regent Park Public School, close to where this bridge is for many years. When I was in kindergarten, I attended this school because as a single mom, it was easier for me to just come along with her. Even as a small child, I could sense the disparities, and the feelings and knowing of lack around me. I also observed my mom, and how she was like a big-boobed, blonde-hair, Dolly Parton-like ball of light and positive energy entering the school every morning. She tried her best to make up for the love many of her students often lacked at home, and I know her kindness and support had a ripple effect on their lives.
As hard as this time is right now for so many people around the world for many different reasons, I realise my mom is my ‘why.’ I know she has inspired me to figure out how I can have more of a positive influence on others.
What or who is your ‘why?’
