by Mary Hatch
When I was in my elementary school years, I often felt very alone. I remember taking very long routes to school so that I could explore the neighborhood, look at the worms on the wet sidewalks, and be distracted from the rigours of school. School was often an unhappy place, full of expectations to achieve but not a pleasant atmosphere. Creativity was not encouraged. Good behaviour was paramount.
click to enlarge
In late elementary school, I found close friends that I have to this day. The gift of friendship has been the dominant influence in my life, and my lifelong friendships have sustained me.
My family consisted of my parents, three brothers, and me. There were many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. I have been blessed with positive, respectful, caring relatives.
In my late teens, I found I was happy and felt fulfilled in the company of young children. At 21, I became a primary teacher and thrived in the role. I felt useful in helping children overcome difficulties with learning to read and mastering arithmetic. I also embraced my connection with the parents. We were a team working together. I acquired many teacher friends in various schools. Several were my mentors and I have carried their gifts of friendship with me ever since.
My husband and I adopted two children from Costa Rica in 1990. To gain knowledge and find support for myself and my children, I attended many groups about adoption. I joined a group for support around international adoptions and issues relating to adopting children of colour.
After the terrible shock of my husband’s sudden death when they were just two years old, I turned to a grief support group for help. This was the lowest point in my life. I needed tools to cope and a way to find acceptance of his death and a path forward.
The North Burnaby Breast Cancer Group and the Callanish Society retreat and programs helped me during my dealings with cancer. I attended offerings at BC Cancer and my children participated in programs too. For many years, I attended a yoga group in North Burnaby. I was taught valuable skills to help calm my mind and stretch and strengthen my body. When I was going through cancer treatments, the yoga students formed a circle around me at the end of class and said prayers for me.
For forty-seven years I have lived in my home. On my daily walks, I have made friends with many neighbors. We look to each other for assistance and camaraderie. When the Burnaby oil spill blanketed my house and our neighborhood in 2007, I became a vocal member of a group to educate and bring attention to the problem of the expansion of the oil pipeline and climate change. I experienced respect and solidarity with like-minded people. As well, I received help from many residents who weren’t as hard-hit as myself. We became a community of neighbours reaching out to inform and assist one another.
I have been sustained by a community of friends who explore energy healing. These people have helped to nourish my spirit and teach me the tools and the strength to weather life’s storms.
Yes, my life has encompassed circle upon circle of friends as we learned from each other and supported one another. My life has been given deeper meaning because of these connections. I have sought community and been strengthened by it – truly a magnificent, life-changing gift!
Mary Hatch attended a Callanish retreat in 1999, after her second cancer diagnosis. She is a mother, teacher and friend. Callanish provided her with an amazing journey of inner healing, learning and exploration of self. Mary has deep gratitude for the gifts she has received at Callanish.