Page 97 - Womanition_Alberta_North_2020

Christina Louise Photography
However, something I learned from an early age was to take my eyes off myself and lend a helping hand. I believe it changes our perspective in life when we notice a situation and make a conscious decision to help. I learned that lesson from my dad. When my dad was only 28 years old, he had three young children, a wife, and a good paying job with the railways. He was a junior conductor living in a small town surrounded by lifelong friends, family, and lots of community connections.
Then came the accident that changed our entire family’s future. He became a double leg amputee and couldn’t work for over a year while he recovered and learned to walk with his prosthetic legs. He then had to find and start a new career path. This happened during a time when there were not the social programs we have today and to accept assistance from the province meant he and mom would need to give up the title to their home.
Instead, my grandparents provided huge financial support, and extended family and community made sure we had all the essentials of life. He eventually had a successful career with Canada Post, and he looked at how he could help others who were experiencing similar life changes. My dad recognized the importance of family and
community and passed on that value to his children. From an early age I watched as
my dad helped other amputees adjust to their new lives. I listened as he expressed and practised gratitude in our community and surrounding area and shared on the importance
of giving back.
When my dad died, I inherited his and mom’s photo chaos. I was overwhelmed
by all the boxes, deteriorating photo albums and excessive duplicate photos. I began a quest to turn the chaos into a collection so his
story would carry on and inspire others who suffer a tragedy and aren’t sure they can overcome.
kAren murdoCk,
your orgAnized Friend
TREaSUREd PHOTO COLLECTIOnS
karen@photocollections.ca www.photocollections.ca I 780-996-3583
Once the collection was in place, I started on the final steps developing the photo legacy. Sharing my favorite photos like the one I’m holding in the photo on this page that shows my brother and my dad before his
accident. I’m now creating a photo book that has his genealogy, and the stories that tell his life journey.
Sharing Photos and Saving Memories.
L
LEAVING A
Y
ou know those moments where you seem to be surrounded by chaos. Overwhelmed and stressed you don’t know what to do first, I’ve been there more than once in my life.
EGACY
YCAGEL