The Linda Courtnell Centre for the Destitute was financed by contributions from the Thompson, Reneaux and Courtnell families. There was now a database for missing persons and those living on the streets, which was as accurate as possible. Caravans from LCC traversed cities every day, all over Canada, to provide sleeping bags, food and hope.
The Anishinaabe Schools of Art opened in Vancouver and Toronto simultaneously to provide opportunities for students with potential but no means to pay college tuition. Within the next few months, another two Anishinaabe Schools of Art would open in Nunavut and northern Ontario.
The Sanderson children were doing very well. Counselling continued and perhaps always would, but Cate, Carly and Trevor had begun making presentations in our area, speaking to other children about grief.
There were still nightmares, a dollop of insecurity, and a secret or two stashed away, but we had moved in the direction of forgiveness, optimism and happiness.
Even I had begun to forgive myself.
Today was one more step in that process. The children wanted to make the event a community celebration to demonstrate to others how persistence and love could win over adversity. Their parents were more than happy to oblige.
When we arrived at the end of the aisle, we stood bathed in sunlight from the huge stained glass gracing the back wall. The various officials stood erect on the dais before us. They took turns speaking the words that publicly sealed our decisions.
"From this day forward," Renae Ogemah said, her spiky hair and flashing eyes at odds with the formality of her words, "this order of adoption shall be in effect."
Justice of the Peace Mary Jo Samuels pronounced, "From this day forward, these name changes shall be law."
Her Honour Claudia Belle stated, "The government of Canada, through the province of British Columbia, presents William Thompson with this formal apology."
Chief Dan Mahdahbee intoned, "The People recognize these changes and endorse them."
Trevor, Benjaman and Meghan Taylor Reneaux.
Catherine and Carly Reneaux Taylor.
Thus the children have been adopted, yet remain siblings by name as well as nurture. We ensured, legally, that should something happen to May and Alain or to Will and me, the other couple would be their guardians. Never again would these beloved children be left alone.
It was an unusual extended family. We had unusual beginnings. We were rich, infamous, famous and talented. We were definitely odd.
But what we shared with everyone today, as we stood and pledged our love and commitment, was the desire for happiness, the belief that the world could be a better place if only we chose well.
Having exited the Seventh Fire, we chose the path of truth as we knew it. We listened to the spirits of our forefathers. We prevailed through hardship, as many people had before us.
Despite our wealth, we tried to find joy in simple things and we were generous.
Despite our past, we were thankful. The rewards were, and would continue to be, boundless.
~ * ~
If you enjoyed this book, please consider writing a short review and posting it on Amazon, Goodreads and/or Barnes and Noble. Reviews are very helpful to other readers and are greatly appreciated by authors, especially me. When you post a review, drop me an email and let me know and I may feature part of it on my blog/site. Thank you. ~ Cathy
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Message from the Author
Dear Reader,
Burchill and its inhabitants are fictional. However, if you visit Merrickville—one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario—you'll see the similarities. The sites around Vancouver, both city and Island, are used fictitiously and some are completely imaginary.
The legal procedures in the story are based on some research, but please don't take them literally. Langford's case was, after all, fictional and not purposely similar to any other Canadian murder conviction.
I want to thank Vicki Delany, a prolific and talented author, whose editorial advice on police procedures was invaluable (www.vickidelany.com). Look for her novels!
Luckily, I also connected with Bob Cooper, retired from the Vancouver Police Department, who guided me to a more believable scenario regarding Charlie Haynes's involvement in the case.
It was fascinating (and sad) reading about some of Canada's most well-known wrongful convictions. Of course we are all human beings and errors are committed, but some mistakes are far more harmful than others. Thank goodness there are dedicated people like Bob Cooper, who do their job without prejudice, in contrast to my despicable Charlie.
As always, the mistakes in the novel are completely mine, sometimes on purpose to fit my storyline.
About the Author
Catherine Astolfo retired in 2002 after a very successful 34 years in education. Catherine received the Elementary Dufferin-Peel OECTA Award for Outstanding Service in 1998. She was also awarded Dufferin-Peel Catholic Elementary Principal of the Year in 2002 by the Catholic Principals Council of Ontario.
In addition to her career as an educator, Catherine is a qualified trainer for the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory and spent many years speaking and leading workshops, both in business and in education.
Catherine has always aspired to be a published writer. She can recall writing fantasy stories for her classmates in Grade Three. Her short stories and poems have been published in a number of literary Canadian presses.
In 2005, she won a Brampton Arts Award. Her short stories won the Bloody Words Short Story Award (second and first) in 2009 and 2010. She won the prestigious Arthur Ellis Best Short Crime Story Award in 2012.
The Emily Taylor Mysteries are published by Imajin Books and are optioned for film by Sisbro & Co. Inc.
Visit Catherine at www.catherineastolfo.com
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