My Ottawa Journey

Through Crafting For a Cure, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many different types of peoples.? However, it is rare to find me awe inspired and humbled beyond where I am lost for words.

It started on March 20th when I was taking an UBER to CHEO from the hotel I was staying at.? I had a wonderful chat with my Uber driver.? He was totally in awe with what I do.? Which was good because when arrived to CHEO we got a little lost and had to circle and speak to the foundation where were to go.? He could have just dropped me off at the main entrance but he said – “what you do is very important so I want to take you to the right building.”?

Got to the right building and met by foundation.? We filled a cart with approximately 225 craft kits value – approximately 4-5k.? Crafts kits cost money and labour to assemble Crazy.? As I like to say one pencil crayon package before covid was 79 cents and the same package is now 2.79 (all before taxes).

Well, I just got settled and the foundation was busy getting the kits ready for a photo op and then my special guest MP Melissa Lantsman insisted in joining.? I am used to driving to drop off kits, sometimes take a photo and then leave.? But I wasn’t sure how Melissa would be.? Let me start I know Melissa.? I met Melissa before she got into politics as my local MP.? But it’s kind of strange the second you meet that “friend” in a business environment I was in awe.? I was like I can’t believe Melissa took the time out of her crazy busy day to help me deliver kits.? So, I did what I do best – I bragged about Melissa’s belief in the charity to the hospital.? I bragged about Melissa’s support in trying to get me healthy.? I bragged about Melissa’s constant texts during covid and beyond reminding me not to stop.? I don’t think she even realized how her support and friendship helped me during these past few years.? From both personally to professionally.? She never had to once text me and yet she never stopped. I think her staff were equally humbled by her support.? More importantly the hospital was blown away by all this.? I was told they aren’t used to hearing the compassionate side of many politicians, let’s face it most like photos but Melissa inspired all.? Melissa took the time to hear not only from the foundation but from the Child Life Specialists and Volunteers the significance and importance of the kits.? From being popular in emerg, to the Teen Mental Health ward and everything in between. The 20 minutes we spent chatting, smiling and laughing made me smile.? Sometimes it’s just nice to hear.

Wait for it – I took an UBER to CHEO and then Melissa said we will drive you back. She didn’t need to.? She could have gotten back in her car and started taking phone calls, answering emails and whatever political stuff needs to be done.? Instead, she took the 25-minute drive to see how I was doing.?

Got back to parliament – she ran to just make it to a vote.? Her personal assistant extraordinaire Deanna chatted with me in the cold for 5 min.? She thanked me for allowing them to understand what I do.? She was like I didn’t get it - and then was like -I get it – it’s pretty amazing.? I started to get emotional.? She was like why.? I was like, I’m like a little kid – I don’t fan girl with celebrities – but I seem to be emotional where Melissa was concerned.? Deanna was like – Melissa is amazing and I can see why she talks so highly of you and your charity.? Look she could have said all this to make me feel good – but I like to think she meant every word.? I walked back to my hotel on a high.? I was like – nice another person gets my world of smiles.

I didn’t sleep well that night.? Nerves, I guess.? Had a nice lunch with my husband and brother-in-law.? It was a nice little distraction.? Then I was back at the hotel wait for it – putting on a Suit.? That’s right – I wore a suit to parliament.? My husbnad walked me to Parliament Hill.? Me pulling my blingy suitcase, wearing glittery shoes, fun nails but I had a suit on!? My husband in his soft-spoken loving kindness – told me – you got this – I’m so proud of you – love you.? And then I went into Parliament.?

First you go through security.? And the guard said you know I’m not sure if you can take your suitcase.? He proceeded to ask someone about my suitcase and then they scanned it and said you can just wait in the hall.? Someone important likes you = no one brings in suitcases. I smiled and said thank you.

I was in the hall and felt all of a sudden very nervous.? I couldn’t believe I was in Parliament.? This was crazy.? As a child I once thought I would go into politics.? (way too much work – to much politics lol) But I have never been inside and all of a sudden, I was that little kid in the candy store.? Then Deanna saw me and said this is great you ready and I think I mustered absolutely.? At the same moment of meeting Deanna I was also greeted by Anna Roberts (MP in the Woodbridge, Vaughan Area).? Super nice.? I know it’s their job but she was super nice.? She genuinely seemed interested in the charity.? We also have a mutual friend – Phil Aiello (with whom the charity is honouring at the gala) So although I felt a little uncomfortable, it was good with the conversation.? Ok hung up my coat and then escorted into the Conservative Parties lounge area.? (conservative party because I along with the charity was invited by our local MP Melissa Lantsman and she is conservative) Deanna said I’m not sure if people will make cards but let’s try.? I laid out paper, stickers, and markers.? I took out expressions and the next thing I new we had a full table of politicians colouring.? This made me smile.? Melissa sat down and joined to.? I present Melissa on behalf of the charity a little certificate of thanks.? She then started to introduce me to every politician that walked by.? She kept bragging about the crafts.? For the first time I struggled to find words to speak to people. I felt flustered.? I couldn’t believe how she was bragging and introducing me.? Her assistant was busy taking photos.? I know I tried to explain the charity to some but for the most part I felt speechless and felt that overwhelming emotional teary Pam.? SO, I worked hard to control my emotions.? Now I know all these politicians thanked me.? I know they all hope I visit their hospitals (all of them I already ship to) and let them join.? Yes, that is politics but I didn’t care – the charity was being exposed and I was smiling with emotional pride.?

Then I was taken to witness Question Period.? Did I mention my phone was taken away?? OMG – I was watching and sitting where the country makes decisions or sort of makes decisions.? Or tries to make decisions.? I felt so official watching the bickering.? In truth I quietly kept thinking you know if they could all make a card, or a craft kit, or join me in a hospital maybe they would all smile more.?

Question period ended back to the lounge.? The cutest minister’s daughter was making me cards for kids in the hospitals when I arrived. ?I gave her a kit and colouring tools, which gave both her and her father smiles as he had to finish work and she was very happy to keep crafting. From the lounge we cleaned up. I just kept looking around in awe – few more politicians telling me what I do is amazing.? No clue who anyone was but it just felt special.? Then Deanna took me to Melissa’s office.? Again, she could have said we just need to do the photo and leave.? Instead, I sat with her. I chatted, I laughed and with tears welting in my eyes I said thank you.? Thank you for your constant quiet texts of encouragement these past few years.? She was like – it works both ways.? I told her she gave me an amazing memory one I will never forget.? She was like – the smiles you bring is all you.?

Again, we laughed, talked and yes did the ceremonial photos of thanks.? She also answered the Charity’s question – what does a smile mean to you?? And 45 minutes later I left and she continued on with her day of being a politician.? I walked back to my hotel, beaming with pride.? I felt like wow I guess people do think what I have poured my heart and sole in does make a difference– it really was a village today the conservative party was my village to bring smiles. ??Again, I know I left feeling pride and major self worth.? I like to think I even brought smiles to so many politicians for making cards. (did I mention the security card took papers and upon leaving she handed me finished cards and said thank you this made my day) I know that in theory its politicians’ jobs to make me feel special and what I do is important, but I hope that they too walked away with a smile.? A little smile amidst there busy days makes a difference.? I’m sure they have moved on from my visit but I’m still smiling from my experience.

Thank you, Melissa Lantsman and your entire team, for making my experience most memorable.