Survivior

Today I went to the first of more than a dozen long and intense training sessions for my role as a Victim Assistance Unit Volunteer with the New Westminster Police.

I was up at 6:30, out the door by 7:15am, buying my coffee from my favourite friend "Alex" (who always thinks that I look as tired as he feels. Note: Does he know that he looks like $&%*)# most mornings too?) and then arriving at the Police Station for 7:45. Sharp (as the police like to say). The day went well. I felt good about my decision to do this. I know this is something that I can be really good at but the best, or perhaps the worst, part of the day really has to be the feeling that everyone has when they are herded into a small room, asked to introduce themselves and to tell everyone why you are here. GULP.

This really shouldn't be a big deal but it feels like an enormous step in creating the image and impression that everyone will have of you for the rest of your training. The instructors have already told all of us that we are going to be "the best of friends when we are through with this training". Would anyone like to add anything else to pressure cooker?

In my own way and perhaps to make myself feel better, I put on my "glasses" and watch the whole thing unfold as though I am a character in the game of Survivor. We all know that opinions and impressions are formed pretty quickly when we are thrust into a scenario where we must get to know and trust a new group of people. We all create our own list of checks. Who looks the strongest? Who would I want to align myself with? Who sounds like they know what they are talking about without being completely annoying? Who looks like they are serious about the work ahead but has a good sense of humour? Who is passive aggressive?

As the day went on today, you could see the personality puzzle pieces falling into their rightful places and the "stranger" dance became a little less awkward. People started to share more and more of themselves. Showing the building trust in their classmates. It is good to watch people open up. It is even better when there is a common goal and you can feel and see that everyone is in the game of Survivor to make it to the end.

Generations

So much of my life has been influenced by the wonderful female role models I have been fortunate enough to have as family. I have always had a profound connection with my maternal grandmother, who, although Danish, has lived in England since she was 18 years old. She is the same hero now as she was when I was a little girl of six, having tea with her in bed and telling her all of my stories and ideas.

Now that I am a mum of two little girls I appreciate, even more, the roles that various family members play in the world of children. My own children's connection to their grandmothers is something that I have watched develop and transform and I am always moved when I see the love and affection between the generations that I, myself, have always known.

Last summer, when I took Sophie to visit my Nin in England, we were lucky enough to have our trip coincide with a visit from my Mum and her husband. To be able to sit with my own daughter, my Mum and my grandmother was something I will remember, always. There is strength in family and if that strength could be measured, I am sure ours would be off-the-scale.