Here’s another story of an old neighbour, old friend and great man. I am posting it even though he called me annoying.

Introducing Corey:

Joanna,

First, thank you for taking us on all this journey with you and your family. I grew up with you all at the end of the street. From walking to school with my lifelong friend Michelle and our annoying little sisters, who were also best friends 🙂 A group of us grew up in that house on the corner of Clark Crescent in the basement and in the pool. We went from toddlers to cut kinders to teenagers and then eventually left to find our way in the big world.

In life there are only a few people that really become “baked in” to your life and your family is like that for me. I can’t remember a time when your parents weren’t there for me when I was growing up. Gwen and Mike were always there to provide positive guidance and a smile and seemed more like friends than my best friend’s mom and dad.

From band trips to our school trip to France in the summer of 1987, your mom (Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. J, Auntie Gwen…..I called her lots of things over the years). Always seemed to be there supporting us and helping us along. As a parent now I realize the sacrifice and the patience that she made to ALWAYS be there for a group of lucky kids.

I sit in snowy (and freezing) Edmonton and your stories and photos are bringing back many memories of a wonderful childhood with your family and especially your mom. I feel blessed to have had her in my life and am so grateful for you including us all in this journey.

Love Corey