By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – This is a dedication to the centerpiece of the family.
Mother’s Day is a global tribute to a love with no bounds.
The Lamoureux family celebrated the special occasion at a surprise Mother’s Day gathering at the Best Western Parkway Inn in Cornwall.
An unsuspecting group of mothers were treated to flowers, fine dining, and a photo shoot to capture the moment.
It was the first time in eight years, Rachel Lamoureux was able to spend Mother’s Day with her mom, Karen. Being a florist on a holiday synonymous with flowers always kept her focused on other people’s families instead of her own.
“I think family is number one and it’s important to be together – especially with your mother,” said Lamoureux, a city resident.
Karen said spending time with her daughter was long overdue.
When asked, what’s so special about the bond between a mother and their child? She replied: “It’s simple, she’s my best friend.”
Valerie Hickey travelled to the Seaway City from Labrador City, NL, for her daughter’s graduation. Jessica has been a student at the Ontario Hockey Academy (OHA) in Cornwall for three years.
“Today’s awesome because I have a wonderful daughter,” said Hickey. “I think this day should be celebrated when you have such good children.”
The Mother’s Day brunch was an important get together since 17-year-old Jessica is heading off to university. But what really connected the Hickeys on May 11 was the memory of a lost loved one. Valerie’s son, Joshua, passed away April 26. He was 19.
“He was amazing,” she said. “He made me the mom I am.”
Celebrating Jessica’s rite of passage at a time of mourning was a bittersweet victory.
“It’s hard to explain actually…it’s pretty amazing in some ways,” said Hickey. “It’s sad that we had to put Joshua at rest, but I feel he’s at peace and I know he would’ve wanted us to go on and travel out here to be here with his sister to celebrate.”
Jessica was more than happy that her family took the long trip to Cornwall.
“Moms do so much for us and work so hard for us, so it’s important to dedicate a day to them,” she said.
Cornwallite Rose Lafreniere spent the morning enjoying a family brunch with her son, John, and several other family members.
She considers her family the most important part of her life.
“Being a mother is this feeling that you have, it’s overwhelming and takes over everything else,” said Lafreniere. “It feels like the most important job in the world. And little by little your kids grow until they get independent enough to stand on their own two feet.”
John expressed how thankful he was to still have his mother in his life.
“She’s had her battles with cancer. I’m glad she’s here because you don’t appreciate something until it’s gone,” said John. “It’s important to appreciate people while they’re here.”
