We enjoy many firsts in life - our first word, our first step, our first day of school, the first taste of ice-cream - and last night marked a new first for me.  My very first 9-1-1 call. 

I had gone to the gym last night after a long day at work.  After making supper, and a long hot bath, I settled onto the couch for a night of television.  Of course I'm watching A&E Cold Case Files, detailing the sordid activities of a certain gentleman down south of the border.  And I get a strange feeling.  My curtains were drawn but there was a sliver of space where the two pieces of fabric met.  I thought it was shadows at first from passing cars.  I kept glancing over at the window, convincing myself it was nothing.  And then I slowly come to realize that the so-called shadow wasn't moving with the lights outside.  I stepped towards the window and opened the curtain and the shadow dropped to the ground and curled up in a ball below the window sill.  A full grown man.  Wearing a navy sweatshirt.  And that is all I can see.  And I realize that I left my bedroom window open.  I stared down at the unmoving man before backing away and doing what came naturally - phoning 9-1-1.  And then I did the typical girly thing and burst into tears.  The operator was kind and the police came immediately.  And they looked all around outside and walked through my apartment, making sure each window was closed and locked.  I spent the night with Marie Josee, a fellow social worker at the agency who has an apartment upstairs. 

What a night!  And hopefully no repeat performances.

A new case was waiting for me on my desk upon my return from court.  I just closed one off Thursday of last week - no rest for the weary.  This one looks like it's going to be a bit of a headache, involving a 13-year-old autistic boy who is prone to violent outbursts (he broke his mother's toe recently) and loves fire.  His mother will not support our Agency returning this child to her care, and so I have the challenge of finding an alternative, long-term placement.  A sad situation.  I am heading out to the place of safety to meet with this boy to assess for myself what his needs are.  I don't really know what to expect given what I have read in the case notes from intake, but I'm willing to give an honest go! 

Had the pleasure of speaking with the ex-partner of one of my clients.  And just as I suspected, he had a few choice words for me.  He leaves me so rattled.  He ended our conversation with: "Well I know what I need to do now.  You fuckin' bitch."  Not a direct threat, but one nonetheless.  Lovely man.  I have a hard time convincing myself that they are only words.  Words can't hurt.  Sticks and stones can break my bones . . . ".  But the hate that lies behind such slurs - that leaves me numb.  I had to run and debrief with one of the senior workers.  I guess it'll all be worth it once I have this little family feeling safe again.  I saw the mother earlier this afternoon and she sobbed as she shared how difficult her relationship with this gentleman had been.  It's enough to break your heart.  My heart breaks every day it seems.  You get so attached to your cases.  Have to learn to develop a thicker skin.   

Been quite some time since the last update.

Things continue to be hectic at work.  Had yet another court appearance early this morning.  Rushed back to the office to discover a voice mail jammed with messages.  Everyone wants a piece of you and yet there are too few hours in the day to get it all done!

I was blessed with the company of Lisa, Michelle and Melanie over the Thanksgiving holidays - it definitely gave me something to be thankful for!  I will post a few of the pictures that Lisa sent via e-mail . . . stay tuned for the rest.  It was absolutely fantastic to have the girls here in Halifax!  Such happy memories to tide me over until we are reunited once more.

On a sadder note, my dear friend Isabelle has returned to England.  I shed quite a few tears yesterday as her car pulled away from the lot.  I was so fortunate to have met her when I did.  She has made these past few months of transition easier to bear, and I love her dearly.  I am confident however that it will not be long before I see her again, either on Canadian or English soil!  I MISS YOU ISABELLE!!!!

Fortunately Ryan came over last night to cuddle with me on the couch.  Who is Ryan??  Why he is the new fellow in my life and he is wonderful!  It is early yet, and I certainly do not want to jinx things, but he gives me butterflies (I know, I know - corny), and he is extremely kind, and I laugh so much when we're together.  He leaves for the US today, but will be back next Monday and we already have plans to get together that night.  I will continue to provide updates on our progress . . . ;)  I AM IN LIKE!!!! :)

I am officially one year older.  The big "2-7"!  An odd number which I prefer to evens.  I expect great things to come from this year.  A BIG thank you to all those who sent birthday wishes - what a treat to come home and hear all of your lovely messages (Jill, your little serenade had me in stitches), some sober . . . some not ;)  I am so blessed.  And a special thank you to Hudson, Alison, and Isabelle for going out of their way to ensure that the weekend was special.  Sometimes I sit back in awe at my good fortune to have so many wonderful people in my life.