The Only Woman I Know Who Wears a Dress to Tree Plant

I was just cruising around Facebook and found a video a friend had posted. I took a moment to watch it. Simple little video she did for an assignment for an Education class she was in a few years ago. I found myself getting a bit teary eyed watching it. The video shows my friend, a physical education teacher, enjoying some everyday activities. The video was meant to inspire students to get moving and enjoy life. If you don't know her, you would take the video at face value. If you ARE lucky enough to know her, you get a little glimpse at what a truly amazing women she is.





I met her years ago while I was doing my B.A. at University of Manitoba. Actually, I didn't meet her at first.....I just watched her. We were both taking classes in Native Studies and I would catch myself staring at her in class. She is truly one of THE most beautiful women you will EVER meet. You can't take your eyes off of her. She would slip into class wearing some Value Village find with her hair styled in a fab faux hawk. Her beauty was effortless and it was obvious that she was totally unaware of it. I had to bring my young son to class a couple of times and he quickly fell in love with her. Desiree was my son's first crush and I take great comfort in the fact that my son shows such incredible taste.




After I was done my B.A., I started on my Education degree. Guess who walked into my first class? Desiree! We recognized each other and I finally got the chance to really get to know her. Turns out, her personality matches her looks. We became friends and I consider myself very lucky to have her in my life. Desiree is one of those friends that you count your blessings you have. This became evident when one of her longtime friends was diagnosed with cancer. Desiree wasn't a friend to cut and run when things got nasty. She stuck. I was in awe of her commitment to her friend. She threw herself into fundraising and even shaved her head and donated her hair for wigs when her friend started chemo. She helped her friend throw an absolutely wonderful social, where we all got the chance to dress up in goofy prom dresses, all to raise money for her friend to fly back and forth to Ontario for experimental treatment. Desiree hung in until the bitter end. Her friend lost her battle and it was agnozing to watch Desiree experience the loss. Even now Desiree stays committed to her friend's memory. She remembers her late friend in a thousand different ways and honours that memory.




So, when I watch this little clip I see glimpses of Desiree particpating in fundraising events for cancer, I also see her play with her gorgeous little niece, rake leaves in her yard, do a little yoga, bike, and throw a football in the park with her partner. I get an extra bonus though, because I know her. I see more. Desiree isn't just performing these physical tasks. She is gracing us with her beauty, goodness, and strength.




Thank you Desiree.



Now enjoy her video: