During year 1 of the COVID lockdowns, I (as a serving member) was on Imposed Restriction posted to St-Jean, QC, for the first year in order to permit my spouse to carry out the remaining quarter of her maternity leave in the presence of her parents in Vancouver, BC. When travel restrictions were imposed on CAF members and we could not leave our immediate geographic locations, I was unable to see my spouse and children for nearly 6 months. 

At the time, my twins were 1 year-olds. While they would have been too you to remember the impacts of COVID and them being separated from their dad, I marvel at the resilience displayed by themselves and their mother being stuck in a small condominium and having to rely on themselves for socialization and cognitive development. Their strength inspired me to carry on with my military duties with vigour and always reminded me to never complain about the little things. What always matters is the family unit, and if you have children or dependents, they are the most important. 

My kiddos navigated their 5th and 6th military moves at the tail end of a global pandemic. They were devastated to leave friends and yet they bravely navigated new schools and new clubs and both started new sports. They have also showed incredible empathy to peers who have been navigating changes in their own lives. Less than six months after moving have both already been recognized for their contributions to our new community. I’m so proud of these dandelions! 

My kids are adults now. My two children have learned to rely on each other, as their relationship remained stable through each move. My son has learned to adapt to new school environments - being the new guy in the class. This has given him the ability to 'put himself out there' professionally, as he is now an entrepreneur. My daughter has learned to be a keen observer of others as she has had to navigate new schools and neighbourhoods throughout her childhood. While it is hard to fit into existing cliques, has learned to read people and their intentions. As an adult, she uses this skillset to identify threats, and also identify when someone needs lifesaving assistance. Both kids know what its like to be the new person, and they quickly put new people they meet at ease, making them feel welcome. 

I believe that my daughter has not only represented the resilience and the adaptability of a military child but as well been an ambassador for the military child. My husband and I are both Military members our daughter has been posted with us over 5 times, which meant changing schools and making new friends each time. She always looked at each move as a new adventure, never complained and adapted well. I can see that now that she is older, she is currently in her 3rd year of University and she has chosen to go away for school as well as always taking on new adventure like traveling to and volunteer for Wildlife reserve in Africa and also in Ontario. She truly accredits her life as a military child that really helped with her to not be afraid to take on new challenges and adapt to new environments and people around her. I am truly proud of my daughter and the pride she has for the fact her parents are Military members. 

L. learned English on her own when she was 6 years old, through sports, media and the Victoria community.

With great strength of character and perseverance, K. was able to find jobs in her early teens, even through the pandemic and the move.