One year later: 'I wake up thinking of him,' says Jonathan Pitre's mother, Tina Boileau.
The Christmas ornament — a gift from his aunt and uncle — is a metaphor of sorts for Jonathan, a boy who was at once fragile and full of light.
“We were looking forward to coming home,” Boileau says. “He wanted to see Gibson, just be able to walk his dog.” “I came back without him so what do I do now?” she remembers asking herself. “I had to make sense of my new life, what it was going to be.”“What would Jonny want right now? He would never want us to mope at home. He was never that kind of kid. It was always, ‘I’m not going to feel sorry for myself.’”
“I understand it because people really felt they were connected to him: They all knew him because he was so open,” she says. “It’s very beautiful to see but at the same time, it can be challenging: People want to grieve with you.” A woman of boundless energy, Boileau has filled her life with activity during the past year. She sold her house in Russell, and moved to a new home. She has a new puppy — a little French bulldog named Hannah — to ensure Jonathan’s dog, Gibson, isn’t lonely. She also continues to serve as president of the EB charity, DEBRA Canada, and to organize events that raise awareness and research dollars.
“He didn’t want a million dollars. He didn’t want to be rich. He didn’t want all these fancy things. He just wanted to live,” says his mother.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
One-on-one with a Mexican cartel boss
Read more »
The one issue that unites Canadians is the one politicians that ignore - Macleans.caOpinion: Conservative and Liberal voters agree that economic inequality must be addressed. But politicians are focused elsewhere.
Read more »
One dead, one in critical condition after plane crash north of Kenora, Ont., police saysThe 65-year-old pilot had been killed in the crash on Saturday afternoon on Snowshoe Lake, while a 26-year-old passenger was suffering from serious injuries
Read more »
The one issue that unites Canadians is the one that politicians ignore - Macleans.caOpinion: Conservative and Liberal voters agree that economic inequality must be addressed. But politicians are focused elsewhere.
Read more »
One year later: Survivors in Broncos crash continue to heal from injuriesThe 13 players who survived the Humboldt Broncos bus crash one year ago are dealing with injuries ranging from paralysis and back pain to brain damage and mental-health issues.
Read more »
One year later: Survivors in Broncos crash continue to heal from injuriesThe 13 players who survived the Humboldt Broncos bus crash one year ago are dealing with injuries ranging from paralysis and back pain to brain damage and mental-health issues. Here's a look at how they're doing:
Read more »
This weekend, one dark Brit classic and two great HBO comedies to savourThis weekend, one dark Brit classic and two great HBO comedies to savour GlobeArts
Read more »
Brian Minter: Kruckeberg and Chalker-Scott's book remains one of the best sources on native plantsGardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest offers a depth of knowledge and a practical approach to gardening
Read more »
Montreal priest returns to St. Joseph’s Oratory one week after stabbingRev. Claude Grou said he’s doing well and thanked those who came to his assistance following the attack
Read more »