It’s such a funny thing about adoption and the ways that extended families connect.  As soon as I found out about Linda, my parents and hers instantly connected.  We had the common bond and similarities between us that I will cover in a separate blog just about all the parallels in our lives.

Marilyn was born on May 13,1938 in Vancouver British Columbia.  She was later joined by 2 younger brothers.  At age 6, the family moved to Maple Ridge, a suburb in the eastern part of Vancouver.  Growing up on 10 acres of land gave her the childhood of freedom to explore the outdoors and to learn how to crochet and play the piano.  After graduating, she worked at a mental institution in Coquitlam BC and then later at Haney Correctional Institution.  This was just the beginning of her life of service and to show her genuine care for others.

It was in Maple Ridge that she met Wim and they were married when she was 21 years old.  With encouragement from others, Wim fulfilled his pursuit of ministry and they moved to Pasadena, California.  Upon completion of his education there, the newly weds were sent to Fort Vermillion, Alberta and had their first-born child.  While there, they were made aware of an Indigenous boy in need of adoption.  Adoption was always in their thoughts but initially, they were considering a baby of Chinese decent, but this seemed like a perfect fit.

The next chapter brought the family to Petawawa, Ontario.  It was here that Wim was given 6 churches to minister all within a 200 mile radius.  These were busy times for a young father with 2 children.  It was here that they found Linda.  It was seen as a perfect fit so that their son would have a sibling with similar Indigenous background.  

During an early medical appointment for Linda, Marilyn and Wim noticed on some paperwork the birth mother’s name:  Diane Simpson, Alderville First Nations Reserve.  Marilyn and Wim travelled to the reserve in hopes of meeting Diane but their wishes were not granted.  It was later discovered that when they were still living in Petawawa I was born and given up for adoption. Marilyn said she was disappointed as she would have adopted me in a second to keep Linda and I together.  Life is what it is, so no looking back to wonder what could have been.  

In the 1970s, the family returned to Pasadena so Wim could complete his doctorate in counselling.  Wim’s career provided much opportunity to see the country and meet many people along the way.  Marilyn was busy with the kids but found time to substitute teach while taking care of the family of 6 growing children.  In 1980 the family moved to Salmon Arm, BC and remained there for 8 years.  This is where I met the family for the first time.  After their time in Salmon Arm, the family relocated back to Fort St. John where Wim’s counselling skills were much needed. He remained in this position for 10 years and then retired.

Sadly, shortly after retirement Wim passed away. It was a terrible void for all, but especially for my sister as she only had 17 years after her accident to remember him.

A quote from Linda about her mom:

“I think my mom has an inner super hero thing going on. Her life has been amazing but she has hard things to deal with like any other family.  She has been the back bone of our family and held us all together after my dad passed away.  After a few years she was lucky enough to meet Brian, fall in love, get married and he became a second father figure to all of the kids. 

Every time I call, she gives me the entire rundown of each person in the family which is pretty amazing when you think of how diverse we are and where we all live.  

I could say words like blessed, lucky, fortuitous, being in the right spot at the right time . . . 

Mom deciding it was time to visit the orphanage was all of those things.”

I can honestly say that I feel like Marilyn has always been a mother figure to me and has been giving me guidance as I try and capture this journey of myself and Linda. Her words are always kind and her memory is sharp!

I am so ever grateful that she and my mom made it possible for Linda and I to have each other and I feel incredibly blessed for this gift they gave us!