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Dear Friends and Family,<\/p>\n
It is time for a quick update on the Ziyadeh family and how they are making out, 9 months after arriving in Canada as Syrian refugees.<\/p>\n
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Their first Christmas in Canada was magical. Generous donations poured in, including a cash donation from employees at DisclosureNet (see my thank-you note below), enab
\nling the family to purchase gifts for each other. A local high school class presented the family with gifts as well. Our
\nResettlement group got together before Christmas at my house for a Christmas party and it was one of the highlights of the season for me. Prior to Christmas, I took the girls to purchase ice skates, with plans to teach them how to embrace winter and enjoy a Canadian pastime.<\/p>\n
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This was another bump in the road for our family and I felt terrible that it was on my watch! Once again, our Resettlement group really came through, showering Silina with love and attention and for one month, driving the girls to and from school. A friend of a friend (who is in the mobility equipment business) found and provided the family with a small wheelchair. The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me! Silina had her cast removed on March 9th<\/sup> and is fully healed. She should be running around in no time! Over the past 7 weeks, I got to spend a lot of time at doctor\u2019s visits with Silina and Sanaa and I must tell you what a lovely and remarkable mother Sanaa is. She is so kind, patient and calm. They have been through so much in their lives and Sanaa really knows how to dig deep and get through difficult situations. Sanaa and Dany are exceptional parents who have raised two lovely, intelligent and kind daughters.<\/p>\n Once again I am asking you for your help. The family does not have any baby equipment or baby clothes and Sanaa needs some gently used maternity clothes. Sanaa is a small woman and wears women\u2019s size small or size 6. I am looking for maternity clothes for spring and summer. Please spread the word to anyone you know who might have items to donate. Please share my email address (liannehill@rogers.com<\/a>) and I will make arrangements to pick up the donations.<\/p>\n The girls are growing like weeds, as kids do! I would also welcome spring and summer clothing donations for them. Silina is turning 7 in May and wears girls\u2019 size 7\/8. Her feet are now size 3. Meritta turns 12 in July and wears girls\u2019 size 12\/14. Her feet are size 7. The girls are joining a local soccer league and both need soccer shoes and shin guards.<\/p>\n Thank you for taking the time to read this note and hear the very happy and positive story of a Syrian refugee\/ Canadian newcomer family. It has been an honour and privilege to be part of the St. Gregory\u2019s Resettlement Team, and I look forward to witnessing the next chapter of the Ziyadeh family\u2019s life, as they further establish themselves in Canada.<\/p>\n Kindest regards,<\/p>\n Lianne Hill<\/p>\n Related Blog Posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/liannehill.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/home-at-last-22-I-want-to-go-to-school22.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/a>One Thursday in January, after school, I picked up Silina and Meritta to go skating at the Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail at the foot of Kipling\u00a0Ave. Finally a day that was warm enough and dry enough for an outdoor activity. We had already skated several loops of the trail and Silina was making tremendous progress when she caught an edge and fell down. It was a tiny spill, however Silina was very upset and unable to stand up on her right leg. I wasn’t sure if she was being dramatic, yet not taking any chances I asked a man who was there with his young son to help me carry Silina to my car. I called Sanaa (Silina\u2019s mom) and Anne (the chair of our team and a doctor) and decided to take Silina to have an x-ray, just to be sure. Her discomfort certainly indicated that it was likely more than a bruise. An x-ray at the Urgent Care at Trillium Sherway confirmed a spiral break in her right tibia. It was a long night of waiting, which included a trip to Sick Kids for confirmation of the treatment.<\/p>\nFollowing the holidays, Sanaa and Dany announced some very happy news- Sanaa is expecting a baby, due at the end of August. Sanaa is feeling well and is experiencing a healthy and normal pregnancy. Our Resettlement group is resolved to help the family prepare to welcome the newest member of their family. I am thrilled for them! After all of the hardship they have endured, the thrill and anticipation of welcoming a new family member in their new country is a radiant light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.<\/p>\n