LEARNERS IN ACTION March 2002

Alice O'Dell: her story and song


Photo image of Alice O'DellHello, my name is Alice O'Dell. I live in West St. Modeste in the Labrador Straits which is in southern Labrador. I have two beautiful daughters Danielle and Chantelle and 7 brothers and sisters. My family is very important to me.

I like to play the guitar and write songs in my spare time. In Labrador many people make up songs about things that happen. These may be about shipwrecks, family, or things that happened in communities. One of my songs was printed in our local newspaper "Strait Talk".

A few years ago a learning centre opened in my community. I volunteered with Homework Haven because I wanted to help my kids with their homework. I also wanted to learn more ways to help my daughter with her reading. It was nice being able to talk to other parents there. Many times I was asked to play the guitar at events.

Right now I have a job at the youth centre. I organize activities with youth. We do career awareness, homework help and recreation.

It is nice to do things with young people to keep them off the streets.

I think learning happens everyday in our lives. In my new job I have to write reports, use the computer and make lots of phone calls. I still visit the learning centre when I need help with report writing, or computers. We all work together to make our community better.

MOM

I'll go back to years of my childhood
When my mom had to raise nine kids
She worked very hard each day
And still had time to pray.

The times back then were tough
The food was just enough.
The courage and strength God gave her,
Her love she gave to us.

The scrubbing and cleaning
Was plentiful we know.
For her time and dedication
Our love for her did grow.

And as the years past by,
She watched us leave her home,
The worried look she gave us,
Made us want to stay at home.

We sat around and listened,
To the stories she would tell,
She would make us laugh and giggle,
For the things that she would tell.

There were times she'd often tell us,
Be careful what you do,
The fun times and the worries,
Were brought to her she knew.

So MOM we'd like to tell you
That we love you very much,
And our love and thoughts be with you,
Each day and every year


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