National Adult Literacy Database

March 28, 2001

This week, we have a true story written by Ava Harriott, from Montreal, Quebec. Ava is originally from Jamaica. She is now enrolled in the Words for Women program at the YWCA/Y des femmesin Montreal. A story about her appeared in an article in the Montreal Gazette on January 15, 2011.

Horror in Canada (Part 2)

by Ava Harriott

Conflict in school

While attending school at James Lyng Adult Education Centre, I experienced a lot of hostility among the Jamaican students. There were social problems in some classes, such as bad disciplinary behaviours at school. There were students and people in the community who spread terrible rumours from within the Caribbean communities. In spite of what happened, I continued my schooling at James Lyng Adult Education Centre. I avoided skipping classes. My ability to learn and my enthusiasm to finish high school and attain my diploma came with ease due to my motivation and perseverance.

The municipality and the police were unjust and careless because my problems were never resolved. I was a victim of resentment and exclusion during my student years. I felt alone and hopeless.

Suicide

My eldest son Corey at the age of 25 passed away on the day of St Jean de Baptist, in 2003. He had killed himself at home. As of that moment, I lost a lot of faith, strength, and insecurity and my abilities got hurt. This had torn up my inner strength. I suffered panic attacks for which I had to visit my family physician, Doctor Nelson Ubani on several occasions. One of my most traumatic experiences was kidney problems. At every chance I got to use the washroom, I utilized it. My system processed liquid faster during the winter season. I was constantly thirsty. I worried about my surviving teenage son Kamal, who is an amateur boxer, he is a distant formation scholar, and he is very ambitious.

Corey did not have friends. He was a shy kid, a good son at home. He read various magazines, news papers and watched television. He loved his computer, and his games that went along with it such as; Nintendo, Super Mario Bros, and etc. Unfortunately, Corey did not look like the type to commit suicide. There were no warnings, and no signs. This event was an unfortunate way to die.

I am a member of the Compassionate Friends and the Survivors of Suicide Support Group Chapter here in Montreal, Canada. Who share their pain and sorrow, give me hope, and taught me about survival. TCF help families find ways to cope, stand beside those who suffer, and help them carry on, even when others find it hard to bear their grief. Hebrew 13:16 states: “But do not forget to do well and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Part 1