Lorna, My First Mentor

Lorna and Lorraine 2018 

In grade three, I found myself with an unexpected mentor—not a teacher, but my fellow student and friend, Lorna. She was an avid reader, especially enchanted by the Anne of Green Gables series. Watching her fall so deeply into those books sparked something in me. I wanted to do what she did, to dive into stories and worlds that stretched beyond our classroom. Because of her, I began to take reading more seriously, and her love of characters—full of imagination and spirit—inspired me too.

Lorna wasn’t just a reader; she was creative and mischievous, a trickster who always seemed to come up with clever ways to fool the teacher. She had a laugh that was contagious, a warmth that drew people in, and a personality so vibrant it stayed with me all these years.

What began in grade three grew into a friendship and a mentorship of sorts that left a lasting mark—more than seventy years later, I still carry her influence. She showed me that books could be companions, that laughter could soften even the hardest days, and that a generous spirit could shine for a lifetime.

Over the years we kept in touch, on birthdays and Christmas time. I really appreciated her pictorial story of her family each year. These correspondences are still tucked away in my memorabilia box. 

Fond Memories of Gallivan, Saskatchewan

The Hamlet of Gallivan was located near highway 40 between the Battlefords and Cut Knife in West- Central,  Saskatchewan, Canada 

 

I grew up on a farm near Gallivan, Saskatchewan, where the land stretched as far as the eye could see and the rhythm of life was guided by the seasons. The farm was more than a place to live—it was a classroom, a playground, and a sanctuary. From an early age, I learned essential life skills: how to care for animals, how to nurture a garden, and how to meet challenges with resilience.

But beyond the work, the farm was rich with love and security. My mentors were family members whose wisdom came not from books, but from lived experience. Adventures were woven into daily life—exploring fields, chasing the horizon, and finding magic in the ordinary. Those years instilled in me a strong foundation of stability, mentorship, and belonging. They gave me memories that continue to inspire the way I live, and the way I share my journey with others today.

Now there is a marker to indicate where the Hamlet once was. 

My Gallivan story is found in my Autobiography 

Notes and Clippings- It all started in Saskatchewan 

Gallivan Story   https://notesandclippings.blogspot.com/2021/04/