It was one of those April mornings we love. Those early days when winter seems to have given in and the sun finally begins to warm our cheeks. That year, the world was beginning to emerge from the pandemic, and on the South Shore of Trois-Rivières, a young woman had a strong feeling that her life needed to take on a new meaning.
That morning, Laurence went to the Trois-Rivières recruiting centre and enrolled in the Canadian Army Reserve. It was with the army that she would channel her thirst to open up her horizons. It was her decision, her path, HER solution.
The questions
Laurence’s decision was sudden, a whim, shall we say. Her mother was on the verge of tears when she heard the news. ‘No military in the family, except for a cousin in the navy in Halifax. Do you want to push yourself and open your blinkers? I don’t mind, but the army? Why?’ she said.
Laurence is a very energetic young woman. Right from the start of high school in Nicolet, she set herself apart by getting involved in a wide range of activities. President of her class, involved in leisure activities in her community, skating lessons, leading summer day camps… Laurence has always liked to get things moving. Now at university, after months of feeling “cooped up”, she wants more than anything to give real meaning to her life. Her mother would eventually understand what seemed obvious to her.
Months went by. Since she enrolled, the army has kept Laurence busy on weekends and a few evenings a month. With her final year of studies at the University of Trois-Rivières, she’s as busy, focused and fit as ever. Laurence’s mom and family are well aware that the young woman is as fulfilled and happy as ever. But a little stress still lives in them, understandably.
When it comes to her love life, Laurence has had a girlfriend for a few months, no big deal. There’s nothing to suggest that those around her, or even her chain of command, would react badly to learning about it. Nor does she have to talk about it. However, it has also been clear for some time that, in the near future, Laurence will be raising her hand for overseas missions. She’s discussed this with her partner, who’s worried about being sidelined and living a long-distance relationship, not to mention worried about the nature of the missions Laurence would want to take part in. It’s starting to become a lot to handle.
The answers
On the advice of a colleague, Laurence met with her unit chaplain. They talked at length, and agreed that the Military Family Resource Centre could provide her with the tools to make things run smoothly.
Laurence contacted the Valcartier MFRC, which serves all of eastern Quebec from Trois-Rivières to the Magdalen Islands. She was pleasantly surprised to discover a world of possibilities. Her MFRC welcomed her, and the counsellor took the time to listen and understand her needs. Laurence received valuable advice that helped her take stock. Because of her schedule and the distance, the meetings took place virtually and went really well. She talked about her girlfriend’s apprehensions, and her mother’s fears. Putting into words what she was feeling did her a lot of good. Feeling normal and understood: what a relief!
She learned that the Valcartier MFRC offers the perfect virtual workshop for her mother and possibly her spouse: Military Life 101 with a super-professional team that knows the realities of military life and answers all the questions of military loved ones. It’s free and offered remotely! It’s perfect. The stress on Laurence’s loved ones will be greatly reduced. Those who are important to Laurence will have all the support they need. The weight of a mountain has finally lifted from Laurence’s shoulders. Her MFRC will be there before, during and after missions, and throughout her military life.
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Valcartier Military Family Resource Centre:
Toll free: 1 877 844-6060
info@crfmv.com