It is said that “a child fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty”.  Well today was a day to burst the hearts of our Canadian delegation!  The Rotary Clubs “Day of the Angel” party was held today to celebrate the birthdays of the children in Irina Denisyenko’s “Organization of Families with Invalid Children” who have a birthday in this half of the year.  This is a wonderful event that the Canadians really look forward to … almost as much as the children we are celebrating.  The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the children were all smiles.  This was our biggest party yet with almost 100 guests in attendance.

There was music and entertainment from the children and their families.  Here one of the girls is singing a song about “Mothers”.  This was very fitting as in most cases it is the mothers who are taking care of these special children and of course they all look to Irina as a mother to all of the families.  Here she is singing the song to Irina who had tears in her eyes.

To be honest, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  Here one of the Grandmothers (Babushka) wipes a tear from her eye.

There are lots of games and they make sure that all of the Canadians get up and participate

and the smiles show you how much fun everyone is having!

There are songs and poetry readings, even from the smallest of children!

The party ends with gifts being presented to all of the children with birthdays in this half of the year and another party will be held in September for the other half to receive their gifts.  Here Tracy Yuille poses with one of the children and their gift.

Mary Ellen Morris is here representing the Rotary Club and was able to say a few words of encouragement and handed out all of the gifts.  Here is Mary Ellen presenting Misha with a very large puzzle.

Neil Matheson was unable to come with us this year and he was definitely missed by all of the families.  Neil has spent a lot of time over the past few years with these families and is always at the party.  Dave managed to get him on the phone and all of the children and the families sent him their love!

Everyone left the party singing and smiling and with hearts full!

Pat and Tracy Yuille joined Peggy and I for a visit with one of our favourite families this evening.  Valentina and Leonid have a daughter named Lena who is now 40 years old.  She requires care 24/7 and these parents are amazing, they have dedicated their lives to Lena.  They are both retired and of course they are worried about what may happen to Lena in the future.

Thanks to Irina Denisyenko these families have a real connection to the community and a community of friends.  She brings them together and finds the help that they need when they need it.

Eric McKenzie