🇨🇦 Allan Gardens, Toronto: Remembering a Dear Friend 🌸

Last week, we walked to Allan Gardens—a place where she once volunteered. I never knew before that many of the withering plants at Youthdale were revived by her caring hands. She brought life back to them, just as she did for so many around her. ——— This free-entry botanical garden is breathtakingly beautiful. I saw flowers I'd never encountered before, sunbathing turtles 🐢, and golden fish nibbling on petals. Everything here feels so full of life—just like she was. ——— A memory surfaced: Once, I saw her watching K-pop.🌿 I shared a K-pop song recommended by another nurse, and her eyes lit up—she'd loved it since childhood. She invited me to watch the MV together, saying it brought back warm memories. I can still picture her singing along, waving her hands joyfully. We may not have formed a deep connection, but I'll never forget her. ——— Last Thursday, staff, current patients, and alumni gathered on the rooftop, releasing purple balloons filled with handwritten messages.🌿 Mine read: "Keep drinking all that Diet Pepsi up there. Keep sharing your joy with others. Thank you for your endless kindness. I miss you." Tears flowed freely as we shared stories about her radiant spirit. These flourishing plants and blossoms are her living legacy. We'll honor her warmth by continuing our recovery journeys, and by choosing to live fully—just as she'd want. If you're in Toronto, please visit Allan Gardens. 🎈 Walk among the greenery she nurtured, and feel her presence in every petal and leaf. ——— #CanadianMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #AllanGardens #Youthdale #MajorDepression #CPTSD #SupergirlVSelfRecovery #GriefAndHealing #RememberingHer #BotanicalTherapy