Remembering our Stolen Sisters, May 5
Time passes. Each second, tick, tick, tick.
Time, a system of existence from the past, through the present and into the future.
I will understand if you never forgive me. Forgive me for not being able to find you. One day you simply vanished, seemingly into thin air and without a trace. You’ve left a hole in the lives of those who loved and cherished you. You were a sister, mother, daughter and friend to all who knew you. You are not faceless and nameless to those who loved you. We hope you don’t feel as though we gave up looking for you. We haven’t, I haven’t. We can’t find you. Where are you?
In our dreams we see you, dancing to the heartbeat of our true Mother. Your regalia flowing as you float through the air. Your feet touch the clouds and your spirit sees itself, dancing, surrounded by the ancestors. They smile knowing you are home with them, free.
You live in our hearts. It is with all our hearts we hope you are safe. Deep down we know different and fear the worse. But still, we wait for you to come home.
In the grand scheme of time, it was only yesterday that we were laughing, sharing meals together, talking about the future. Surrounded by generations of loved ones.
The laughter stopped. We eat alone. We are unable to imagine a future when gathered with generations who will know you only by the stories we share. They can’t hear your laughter, see your smile or feel the love in your hugs. For generations, they will only see the tears of sadness and feel the emptiness within the space you held in our hearts.
I know I am not alone. Thousands like me, sit day in and day out. Wondering, waiting, searching, hoping that one day we will see one another once again.
Too many of you are gone in an instant. No trace and without a word. To many, you’re simply another Indigenous woman. To those of us left behind, you are everything. Throughout time, we will remember you by sharing your story and hope we see you dancing amongst the clouds.
By Connor Sarazin, KAIROS’ Operations Specialist
