Losing your child is a tragedy no parent should ever have to face, but that was the unfortunate reality Barb Croteau was faced with when she learned her daughter Jamy Croteau (41) passed away.

"Jamy was just full of grace. She never spoke ill of anybody. She didn't swear, she was just full of grace and dignity and I'm trying to go forward through this using her strength because she had a lot of strength," Barb said.

After learning the news Barb and her family immediately traveled to Edmonton, and all of this going on at once was made even worse by the fact they were currently going through a huge move. However, when she came back to Strathmore she was met with an unbelievable surprise.

"One of the neighbours has our key, and we came back to find they just all came in and cleaned, made beds, there's a hot meal on the stove for us, they mowed our lawn, all the fridges were filled with food for days and days and days."

"They just rallied forward and we were just blown away."

The incredible support of the neighbours meant the world to Barb, as she said at a time like that you can't even think of what to do or what you need, so having the neighbours support the family without asking and just knowing to step up was incredibly appreciated.

"It lifted us up because we were at rock bottom, we were at our worst, and we didn't have to do a thing. We just came home and ate and then they called and asked if they could come over and they all came over. And they stayed for four hours, and we talked about our daughter Jamy, and we talked about life and laughed and cried. It just meant everything."

"It definitely saved us, and it just lifted us up a bit just so that we could breathe again. We have lots of family coming for the weekend, so it was definitely a lifesaver for us." 

The kindness shown to Barb during this tragedy inspired her to share her story, not for her own attention but to show the world how even a small act of kindness can save someone during a horrible time. Even a gesture as simple as mowing a lawn can mean everything to a person who is suffering greatly from the loss of a loved one.

"Be kind and think about your neighbour because you don't regret doing something, but you always regret not doing something. Some of our neighbours are just dropping off like a big bowl of soup because I'm not cooking, so even small things like that just mean so much."

Barb reflected on the kindness being shown to her and hopes to remind the community to continue reaching out to each other and to speak with your neighbour. She feels that may be getting lost in the modern world and hopes that we don't lose this willingness to help each other and continue to lift each other up.

"Some garage doors go right up, and they close as soon the car is entered and you don't see those people. That's not how it used to be, and I feel that it's sad that people just don't reach out and know their neighbours. You don't have to be on each other's doorstep, but I think it's really good to know who your neighbour is and just be aware because they could just need some lifting up at a time when they really need it,"

The kindness Barb speaks of was embodied by Jamy, who always had a caring heart even at a young age. Barb remembered a time in grade 2 when Jamy saw a little girl crying since she received a participation ribbon at an athletic event, and Jamy went and consoled the girl right away.

"Jamy just wrapped her arms around her and said, 'you know, that's ok as long as you did your best.' And I broke down and cried just listening to her. Here's this little girl consoling another little girl. She just had that kind spirit from the time she was little." 

Jamy never lost that kindness, as she went on to work in the health field, with Barb commenting that "she really did care for the underdog."

While the pain of losing a beloved family member never goes away, the kindness shown to Barb and her family will also be remembered for a lifetime. It's a reminder that a little kindness goes a long way, and Barb hopes the community takes that message to heart.

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