Finding Strength in Loss and Giving Back

November 23, 2024•5 min read

In a heartfelt episode of the Make It Count show, host Michelle Latocha sat down with Antoinette, a woman whose life story exemplifies resilience, love, and a profound commitment to her community. Through candid conversations, Antoinette opened up about her journey through loss, her unwavering dedication to helping others, and the lessons she has learned about life, love, and authenticity.

Twelve years ago, Antoinette’s life took a devastating turn with the loss of her husband. At the time, she was a young widow raising a 10-year-old son. Reflecting on those days, she admitted, “I would wake up every morning and think, ‘How am I going to do this?’” Despite her heartbreak, she found the strength to carry on. “I had no choice. My son needed me.”

Antoinette’s story is a testament to resilience. While she described her grief as a lifelong journey, she emphasized that time has softened the pain, though the love and memories remain just as vivid. Her son became her greatest source of motivation, a reminder of the love she shared with her late husband and the reason to keep going.

Beyond her personal journey, Antoinette has channeled her experiences into creating a lasting impact on her community. “Helping others is where I find purpose,” she shared. Whether organizing food drives, supporting homeless shelters, or adopting families during the holidays, Antoinette has dedicated her time and energy to improving the lives of those around her.

One of her most cherished initiatives is a golf tournament started by her late husband, Tony. After his passing, Antoinette ensured the tournament continued, raising funds for local charities like Hospice Niagara, Wellspring, and the Niagara Rehabilitation Center. She also took her giving spirit further by donating hospital day beds to Dravinsky Hospital to provide comfort for families during their hardest moments—a reflection of her own experience caring for her husband.

Her philanthropic efforts didn’t stop there. Antoinette has worked tirelessly to support causes like McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Christmas program for terminally ill children and initiatives to provide meals for underprivileged families. Her hands-on approach, even involving her son in soup kitchens and other volunteer activities, speaks volumes about her dedication to teaching the value of service.

Antoinette’s openness about her journey also included a surprising chapter: finding love again. “I never thought I would,” she admitted. After her husband’s passing, she assumed that chapter of her life had closed. But in meeting Vic, she discovered someone who not only understood her but embraced her personality and the challenges she brought to the table.

“I put everything on the table,” Antoinette said with a laugh, describing her upfront approach to dating. “You either love me or you don’t.” Thankfully, Vic not only rose to the challenge but brought his ownunderstanding, having experienced significant losses in his life as well. Together, they’ve built a relationship grounded in mutual respect, love, and shared compassion for others.

A recurring theme in Antoinette’s story is authenticity. Over the years, she’s learned the value of surrounding herself with people who truly support and uplift her. “Your vibe attracts your tribe,” she said, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about the company you keep. For Antoinette, being authentic has helped her build meaningful connections and shed relationships that don’t contribute to her growth.

Her advice to others is straightforward: “Hang around people who are better than you. They challenge you to be better.” While this mindset hasn’t always been easy, it’s taught her to prioritize quality over quantity in her relationships, even if that means keeping a smaller circle of trusted friends.

For those navigating grief, Antoinette doesn’t shy away from the truth. “It’s not easy,” she admitted. “Every milestone, every holiday will be tough. But over time, the pain shortens. It’s a journey, and you need to give yourself grace along the way.”

Her honesty about grief is matched by her compassion. She encourages others to seek support and to focus on creating new memories while honoring the old. Through her own experiences, she has become a source of strength and inspiration for others in their darkest moments.

Antoinette’s dedication to helping others began at a young age and has only grown stronger over time. Her work in the community is nothing short of extraordinary, from supporting local charities to organizing food drives and events. She described her motivation simply: “If someone comes to me for help, I never say no.”

Her advocacy for children holds a special place in her heart, whether it’s helping terminally ill children enjoy a magical Christmas or ensuring families have meals during the holidays. Her efforts remind us all of the power of generosity and the profound difference one person can make.

As the episode came to a close, Michelle Latocha asked Antoinette about her philosophy on life. Her response was both simple and profound: “Give without thinking of getting anything in return. That’s when you feel the best in life.” It’s a sentiment that reflects her journey—a life filled with challenges, love, and an unwavering commitment to doing good.

Antoinette’s story is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it’s possible to create a life filled with purpose and impact. Her strength, authenticity, and compassion inspire us all to be better, give more, and appreciate the people and opportunities in our lives.

If you’d like to support Antoinette’s work or learn more about her community initiatives, we’ve included links to her charities below. She is truly a superhero in her community, and we’re grateful she shared her story with us.

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