Willa's Story

Willa started walking at fourteen months old. She took her time, and honestly, it meant we got to carry her for a little longer. But once she decided she was ready, there was no stopping her. From that moment on, she was off and running. Willa was never the child who stayed close by at the park or while shopping. She was curious, adventurous, and completely fearless.

During this time, Willa became a true daddy’s girl. I travelled monthly for work which meant Mike spent a lot of one-on-one time with her. He quickly became her favourite person.The bond they shared was incredibly special. Those memories are bittersweet. It never crossed my mind back then that I'd end up wishing for just a little more time with my little girl. Life was busy, and we assumed there would always be more moments ahead.

Willa’s personality began to shine through in every possible way. She started using words early and was remarkably articulate for her age. She always had something to say and had endless stories to tell. Whether she was chatting about her day, describing something she had seen, or simply talking for the sake of talking, she kept us entertained with her constant stream of thoughts and observations.

Willa's most treasured possession was her crocheted blankie. From the time she was a baby, it was a necessity for naps, bedtime, and any moment she needed comfort. She would wrap the soft yarn around her little fingers while sucking her thumb, a habit that became so uniquely Willa. No matter where she was, her blankie was never far away. It brought her a sense of security, familiarity, and it remained by her side throughout her entire life.

Willa attended daycare and quickly made an impression. She was a feisty little toddler who wasn't afraid to express exactly how she felt. When frustrated, she occasionally resorted to biting (much to our embarrassment). She eventually grew out of it, as many toddlers do. Even then, she stood her ground and wasn't easily intimidated. She had a strong, spicy personality packed into such a tiny body. That determination and resilience would become some of her greatest strengths in the years ahead.

Willa was beautiful. With her big brown eyes, she looked so much like her daddy. She knew exactly how to wrap him around her little finger. Mike has always been a stoic, strong and manly kind of guy, but when it came to Willa,  he completely melted. One smile from her and he would do just about anything she asked.

Willa was a girly girl from the very beginning. She loved dresses, dress-up clothes, and anything that allowed her to use her imagination. Her favourite toy was her play kitchen, where she could often be found cooking elaborate meals for anyone willing to sit down and pretend eating. She loved tea parties! She had a wonderful imagination and a natural ability to make people laugh.

Second to her blankie was Baby Bunny, a little bear dressed in a purple bunny suit that her Auntie Karen gave her for Easter. From the moment she received it, Baby Bunny became her constant companion. If you look through photos of Willa over the years, you'll notice Baby Bunny appears in many of them. It travelled with her everywhere she went and remained by her side throughout her entire journey. What started as a beloved childhood toy became a source of comfort, familiarity, and love.

It was also during this year that Willa discovered her favourite colour: purple. Purple became part of her identity. Whether it was clothing, toys, decorations, or anything else she could choose herself, purple was always the answer. It remained her favourite colour for the rest of her life.

Our second year with Willa was filled with adventure, laughter, strong opinions, endless conversations, and a growing sense of who she was becoming. Her personality was impossible to miss. She was bold, determined, and full of joy.