Order of Canada!

My mother just called -- she has just been officially named to the Order of Canada. Apparently the appointment was made on April 6, but was just announced by the Governor General of Canada. (see the press announcement.)

http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4828

This is the highest civilian honor that Canada awards to one of her citizens. She wasn't eligible while she was a sitting judge, but now that she has officially retired, the appointment came very quickly. I have always been very proud of my Mum, but I must admit, it is incredibly nice to see her receive recognition on a national level for her years of service to Nova Scotia and Canada. Nova Scotia recognized her last year with the Order of Nova Scotia, and I was extremely proud of her then. I am just as proud now. My mother was a pioneer for women in the law. She fought against not only the prejudice against her sex, but also the prejudice against her religion, and triumphed.

I used to subscribe to a magazine that everyone year would run a contest to name the ten most admired women in the world. For me, my mother has always been the woman I admire most.

I love you Mum -- I am very proud of you, and as it is said, "May you go from strength to strength."