LETTER: A chance to say 'thank you'
By Contributor
Dear Editor;
My name is Rosie Mitchell and I would like to tell you a story.
My family originated in the Kootenays, I was born in Rossland and I still have relatives all over up there.
My mother decided to move us all back in 1966. I fell in love with Castlegar as only a starry eyed sixteen year old could and could not have been happier when my Mom met and fell in love with a fine man named Fred Popoff. He was willing to take on the challenge of a single mom with NINE children. Pretty darn amazing. We had good times with him, he was kind, thoughtful and we knew he loved our Mom.
Then in late September of 1967 a drunk driver took his life, Our dreams of becoming a solid family died with him. We were heartbroken along with his family. Fred’s Mom took it the hardest as Fred had never been married and never had children.
Mom became very quiet, quite unlike her. Months went by and I knew something wasn’t right, so being the nosy teenager I was, I asked her what was wrong. She told me she was pregnant but had decided to give the baby up. At first I was elated, a new baby, something of Fred. But she was firm that she would not keep the baby. More heartbreak.
I could not stand the idea of not knowing where this new baby would end up so I went to Fred’s family.
Phil and Vi Popoff took my sister and raised her to be the kindest most loving sister anyone could want.
I went home last September to connect with Brenda and I finally had the opportunity to thank her parents. It was an emotional meeting many tears and much laughter.
Vi passed away today and I feel driven to tell the world about this amazing woman, In my eyes she was a super hero along with her husband. There are no words to express my gratitude to them, these every day heroes.
Vi was sick for awhile but kept it to herself. I was amazed when she told me her and Phil would go out every week to entertain at the seniors residences. They would sing and play guitar. She appeared frail then but was full of life and laughter. I thought wow she is a senior herself and was obviously in pain but she could go out and bring joy to others, I wanted to be just like her. Right up to the end she was thinking of others she had someone make a scarf to be given to her daughter, my sister, for her birthday May 3. Who does this? Who else gives so unselfishly to the very end? I was blessed to have known her.
In closing I want to thank the community of Castlegar for being the warm loving people you are, for giving me these wonderful memories of my life there. Last but not least for being the everyday heroes you all are. Phil and Vi are a testament to you all.
Sincerely,
Rosie Mitchell
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