She arrived at the shelter in a red pick up truck, wearing a kerchief, carrying a garbage bag of belongings and holding Sarah's hand….January 25, 1988. She had left Bobcaygeon with a neighbour who was moving to Oshawa. She stayed up late at night and talked about her life, her feelings, hopes and dreams. She and Sarah participated in numerous parent/child activities and Denise nurtured Sarah's quick wit and brightness. Denise loved intellectual dialogue; interpreting her dreams; loved the Christmas carol, Silent Night; and found great significance in the symbol of the butterfly. She struggled with her partner's dependence…his incapacity to take responsibility…his right to have access to Sarah.

       She left on a Tuesday morning, early…bound for a train that would take her to a community where family and friends were ready to welcome her. Her new life promised opportunity and Denise began to renew and rebuild her own self and relationships once affected by her husband's demand for isolation and control. He followed her, angry and insecure…powerless in the advent of Denise's independence and vitality…and took her life and his own, on a Saturday morning…March 12, 1988.

       We have become storytellers of that significant crossroad that brought Denise here. For those of us who stay here, who visit here, who work here, who speak her name…let us honor the strength and spirit of womanhood. In every butterfly that flies, Denise's life…every woman's life…has a voice.