Cubs

09 July 2025:

That day when we spotted coy-wolf cubs in the fields just west of the Don Valley. She was so excited to see the babies playing amongst the wildflowers and tall grass. Bounding and bouncing right before our eyes.

She would love our puppy Mika. It's been so fun to watch her play by the lake. In the trees and in the long grass. Gazing down out herself in the clear water like a miniature deer. Her tall ears not unlike these wee cubs.

Those were our soccer days. Riding back and forth every Monday to Cherry Beach. She was that watchful kid who thought out her moves. Like a striking predator. Waiting for her moment to pounce rather than running all over the place all of the time.

I encouraged her to run more. To chase the ball like the giant puppy she was. But she also had those cat instincts. Waiting for her moment. I saw this more as she got older. When she kept up with hockey. I understood her game better. And her strategy.

I didn't always understand her motivation. But I always understood her love and passion. And when she wanted to do something, she would put all of her heart into it. And when she didn't, she didn't budge. I raised her to be a critical and analytical thinker and she exuded this naturally. She was an independent creature who knew how to do her own thing, but as a teen needed to run with the pack.

But these kids, these independent kids, running amok in the parks of Toronto with no adults in sight. And those authorities that did show up would treat them with disdain. They did not help or protect our babies, as their motto suggests. While we parents where left to figure all of this wild mess on our own.

And the predators that slipped into their friend groups. Wolves in sheep's clothing, befriending them and charming them and playing the victim for their empathy. Kids preying on kids. And as many of these kids where inclusive they let these souls through.

It is the predator that knowingly and purposely slips fentanyl into the mix, short circuiting the instincts of their prey. My daughter was as smart as they get. But oh so naive to the intentions of others. She thought she could out manoeuvre those working to hook, line and sinker, in a game she was not fit to play. Where she saw others fall, she would help them.

And yet she could not be helped herself. No one was there to keep her from harm that night. Her predator left her alone in the dark rainy December night. For the carrion birds. Those creatures I continue to fight. This time to preserve that innocent child and to bring my beautiful sweet girl some justice.

LLU