Strength in Numbers: Natalie did not need a lot of help in raising her children, as she has always made do with what she has

Natalie was always there for her children, making sure they had everything they needed… and she did it all as a single mother. She endured a lot to raise her three children, who will be the first to tell you that they did not make it easy on her… like ever.

So, how did she do it? How did this wonderful woman raise three children all by herself while not pulling out every last strand of hair? Her personality, of course.

“She’s a warm person,” Cori said. “A strong, independent person. She’s very friendly and social; she makes new friends easily. Mom likes to try new adventures like art classes, yoga retreats, traveling, kayaking trips, et cetera.”

She likes her wine, gardening, painting and nature too, but really she is just all about living life to the fullest. Natalie loves life and she loves people, and she is always looking to have a good time.

“I admire her ability to not take life too seriously,” Curtis said. “Mom always finds humour in a situation. She is always in a good mood and lives in the moment. She can make the most out of any situation.”

Growing up, this boded well for the Gabinet kids. All three of them were raised with great balance, as they were disciplined when needed, but also encouraged to know that life can–and should–be fun.

She did not let her kids go without either. All three of them reflect back today and quite often wonder just how their mother did all that she did. She worked hard and did not miss a beat in raising her children, and for that they are forever grateful.

“She always made sure we grew up in a welcoming and loving home,” Curtis said. “She sacrificed for her kids and always put us first.”

Road trips were always a blast. Summer vacations and camping trips to Lake Cowichan always ended with countless campfires and storytimes. Hockey trips across Vancouver Island always brought the kids even closer together.

The reality is, the Gabinet kids were always doing stuff together growing up, and that is thanks to their matriarch.

Now, they get to instill this mindset in their own little ones, who their mother loves so much. Griffin, Octavia, Aspen and Theodora all have a grandmother as unique as their names, and they all love her with all their hearts.

“She inspires little artists to express themselves,” Cori said. “Mom loves spending time with grandkids. She always helps out with babysitting.”

Natalie remains hands-on as a grandmother the way she was hands-on as a mother, and none of the kids are complaining about that. They welcome the extra help and guidance, as well as the wisdom and encouragement.

They also all appreciate their mother’s character, and they know she is one of one. She is also truly irreplaceable, and she is not someone that people take for granted.

“Natalie is kind, caring, and has a great sense of humour,” Curtis said.

Growing up, she was the middle of five children, and that is where she learned about the importance of family. But the reality is, Natalie has really come into her own and has created her own story along the way. She is a family woman who loves to make countless memories and who loves to make people laugh, and for that she is leaving quite the legacy.

“When she pulled over on the side of the road because I wouldn’t behave and she said I’d have to get out and walk, and I did! And she had to come running after me on the highway,” Curtis said. “The Disneyland road trip in our old van with our grandma and aunt was fun too.”

The reality is, so many of these special moments have been made together, and that is because that is what Natalie has always emphasized: the importance of togetherness.

“I’d like her to know how good of a job she did as a parent raising three troublesome kids. She has helped shape and grow three fantastic people, and she did it all herself.” – Curtis