Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Chapters Eight through Twenty-Nine
THE LIFE
AND TIMES
OF SHAWN
TURNER
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
BY SHAWN TURNER
© SHAWN TURNER
PUBLISHER 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One: A Family History
Chapter Two: Birth
Chapter Three: The Move to Oshawa
Chapter Four: Junior Kindergarten
Chapter Five: Senior Kindergarten
Chapter Six: Grade One
Chapter Seven: Grade Two
Chapter Eight: Grade Three
Chapter Nine: Grade Four
Chapter Ten: Grade Five
Chapter Eleven: Grade Six
Chapter Twelve: The Divorce
Chapter Thirteen: Grade Seven
Chapter Fourteen: Grade Eight
Chapter Fifteen: Grade Nine
Chapter Sixteen: Grade Ten
Chapter Seventeen: Grade Eleven General
Chapter Eighteen: Grade Nine
Chapter Nineteen: Grade Ten
Chapter Twenty: Grade Eleven Basic
Chapter Twenty-One: Grade Eleven Basic
Chapter Twenty-Two: Grade Twelve
Chapter Twenty-Three: Graduation
Chapter Twenty-Four: Life After Graduation
Chapter Twenty-Five: College Aspirations
Chapter Twenty-Six: Musical History
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Business Goals
Chapter Twenty-Eight Volunteerism
Epilogue
PROLOGUE
The need to write a book is and was a dream for me. Even submitting the book to as publisher is daunting. I have tried to submit my book to Whitmore Publishing which would have published my book without charge. But they rejected me. Recently, I submitted a proposal to the Board of Directors of O’Reilly Publishers Inc. I have not heard back.
So, I must proceed in this fashion. To operate as a self-publisher, by doing all my promotions by myself using the power of the Internet and by word of mouth.
Once my book is published, I would sell and market this book at the Guelph Farmers Market and using my web site for fulfillment of online orders.
Dated at Guelph, Ontario
Monday, January 7, 2008
DEDICATION
I wish to dedicate this book to the Glory of God in loving memory of Ronald Francis Turner, born 2 December 1925 and died on 6 August 1999: Rest in Peace.
I also wish to dedicate this book to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Ashley James Turner, who died on 14 November 2005 as a result of a car accident. Rest In Peace.
PART ONE
I bring you great news you have found favour with God and are great with child from the Holy Spirit, and you will conceive and have a son, and shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people
-St. Luke 1:33-38
CHAPTER ONE: A family HISTORY
1867: Birth of Margaret Hidgson in England
1898: Birth of James Lamb
1922: Birth of Ronald Francis Turner
1925: Birth of Laurel Joyce Lamb
1950: Birth of Robert Allen James Turner
1952: Birth of Laurel Anne Turner
1954: Birth of Karen Elizabeth Leighton
1955: Birth of MaryJane Damphousse
1959-60: Acquisition of cottage northwest of Huntsville that is still in the family today.
1974: Marriage of Robert A.J. Turner, age 24, and Mary Jane Damphousse, age 19.
1977: I am born. More about that in the next chapter.
1978: My great-grandmother is dead/
1980: Part of the family moves to Oshawa.
1982: Birth of Ashley James Turner
1983: Marriage of Laurel A Beechey and Peter Morley Beechey.
1987-1992: A bitter divorce occurs, more information later on in the book.
1989: Death of James Lamb, age 91.
1990: Ronald Francis Turner, age 68 and Laurel Joyce Turner, age 65, moves to Tillsonburg to be closer to her daughter and son in law.
1999: Death of Ronald Francis Turner, age 76.
2005: Ashley James Turner dies, age 23 ½.
CHAPTER TWO:
BIRTH OF SHAWN TURNER
On March 22nd, 1977, I was born at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor. When I was born, it was discovered by the doctors that my optic nerve failed to grow to its normal size. I would not be able to see like a normal person.
My parents and family were shocked when they heard the diagnosis, but they decided to keep me, and not putting me up for adoption.
Soon after my birth, I was baptized at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Windsor. This is the same church that my grandmother attended since her own baptism in 1925.
The home I lived in when I was born was a 19th century home on Victoria Avenue and my grandparents lived in a home on Hall Avenue.
CHAPTER THREE:
THE MOVE TO OSHAWA
Sometime in 1980, my father was transferred from his job at a Chrysler plant in Windsor to another plant in Whitby, east of Toronto, so my father bought a home at 286 Shamrock Crescent in Oshawa and the three of us moved into the home.
The house, which had three storeys In the basement, there was a television, a boombox for playing music for parties, a piano and a bar. Many parties were held there. On the main floor, was the living room and the kitchen. There was also a set of French doors looking out onto a patio. On the upper floor, were the bedrooms and bathroom. This was were me and my brother slept.
CHAPTER FOUR:
BIRTH OF ASHLEY TURNER
On May 24, 1982, my brother, Ashley James Turner, was born at Oshawa General Hospital. He was baptized during the summer at St. Olaf's Anglican Church, near Bear Lake, Ontario, across the lake from our summer cottage. I was five years old at the time.
Having this other person in the family was good, someone else to talk to, other than mom and dad.
That year, I had just learned to walk. I was a late bloomer, because of my visual impairment. If I had learned when I was baby, It would have been a lot better off in life.
CHAPTER FIVE:
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
SEPTEMBER 1982-JUNE 1983
In September 1982, I entered Junior Kindergarten at Glenholm Public School in Oshawa.
The following subjects were taught:
Fall (September-December)
Leaves turning color, falling to the ground
Remembrance Day observance
Making of Advent calendars in preparations for Christmas.
Winter (January-March)
Snow and its beauty
Ice skating
Toboganning
Having hot chocolate
Spring (April-June)
Good Friday/Easter
Flowers and there beauty
Warm weather
Awaiting the summer off.
CHAPTER SIX:
SENIOR KINDERGARTEN
SEPTEMBER 1983-JUNE 1984
In September 1983, I entered Senior Kindergarten at the same school, but was transferred after the Fall term (September-December).
I started at W. Ross Macdonald School in Brantford, Ontario on Monday, January 10, 1984. The Winter term went from January 10 to March 9, 1984, with March Break going from March 10-18. The Spring Term went from March 19 to June 30, 1984.
Starting with the Summer of 1984, I would be staying up at the cottage with my brother for one month. I was there from June 29 through August 6, 1984, but went on weekends from August 10-12, until August 31-September 3, 1984.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
GRADE ONE
SEPTEMBER 1984-JUNE 1985
On September 4, 1984, I entered grade one. I was seven-and-a-half years old at the time. I remained in the Junior Residence since January. I also joined the Primary Choir that year. I remained in the choir until June of 1987.
There was only two performances that year:
Christmas Assembly: Thursday, December 20, 1984 and the Open House/Parents Day Program entitled “A Few of Our Favourite Things”, on Thursday, June 20th, 1985.
The following is an except of the events that happened that afternoon
Welcome: David A. Neill, Superintendent
Rhythm Band “Favorite Tunes”
The Choir: “The Fate of Gilbert Gim
Favourite Nursery Rhymes – two grade one classes of 1984-85
Vocal Solo: “Jig Jog”
“The Three Bears” - Grade three and four classes
Piano Solo: “March of the Terrible Trolls”
“Our Favourite Yellow School Bus” - Grade 3 class
The Choir: “Turn On The Sun”
Piano Solo: “Bear's Dance”.
“Down By The River Bed” one Grade 3 class
“Baker's Dozen”- Recorder Group
“Our Favourite Animals In The Zoo” - one Grade 6 class.
Piano Solo: “Squirrels at Play”
The Choir: “The School Library
“Snow White” -one Grade 2 class
Vocal Solo: “The Turtle”
“Winnie The Pooh” two Grade 2 classes
the Finale “Our Favourite Things”
Almost immediately after the performance, I went home with my parents for the summer, because there was only one week left.
I was home for one week, June 21-28, 1985, then I went up to the cottage for one month straight, from June 29-August 05, 1985. But I would come up on weekends from August 9 through September 02, 1985.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
GRADE TWO
SEPTEMBER 1985-JUNE 1986
On September 03, 1985, I entered Grade Two. It was the start of my second year in the Junior Residence, now called Park Place, and my second year in the Primary Choir. The Fall Term went from September 03 until December 20, 1985.
The Primary choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 19, 1985 with the other choirs. One day later, the students went home for Christmas from December 21, 1985-January 5, 1986.
After Christmas, the students came back renewed. The Winter Term went from January 6-March 7, 1986, with March Break going from March 8-16, 1986. On March 17, 1986, the spring term began, ending on June 27, 1986.
The following is the agenda for the Music Program for Thursday, June 12, 1986.
Primary Rhythm Band “Celebration” and “SpringJunior Choir: “Ice Cream” and “Gingerbread Mountain”.
Body Rhythm Pattern: “Sunburst”.
Recorders: “The Frog” and “Skip to my Lou”
Handbells: The Scare Song
Piano Solo
Primary Choir: “Springtime is Singtime”, “The Skunk” and “”I'm So Tired”
Orff: “The Dance”.
Handbells
Orff: “Land of the Silver Birrch
Piano Solo
Primary Choir: “Grandpa's Whiskers”
Junior Choir: “Alleluia” and “Spring”.
Finale “Teach Me”
After the performance that day, I went home with my parents, but returned to school for two more weeks, before going home for the summer on June 27, 1986. Like the two summers before, I would stay at the cottage for more than a month, from June 28-August 4, 1986, but continued to go up on weekends from August 8 through September 1, 1986.
CHAPTER EIGHT:
GRADE THREE
SEPTEMBER 1986-JUNE 1987
On September 2, 1986, I entered Grade Three. It was the start of my third and final year in the Junior Residence, now called Park Place, and my final year in the Primary Choir. The fall term went from September 2-December 19, 1986.
The choir once again performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 18, 1986. The next day, I went home for Christmas, until January 4, 1987.
The winter term went from January 5-March 6, 1987, with March Break going from March 7-15, 1987. No performances were made during this term.
The Spring Term went from March 16-June 26, 1987.
Here is the agenda for the Parents Day Program for the 1986-87 school year.
“TALENT SMORGASBORD”
Welcome
Rhythm Band: “March: Robin in the Rain”
Junior Choir: “We Love Music”.
Recorder Group: “On The Bridge of “Avignon”
Recorder Group: “The Muffin Man”.
Student Writing: “Sailor Life”
Orff Sound Composition: “Sugar Bush”
Recorder Group: “Barcarolle”
Primary Choir: “I Don't Know Why”
Primary Choir: “My Kite”
Junior Choir: “We Want to Sing”
Vocal Solo: “Candle Talk”
Piano Solo: “Allegro in B Flat”
Piano Duet: “Running Shoes”
Primary Choir: “Oh Me, Oh My”
Primary Choir: “Poof! It Is Spring
Vocal Solo: “My Kitty”
Handbells “Ode To Joy”
Orff Rhythm Poem: “Seasons”
Primary and Junior Choirs “We are All God's Children:
Junior Choir: “The Mill Wheel”
Primary Choir: “Brownie In The Cookie Jar”
Primary Choir: “Bessie, The Black Cat”
Choral Speech: “The Cremation of Sam McGee”
Vocal Solo: “Friendly Robin”
Junior Choir: “It Is a Wonderful Thing To Be Me”.
Orff: “Lullaby”
Handbells/Flute: “Jacob's Ladder”
Finale: “Be Kind To Your Parents”
The performance was held on June 18, 1987. After the performance, I went home with my parents but returned to school for one more week. After I came home on June 26, I remained home until I went up to the cottage on June 30, 1987. I remained at the cottage from July 1-August 3, 1987, but continued to go up on weekends from August 7 through September 7, 1987.
CHAPTER NINE:
GRADE FOUR:
SEPTEMBER 1987-JUNE 1988
On September 8, 1987, I entered grade Four. It was the start of a five year stay in the Intermediate Residence now called Brant Place. I lived on the main floor. It was also the start of a three year stint in the Junior Choir. The fall term went from September 8 to December 18, 1987. The Junior Choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 17, 1987. I was also introduced to sports. In the fall, I did cross country running and soccer from September 9 through October 29, 1987. I also did floor hockey from November 2nd, 1987 through January 28, 1988 and swimming and wrestling from November 9, 1987 through April 28, 1988.
On December 18, 1987, I went home to Oshawa for Christmas. I returned to Brantford on January 3, 1988. The Winter term went from January 4-March 11, 1988.
Throughout the winter term, I continued with swimming and wrestling. When floor hockey was over, the new sport was goalball (a sport where you throw a ball wit bells inside) from February 1 through April 29th. In April, I went to my first swim meet ever, at Brantford; the Provincial Schools Swim meet. The year ended with Baseball and Track and Field during May and June. March Break was from March 12-20, 1988 and the spring term went from March 21-June 24, 1987. The music performance was held on June 16, 1988. After the performance, I went home for the summer, because there was one week left. I remained home until going up to the cottage on June 30, 1988. Again, I remained at the cottage from July 1-August 1, 1988. When me and my brother were returned to Oshawa, my mom turned around and drove both of us to Windsor and dropped both of us off in Windsor at 1:00a.m. On August 2, 1988. Both of us remained in Windsor from August 2-14, 1988. whereupon, my Aunt from Tillsonburg took us back to he rhome, thus giving birth to an August tradition of spending one week with my aunt. I was returned to Oshawa on August 21, 1988. I remained at home from August 22-September 5, 1988.
The following is a letter from my former principal/program director, Carolyn Hudson:
W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 3J9
(519)-759-0730
August 30, 1988
Laurel A. Beechey
94 North Street West
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 1C3
Dear Mrs. Beecchey:
Thank you for your kind letter brought to my attention at the end of June. Forgive me for not answering you before now, because I have been extremely busy for 1988-89 school year plans and lecturing a 1988 Summer School Course offered in July.
Shawn is a little guy that I ave watched develop physically, socially and academically over a few years now. I have a special place in my heart for Shawn as I remember the first contact I made with his parents at his school in Oshawa. I had the pleasure of evaluating him at that time. Shawn has progressed extremely well.
In answer to your enquiry, any money that is donated to our school is placed in the Student's Benefits Fund. This fund is used for the personal needs of students whose parents are in need of some support i,e, orthodontist costs, clothing, special linens, etc.
There are times when parents ask that a donation be used in a specific way, i.e., playground equipment, furniture for life skills, typewriters, etc. Our education needs are fully met by the Provincial Government.
At the present time, we are attempting to equip a room with furnishings for life skills. We are emphasizing the lifeskills program for our children that are not academically inclined by attempting to simulate a functional environment as a teaching base for more independent life skills. This training will benefit all of our children.
Our children go on many trips. These trips enhance the learning for our children. i.e, a petting zoo and Christmas shopping, a hands on museum, a court session, a conservation area, a supermarket, a bakery and a greenhouse.
We have school vehicles that we use for that purpose. Experienced-based learning is an important aspect of our educational program.
Thank you for your interest in our school. Please feel free to contact me at the school at 519-759-0730 Ext #240
Sincerely Yours
Carolyn Hudson
Principal/Program Director
Elementary Division
CHAPTER TEN
GRADE FIVE
SEPTEMBER 1988-JUNE 1989
On September 6, 1988, I entered grade Five. It is the start of my second year in the Intermediate Residence, now called Brant Place. Also, it is the start of my second year in the Junior Choir.
The Junior Choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 22, 1988 and the Parents Day Program on June 22, 1989.
That year, I was involved in the following sports
Sport Dates
Cross Country Running
September 7-October 26, 1988
Soccer
September 7-October 26, 1988
Swimming/Wrestling
November 7, 1988-April 27, 1989
Floor Hockey/Goalball
November 7, 1988-April 27, 1989
Baseball/Track and Field
May 1-June 15, 1989
After the performance on June 22, 1989, I went home because there was less than one week left in the school year. I remained at home from June 23-30, 1989. Then I went up to the cottage for the customary month. I went from July 1-August 7, 1989, but I went up on weekends from August 11 through September 4, 1989
P A R T T W O
I am the Bread of Life says the Lord, whoever eats this bread will never be hungry, whoever drinks in me will never thirst. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy are those who trust in him
St. John 6:30-35
CHAPTER ELEVEN
GRADE SIX
SEPTEMBER 1989-JUNE 1990
On September 5, 1989, I entered Grade Six, the third year living at the Intermediate residence, now called Brant Place, It was also the third and final year in the Junior Choir.
The Junior Choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 21, 1989 and at the Parents Day Music Program on June 14, 1990.
The fall of 1989 was not very good to me. In mid-December, I was taken from my mother's home. On December 22, 1989, I moved to Kitchener to start a new life.
In January 1990, I began the new year in a new city in a peaceful home.
Here is the rundown of the performance entitled “There's Magic In The Air”.
Welcome
Rhythm Band: “A Little Dutch Story” and “Robin Red Breast”
Opening Remarks
Grade 3 class: “Naughty Hands” and “Hands Up”.
A Grade 4 class: “All about Me”
A Grade 2 class “Like Magic”
A Grade 3 class: “I Think It's Magic” ad “Do You?”
A Grade 5 class: “Do AS I am Doing”
After the performance, I went home with my Dad, but returned to school the next week, because there was still two weeks left in the school year. When I got home on June 29, 1990, I went up to the cottage from June 30-August 6, 1990, but continued going up on weekends until September 3, 1990.
CHAPTER TWELVE:
THE DIVORCE
1987-1992
Things started to get bad in the fall of 1987 with fighting. While my life at school was peaceful, my life at home was like a war zone.
I managed to get through Christmas 1987 and through much of 1988, Than it all came to a head in 1989. I ended up leaving Oshawa and moving in with relatives in Kitchener. My father got a new girlfriend and moved during the summer of 19990. 1991 and 1992 were peaceful years. My father remarried in 1993.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE MOVE TO KITCHENER
In December 1989, me and my brother and my father moved in with relatives in Kitchener. The house was in the Fairway section of the city and close to the Fairway Park Mall.
Even though the three of us were there for only the first eight months of 1990, we were able to get back on our feet.
I started the new year in a new city, living a new life. It was a shorter bus ride from Kitchener to Brantford. I spent only the Winter Term (January 8-March 9, 1990), March Break (March 10-18, 1989) and the Spring Term (March 19-June 28, 19990) and part of the summer, it was better off for the whole family.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
THE MOVE TO ARTHUR
In August 1990, the four of us moved to Arthur Township. This meant a longer trip on Sundays to school. The bus would pick e up at 5:30p.m. And drop me off at the school at 8:00p.m. On Fridays, I would leave Brantford and arrive at the babysitter;s home in Fergus at 2:30p.m., where I would wait for my new stepmother to get off work. That would only last until the new year, 1991. Then, I would go right from Brantford to Arthur.
The campground across the street provided me with a place to cool off in the next four summers, 1991-1994.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
GRADE SEVEN
SEPTEMBER 1990-JUNE 1991:
On September 4th, 1990, I entered Grade Seven. This was the start of my fourth year in the Intermediate Residence, now called Brant Place and my first of two years in the Intermediate Choir.
During that year, the choir did three performances. First, at the Christmas Assembly on December 20, 1990. Second, at the Parents Day Program on April 25, 1991 and at a school in Toronto in May 1991.
I was involved in the following sports
Swimming November 1990-April 1991
Floor Hockey: November 1990-January 1991
Baseball and Track and Field: May-June 1991.
Work at Grade seven was not very hard. I started the year having to go to a baby sitter after school on Fridays for the Fall term, from September 7 through December 21, 1990, but in the new year, starting January 11, 1991, I would travel right to Arthur. When school ended on June 28, 1991, I went up to the cottage for the whole month of July. I had to return to Arthur on August 05. 1991. Shortly after, I went with my aunt for one week. The rest of that summer was spent going to the cottage on weekend.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
GRADE EIGHT
SEPTEMBER 1991-JUNE 1992
On September 3, 1991, I entered grade Eight. It was the start of my fifth and final year in the Intermediate residence, now called Brant Place, and my second and final year in the Intermediate Choir.
The choir did three performances. The Christmas Assembly on December 19, 1991 and the Parents Day Program on April 23, 1992.
I also did the following sports:
Cross Country Running: September-October 1991
Soccer: September-October 1991.
Swimming: November 1991-April 1992
Floor Hockey: November 1991-January 1992
Goalball: February-April 1992
Baseball/Track: May-June 1992.
Again, the work was not very hard. When school ended on June 26, 1992, I stayed at home for five days until I went to the cottage on July 1, 1992 and returned home to Arthur on August 2m 1992. I went to camp at Lake Joseph and went to my aunt for the customary one-week stay. The remaining weekends of the summer until September 7, 1992 was spent at the cottage.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
GRADE NINE
SEPTEMBER 1992-JUNE 1993
On September 8, 1993, I entered grade Nine. The work was going to be hard and exams loomed large. Exams were held in December 1992 and June 1993. I passed both with flying colours. I was in the first year of living in the Senior Residence, now called Wilkes Hall and the first year of being in the senior choir.
During that year, the choir had three performances.
Christmas Assembly:December 17, 1992
Parents Day: April 29, 1993
Canadian-American Choir festival May 1993
I was also involved in the following sports:
Cross Country Running/Football: September-October 1992
Swimming/Wrestling: November 1992-April 1993
Floor Hockey: November 1992-January 1993
Goalball: February-April 1993
Baseball/Track: May-June 1993.
When school ended on June 25, 1993, I remained home for a week until going to the cottage from July 2 through August 2, 1993. I then went to Lake Joseph for camp and went with my aunt. The remaining weeks of the summer, through September 6, 1993, I spent up at the cottage.
CHAPTER EIGHTEN:
GRADE TEN
SEPTEMBER 1993-JUNE 1994
On September 7, 1993, I entered Grade Ten, This was my second year living in Senior Residence, now called Wilkes Hall and the second year in the High School Choir.
During that year, the High School Choir did four performances
Queen's Park, Toronto December 1993
Christmas Assembly: December 23, 1993
Parents Day: April 28, 1994
Graduation: June 15, 1994
I was in the following sports that year
Cross Country Running/Football: September-October 1993
Swimming/Floor Hockey/Goalball: November 1993-April 1994
baseball/Track May-June 1994.
When school ended on June 24, 1993, I was at home for one week prior to going up to the cottage from July 1-August 1, 1994. I went to Lake Joseph for camp in July and Camp Frenda in August. It was not a good summer, but I salvaged it by going to my aunt's home in mid August. I remained home until school started in early September. It would be my last summer at home.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
GRADE ELEVEN BASIC
SEPTEMBER 1994-JUNE 1995
On September 6, 1994, I entered Grade Eleven Basic. It was my third year in Senior residence, now called Wilkes Hall. Also, I started my third year in the High School Choir.
During that year, the choir had five performances
Christmas Assembly: December 22, 1994
Parents Day: April 27, 1995
Trip to Kentucky: May 18-22, 1995
Graduation: June 21, 1995
I was involved in the same sports as in previous years.
I moved from Arthur in early May 1995 going to Windsor for a few weekends, and then being billeted by a residential counsellor on Victoria Day, and going to my biological mother's home at the end of May to early June 1995, eventually settling in Mount Forest to a host family for a month and then moving into a group home owned and operated by Community Living Guelph Wellington.
Here is a letter I wrote in the spring of 1995 to my Aunt Laurel Anne:
W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 3J9 (519)-759-0730
May 17, 1995
Laurel A. Beechey
94 North Street West
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 1C3
Dear Aunt Laurel Anne:
Thank you for your letter of May 10, 1995. That was quite a long letter if you asked me! I laughed at the section on the fourth page of the letter that said “If you go too far on Highway #401 you might never come back”. That was really funny!
Tomorrow, being Thursday, I will be going on a trip to Kentucky with the High School Choir. We will be singing the following songs:
Blessed Are The Pure in Heart
Ave Verum Corpus (Word of God Incarnate)
Jesus, Sun of Life, My Splendour
A Whole New World
Hallelujah, Praise and Honour Be
Surrey with the Fringe on Top
The Director of Music, William Murphy, said that it was a vast contrast between the contemporary songs from the old fashioned songs.
Once again, I love you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Love
Shawn
CHAPTER TWENTY
GRADE ELEVEN GENERAL
SEPTEMBER 1995-JUNE 1996:
On September 5, 1995, I entered grade eleven General. That year, I tried living at an independent living house called MacDonald House. I was there for the Fall term (September 5-December 21, 1995), but moved back to the Senior residence, now called Wilkes Hall, on January 7, 1996. It was also my fourth year in the High School Choir.
The High School Choir did four performances that year
Queen's Park, Toronto: December 1995
Christmas Assembly: December 20, 1995
Parents Day: April 25, 1996
Graduation: June 19, 19966
I was in the same sports as in previous years.
In April 1996, I received a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form on Autism. The rest of my school life was doomed.
P A R T T H R EE
Jesus said to the criminals on either him “Remember me, for today you will be with me in paradise”
-St. Luke 23:34-36
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
GRADE TWELVE
SEPTEMBER 1996-JUNE 1997
On September 3, 1996, I entered Grade Twelve. This was to be my last year, but I would remain for Grade Thirteen, a decision I would later regret. This was the start of my fifth year in Wilkes Hall and in the High School Choir. It would be my last.
The choir did four performances.
Christmas Assembly: December 19, 1996
Parents Day: April 24, 1997
Anniversary Event: May 1, 1997
Graduation: June 18, 1997
This was not a very good year. But the year ended peacefully with my exam.
I did not participate in very many sports that year, except swimming from November 1996 through April 1997. It would be my last. The summer was peaceful and I got my first computer in August.
Here is a my final letter to Aunt Laurel Anne, but written from my own home because school hadn't begun.
Mr. Shawn Turner
351 Jeremy Crescent
Mount Forest, Ontario
N0G 2L0 (519)-323-2704
September 2, 1997
Laurel A Beechey
94 North Street West
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 1C3
Dear Aunt Laurel:
Thanks for having me and Ashley down to your house the first week in August. I had a good time.
Camp was great! On the first day there, there was thing called Mass Program (They have it every night) It was Coffee Shop. I played cards. On Sundays, they had a chapel service under a treehouse. It was wonderful.
There were many outtrips we could go on, like the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, the Fergus market and lunch and bowling in Guelph. I went to Paramount Canada's Wonderland in the 22nd, Fergus market on the 23rd and lunch and bowling in Guelph on the 25th.
There were other programs that I attended. They have swimming, crafts. Animal Farm, Boating, and I cannot remember the other ones.
They also had Indian Day on the 25th. I wore a huge headdress and and armbands.
I hope you had fun reading this letter.
Yours Truly
Shawn Turner
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
GRADE THIRTEEN
SEPTEMBER 1997-JUNE 1998
On September 2, 1997, I entered Grade thirteen. That was a big mistake. I only lasted the months of September and October and the first full week of November. I had enough credits so i was deemed exempt from the December 1997 and June 1998 examinations. An agreement was made to do the work for the remainder of the school year via postal mail starting in January 1998.
I still graduated. I came to the school to accept my graduation certificate on June 17, 1998. Finally, that chapter of my life was over.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
GRADUATION
JUNE 1998
Finally, on June 17, 1998, I went to the school to accept my graduation diploma, ending a terrible chapter of my life. But more woes were to come.
This was the last time I saw my grandfather alive. He died the following sumer.
Graduation was a step to employment,. The closing of one door and the opening of another door. Some go immediately to college, some go to work first. I went to work first. I took two years off before perusing post-secondary education.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The following is a timeline of events following my graduation from high school.
June 8-September 30, 1998: Worked at A.R.C. Industries in Guelph.
January 6, 1999: I am taken off major antidepresant.
August 12, 1999: I go to memorial service for my grandfather.
August 14, 1999: I attend wedding of Terry and Dawn Davison
October 9, 1999: I attend wedding of Chantal Sainte-Denis and Douglas Faas
May 27, 2001: I am confirmed in Hamilton
March 3, 2002: I attend window dedication service in Tillsonburg
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
COLLEGE APIRATIONS
Two years after completing high school, I entered Conestoga College's Upgrading Program. I had to leave in January 2002.
In August of that year, another attempt was made when I went to the Wellington County Continuing Education school. It was doomed from the start,
No other attempts were made until December 2005, when at a meeting at the college, recommended me to do an entrance test. Those tests were completed from February to March 2006.
In September 2006, I began a series of online courses:
Microsoft FrontPage (September-December 2006)
Adobe Dreamweaver (January-April 2007)
and
Adobe Flash CS3 (May-July 2007)
A new initiative was launched so I could pay for college, I applied and got the money in August 2007. I will be taking the full Webmaster Program starting April 2008.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
MUSICAL HISTORY
Since I was a child, I have always had a love of music. Whether it is Christian or secular, I have always loved the sounds of music.
I was in the Primary Choir from 1984-1987, the Junior School Choir from 1987 through 1990, the Intermediate Choir from 1990-1992 and the High School choir from 1992-1997.
In 1995, I joined the choir of St. Paul's Anglican Church from October 1995-February 1996 when I moved to Guelph. I moved back to Mount Forest in November 1996 and went back into the choir of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Mount Forest from January 1997-May 1998. Since May 1998, I have been singing in the choir of St. David and St. Patrick's Anglican Church in Guelph.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
BUSINESS GOALS
I have always wanted to earn an extra income for myself, because I am currently on Ontario Disability Support Program. Writing this book and selling it is just another opportunity.
I hope you will consider reading my book and purchasing it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT:
VOLUNTEERISM
At the heart of the Christian fiaith there is a principle that giving of your time and/or money is good and righteous.
I volunteer at several agencies in town such as the snack stand at Action Read Literacy Centre, my church, the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington and other events and agencies throughout Guelph.
EPILOGUE:
I hope you had a good time reading this book. This book means a lot to me and I hope you buy the book.
Thank you
Shawn Turner
Author
AND TIMES
OF SHAWN
TURNER
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
BY SHAWN TURNER
© SHAWN TURNER
PUBLISHER 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One: A Family History
Chapter Two: Birth
Chapter Three: The Move to Oshawa
Chapter Four: Junior Kindergarten
Chapter Five: Senior Kindergarten
Chapter Six: Grade One
Chapter Seven: Grade Two
Chapter Eight: Grade Three
Chapter Nine: Grade Four
Chapter Ten: Grade Five
Chapter Eleven: Grade Six
Chapter Twelve: The Divorce
Chapter Thirteen: Grade Seven
Chapter Fourteen: Grade Eight
Chapter Fifteen: Grade Nine
Chapter Sixteen: Grade Ten
Chapter Seventeen: Grade Eleven General
Chapter Eighteen: Grade Nine
Chapter Nineteen: Grade Ten
Chapter Twenty: Grade Eleven Basic
Chapter Twenty-One: Grade Eleven Basic
Chapter Twenty-Two: Grade Twelve
Chapter Twenty-Three: Graduation
Chapter Twenty-Four: Life After Graduation
Chapter Twenty-Five: College Aspirations
Chapter Twenty-Six: Musical History
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Business Goals
Chapter Twenty-Eight Volunteerism
Epilogue
PROLOGUE
The need to write a book is and was a dream for me. Even submitting the book to as publisher is daunting. I have tried to submit my book to Whitmore Publishing which would have published my book without charge. But they rejected me. Recently, I submitted a proposal to the Board of Directors of O’Reilly Publishers Inc. I have not heard back.
So, I must proceed in this fashion. To operate as a self-publisher, by doing all my promotions by myself using the power of the Internet and by word of mouth.
Once my book is published, I would sell and market this book at the Guelph Farmers Market and using my web site for fulfillment of online orders.
Dated at Guelph, Ontario
Monday, January 7, 2008
DEDICATION
I wish to dedicate this book to the Glory of God in loving memory of Ronald Francis Turner, born 2 December 1925 and died on 6 August 1999: Rest in Peace.
I also wish to dedicate this book to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Ashley James Turner, who died on 14 November 2005 as a result of a car accident. Rest In Peace.
PART ONE
I bring you great news you have found favour with God and are great with child from the Holy Spirit, and you will conceive and have a son, and shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people
-St. Luke 1:33-38
CHAPTER ONE: A family HISTORY
1867: Birth of Margaret Hidgson in England
1898: Birth of James Lamb
1922: Birth of Ronald Francis Turner
1925: Birth of Laurel Joyce Lamb
1950: Birth of Robert Allen James Turner
1952: Birth of Laurel Anne Turner
1954: Birth of Karen Elizabeth Leighton
1955: Birth of MaryJane Damphousse
1959-60: Acquisition of cottage northwest of Huntsville that is still in the family today.
1974: Marriage of Robert A.J. Turner, age 24, and Mary Jane Damphousse, age 19.
1977: I am born. More about that in the next chapter.
1978: My great-grandmother is dead/
1980: Part of the family moves to Oshawa.
1982: Birth of Ashley James Turner
1983: Marriage of Laurel A Beechey and Peter Morley Beechey.
1987-1992: A bitter divorce occurs, more information later on in the book.
1989: Death of James Lamb, age 91.
1990: Ronald Francis Turner, age 68 and Laurel Joyce Turner, age 65, moves to Tillsonburg to be closer to her daughter and son in law.
1999: Death of Ronald Francis Turner, age 76.
2005: Ashley James Turner dies, age 23 ½.
CHAPTER TWO:
BIRTH OF SHAWN TURNER
On March 22nd, 1977, I was born at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor. When I was born, it was discovered by the doctors that my optic nerve failed to grow to its normal size. I would not be able to see like a normal person.
My parents and family were shocked when they heard the diagnosis, but they decided to keep me, and not putting me up for adoption.
Soon after my birth, I was baptized at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Windsor. This is the same church that my grandmother attended since her own baptism in 1925.
The home I lived in when I was born was a 19th century home on Victoria Avenue and my grandparents lived in a home on Hall Avenue.
CHAPTER THREE:
THE MOVE TO OSHAWA
Sometime in 1980, my father was transferred from his job at a Chrysler plant in Windsor to another plant in Whitby, east of Toronto, so my father bought a home at 286 Shamrock Crescent in Oshawa and the three of us moved into the home.
The house, which had three storeys In the basement, there was a television, a boombox for playing music for parties, a piano and a bar. Many parties were held there. On the main floor, was the living room and the kitchen. There was also a set of French doors looking out onto a patio. On the upper floor, were the bedrooms and bathroom. This was were me and my brother slept.
CHAPTER FOUR:
BIRTH OF ASHLEY TURNER
On May 24, 1982, my brother, Ashley James Turner, was born at Oshawa General Hospital. He was baptized during the summer at St. Olaf's Anglican Church, near Bear Lake, Ontario, across the lake from our summer cottage. I was five years old at the time.
Having this other person in the family was good, someone else to talk to, other than mom and dad.
That year, I had just learned to walk. I was a late bloomer, because of my visual impairment. If I had learned when I was baby, It would have been a lot better off in life.
CHAPTER FIVE:
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
SEPTEMBER 1982-JUNE 1983
In September 1982, I entered Junior Kindergarten at Glenholm Public School in Oshawa.
The following subjects were taught:
Fall (September-December)
Leaves turning color, falling to the ground
Remembrance Day observance
Making of Advent calendars in preparations for Christmas.
Winter (January-March)
Snow and its beauty
Ice skating
Toboganning
Having hot chocolate
Spring (April-June)
Good Friday/Easter
Flowers and there beauty
Warm weather
Awaiting the summer off.
CHAPTER SIX:
SENIOR KINDERGARTEN
SEPTEMBER 1983-JUNE 1984
In September 1983, I entered Senior Kindergarten at the same school, but was transferred after the Fall term (September-December).
I started at W. Ross Macdonald School in Brantford, Ontario on Monday, January 10, 1984. The Winter term went from January 10 to March 9, 1984, with March Break going from March 10-18. The Spring Term went from March 19 to June 30, 1984.
Starting with the Summer of 1984, I would be staying up at the cottage with my brother for one month. I was there from June 29 through August 6, 1984, but went on weekends from August 10-12, until August 31-September 3, 1984.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
GRADE ONE
SEPTEMBER 1984-JUNE 1985
On September 4, 1984, I entered grade one. I was seven-and-a-half years old at the time. I remained in the Junior Residence since January. I also joined the Primary Choir that year. I remained in the choir until June of 1987.
There was only two performances that year:
Christmas Assembly: Thursday, December 20, 1984 and the Open House/Parents Day Program entitled “A Few of Our Favourite Things”, on Thursday, June 20th, 1985.
The following is an except of the events that happened that afternoon
Welcome: David A. Neill, Superintendent
Rhythm Band “Favorite Tunes”
The Choir: “The Fate of Gilbert Gim
Favourite Nursery Rhymes – two grade one classes of 1984-85
Vocal Solo: “Jig Jog”
“The Three Bears” - Grade three and four classes
Piano Solo: “March of the Terrible Trolls”
“Our Favourite Yellow School Bus” - Grade 3 class
The Choir: “Turn On The Sun”
Piano Solo: “Bear's Dance”.
“Down By The River Bed” one Grade 3 class
“Baker's Dozen”- Recorder Group
“Our Favourite Animals In The Zoo” - one Grade 6 class.
Piano Solo: “Squirrels at Play”
The Choir: “The School Library
“Snow White” -one Grade 2 class
Vocal Solo: “The Turtle”
“Winnie The Pooh” two Grade 2 classes
the Finale “Our Favourite Things”
Almost immediately after the performance, I went home with my parents for the summer, because there was only one week left.
I was home for one week, June 21-28, 1985, then I went up to the cottage for one month straight, from June 29-August 05, 1985. But I would come up on weekends from August 9 through September 02, 1985.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
GRADE TWO
SEPTEMBER 1985-JUNE 1986
On September 03, 1985, I entered Grade Two. It was the start of my second year in the Junior Residence, now called Park Place, and my second year in the Primary Choir. The Fall Term went from September 03 until December 20, 1985.
The Primary choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 19, 1985 with the other choirs. One day later, the students went home for Christmas from December 21, 1985-January 5, 1986.
After Christmas, the students came back renewed. The Winter Term went from January 6-March 7, 1986, with March Break going from March 8-16, 1986. On March 17, 1986, the spring term began, ending on June 27, 1986.
The following is the agenda for the Music Program for Thursday, June 12, 1986.
Primary Rhythm Band “Celebration” and “SpringJunior Choir: “Ice Cream” and “Gingerbread Mountain”.
Body Rhythm Pattern: “Sunburst”.
Recorders: “The Frog” and “Skip to my Lou”
Handbells: The Scare Song
Piano Solo
Primary Choir: “Springtime is Singtime”, “The Skunk” and “”I'm So Tired”
Orff: “The Dance”.
Handbells
Orff: “Land of the Silver Birrch
Piano Solo
Primary Choir: “Grandpa's Whiskers”
Junior Choir: “Alleluia” and “Spring”.
Finale “Teach Me”
After the performance that day, I went home with my parents, but returned to school for two more weeks, before going home for the summer on June 27, 1986. Like the two summers before, I would stay at the cottage for more than a month, from June 28-August 4, 1986, but continued to go up on weekends from August 8 through September 1, 1986.
CHAPTER EIGHT:
GRADE THREE
SEPTEMBER 1986-JUNE 1987
On September 2, 1986, I entered Grade Three. It was the start of my third and final year in the Junior Residence, now called Park Place, and my final year in the Primary Choir. The fall term went from September 2-December 19, 1986.
The choir once again performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 18, 1986. The next day, I went home for Christmas, until January 4, 1987.
The winter term went from January 5-March 6, 1987, with March Break going from March 7-15, 1987. No performances were made during this term.
The Spring Term went from March 16-June 26, 1987.
Here is the agenda for the Parents Day Program for the 1986-87 school year.
“TALENT SMORGASBORD”
Welcome
Rhythm Band: “March: Robin in the Rain”
Junior Choir: “We Love Music”.
Recorder Group: “On The Bridge of “Avignon”
Recorder Group: “The Muffin Man”.
Student Writing: “Sailor Life”
Orff Sound Composition: “Sugar Bush”
Recorder Group: “Barcarolle”
Primary Choir: “I Don't Know Why”
Primary Choir: “My Kite”
Junior Choir: “We Want to Sing”
Vocal Solo: “Candle Talk”
Piano Solo: “Allegro in B Flat”
Piano Duet: “Running Shoes”
Primary Choir: “Oh Me, Oh My”
Primary Choir: “Poof! It Is Spring
Vocal Solo: “My Kitty”
Handbells “Ode To Joy”
Orff Rhythm Poem: “Seasons”
Primary and Junior Choirs “We are All God's Children:
Junior Choir: “The Mill Wheel”
Primary Choir: “Brownie In The Cookie Jar”
Primary Choir: “Bessie, The Black Cat”
Choral Speech: “The Cremation of Sam McGee”
Vocal Solo: “Friendly Robin”
Junior Choir: “It Is a Wonderful Thing To Be Me”.
Orff: “Lullaby”
Handbells/Flute: “Jacob's Ladder”
Finale: “Be Kind To Your Parents”
The performance was held on June 18, 1987. After the performance, I went home with my parents but returned to school for one more week. After I came home on June 26, I remained home until I went up to the cottage on June 30, 1987. I remained at the cottage from July 1-August 3, 1987, but continued to go up on weekends from August 7 through September 7, 1987.
CHAPTER NINE:
GRADE FOUR:
SEPTEMBER 1987-JUNE 1988
On September 8, 1987, I entered grade Four. It was the start of a five year stay in the Intermediate Residence now called Brant Place. I lived on the main floor. It was also the start of a three year stint in the Junior Choir. The fall term went from September 8 to December 18, 1987. The Junior Choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 17, 1987. I was also introduced to sports. In the fall, I did cross country running and soccer from September 9 through October 29, 1987. I also did floor hockey from November 2nd, 1987 through January 28, 1988 and swimming and wrestling from November 9, 1987 through April 28, 1988.
On December 18, 1987, I went home to Oshawa for Christmas. I returned to Brantford on January 3, 1988. The Winter term went from January 4-March 11, 1988.
Throughout the winter term, I continued with swimming and wrestling. When floor hockey was over, the new sport was goalball (a sport where you throw a ball wit bells inside) from February 1 through April 29th. In April, I went to my first swim meet ever, at Brantford; the Provincial Schools Swim meet. The year ended with Baseball and Track and Field during May and June. March Break was from March 12-20, 1988 and the spring term went from March 21-June 24, 1987. The music performance was held on June 16, 1988. After the performance, I went home for the summer, because there was one week left. I remained home until going up to the cottage on June 30, 1988. Again, I remained at the cottage from July 1-August 1, 1988. When me and my brother were returned to Oshawa, my mom turned around and drove both of us to Windsor and dropped both of us off in Windsor at 1:00a.m. On August 2, 1988. Both of us remained in Windsor from August 2-14, 1988. whereupon, my Aunt from Tillsonburg took us back to he rhome, thus giving birth to an August tradition of spending one week with my aunt. I was returned to Oshawa on August 21, 1988. I remained at home from August 22-September 5, 1988.
The following is a letter from my former principal/program director, Carolyn Hudson:
W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 3J9
(519)-759-0730
August 30, 1988
Laurel A. Beechey
94 North Street West
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 1C3
Dear Mrs. Beecchey:
Thank you for your kind letter brought to my attention at the end of June. Forgive me for not answering you before now, because I have been extremely busy for 1988-89 school year plans and lecturing a 1988 Summer School Course offered in July.
Shawn is a little guy that I ave watched develop physically, socially and academically over a few years now. I have a special place in my heart for Shawn as I remember the first contact I made with his parents at his school in Oshawa. I had the pleasure of evaluating him at that time. Shawn has progressed extremely well.
In answer to your enquiry, any money that is donated to our school is placed in the Student's Benefits Fund. This fund is used for the personal needs of students whose parents are in need of some support i,e, orthodontist costs, clothing, special linens, etc.
There are times when parents ask that a donation be used in a specific way, i.e., playground equipment, furniture for life skills, typewriters, etc. Our education needs are fully met by the Provincial Government.
At the present time, we are attempting to equip a room with furnishings for life skills. We are emphasizing the lifeskills program for our children that are not academically inclined by attempting to simulate a functional environment as a teaching base for more independent life skills. This training will benefit all of our children.
Our children go on many trips. These trips enhance the learning for our children. i.e, a petting zoo and Christmas shopping, a hands on museum, a court session, a conservation area, a supermarket, a bakery and a greenhouse.
We have school vehicles that we use for that purpose. Experienced-based learning is an important aspect of our educational program.
Thank you for your interest in our school. Please feel free to contact me at the school at 519-759-0730 Ext #240
Sincerely Yours
Carolyn Hudson
Principal/Program Director
Elementary Division
CHAPTER TEN
GRADE FIVE
SEPTEMBER 1988-JUNE 1989
On September 6, 1988, I entered grade Five. It is the start of my second year in the Intermediate Residence, now called Brant Place. Also, it is the start of my second year in the Junior Choir.
The Junior Choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 22, 1988 and the Parents Day Program on June 22, 1989.
That year, I was involved in the following sports
Sport Dates
Cross Country Running
September 7-October 26, 1988
Soccer
September 7-October 26, 1988
Swimming/Wrestling
November 7, 1988-April 27, 1989
Floor Hockey/Goalball
November 7, 1988-April 27, 1989
Baseball/Track and Field
May 1-June 15, 1989
After the performance on June 22, 1989, I went home because there was less than one week left in the school year. I remained at home from June 23-30, 1989. Then I went up to the cottage for the customary month. I went from July 1-August 7, 1989, but I went up on weekends from August 11 through September 4, 1989
P A R T T W O
I am the Bread of Life says the Lord, whoever eats this bread will never be hungry, whoever drinks in me will never thirst. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy are those who trust in him
St. John 6:30-35
CHAPTER ELEVEN
GRADE SIX
SEPTEMBER 1989-JUNE 1990
On September 5, 1989, I entered Grade Six, the third year living at the Intermediate residence, now called Brant Place, It was also the third and final year in the Junior Choir.
The Junior Choir performed at the Christmas Assembly on December 21, 1989 and at the Parents Day Music Program on June 14, 1990.
The fall of 1989 was not very good to me. In mid-December, I was taken from my mother's home. On December 22, 1989, I moved to Kitchener to start a new life.
In January 1990, I began the new year in a new city in a peaceful home.
Here is the rundown of the performance entitled “There's Magic In The Air”.
Welcome
Rhythm Band: “A Little Dutch Story” and “Robin Red Breast”
Opening Remarks
Grade 3 class: “Naughty Hands” and “Hands Up”.
A Grade 4 class: “All about Me”
A Grade 2 class “Like Magic”
A Grade 3 class: “I Think It's Magic” ad “Do You?”
A Grade 5 class: “Do AS I am Doing”
After the performance, I went home with my Dad, but returned to school the next week, because there was still two weeks left in the school year. When I got home on June 29, 1990, I went up to the cottage from June 30-August 6, 1990, but continued going up on weekends until September 3, 1990.
CHAPTER TWELVE:
THE DIVORCE
1987-1992
Things started to get bad in the fall of 1987 with fighting. While my life at school was peaceful, my life at home was like a war zone.
I managed to get through Christmas 1987 and through much of 1988, Than it all came to a head in 1989. I ended up leaving Oshawa and moving in with relatives in Kitchener. My father got a new girlfriend and moved during the summer of 19990. 1991 and 1992 were peaceful years. My father remarried in 1993.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE MOVE TO KITCHENER
In December 1989, me and my brother and my father moved in with relatives in Kitchener. The house was in the Fairway section of the city and close to the Fairway Park Mall.
Even though the three of us were there for only the first eight months of 1990, we were able to get back on our feet.
I started the new year in a new city, living a new life. It was a shorter bus ride from Kitchener to Brantford. I spent only the Winter Term (January 8-March 9, 1990), March Break (March 10-18, 1989) and the Spring Term (March 19-June 28, 19990) and part of the summer, it was better off for the whole family.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
THE MOVE TO ARTHUR
In August 1990, the four of us moved to Arthur Township. This meant a longer trip on Sundays to school. The bus would pick e up at 5:30p.m. And drop me off at the school at 8:00p.m. On Fridays, I would leave Brantford and arrive at the babysitter;s home in Fergus at 2:30p.m., where I would wait for my new stepmother to get off work. That would only last until the new year, 1991. Then, I would go right from Brantford to Arthur.
The campground across the street provided me with a place to cool off in the next four summers, 1991-1994.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
GRADE SEVEN
SEPTEMBER 1990-JUNE 1991:
On September 4th, 1990, I entered Grade Seven. This was the start of my fourth year in the Intermediate Residence, now called Brant Place and my first of two years in the Intermediate Choir.
During that year, the choir did three performances. First, at the Christmas Assembly on December 20, 1990. Second, at the Parents Day Program on April 25, 1991 and at a school in Toronto in May 1991.
I was involved in the following sports
Swimming November 1990-April 1991
Floor Hockey: November 1990-January 1991
Baseball and Track and Field: May-June 1991.
Work at Grade seven was not very hard. I started the year having to go to a baby sitter after school on Fridays for the Fall term, from September 7 through December 21, 1990, but in the new year, starting January 11, 1991, I would travel right to Arthur. When school ended on June 28, 1991, I went up to the cottage for the whole month of July. I had to return to Arthur on August 05. 1991. Shortly after, I went with my aunt for one week. The rest of that summer was spent going to the cottage on weekend.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
GRADE EIGHT
SEPTEMBER 1991-JUNE 1992
On September 3, 1991, I entered grade Eight. It was the start of my fifth and final year in the Intermediate residence, now called Brant Place, and my second and final year in the Intermediate Choir.
The choir did three performances. The Christmas Assembly on December 19, 1991 and the Parents Day Program on April 23, 1992.
I also did the following sports:
Cross Country Running: September-October 1991
Soccer: September-October 1991.
Swimming: November 1991-April 1992
Floor Hockey: November 1991-January 1992
Goalball: February-April 1992
Baseball/Track: May-June 1992.
Again, the work was not very hard. When school ended on June 26, 1992, I stayed at home for five days until I went to the cottage on July 1, 1992 and returned home to Arthur on August 2m 1992. I went to camp at Lake Joseph and went to my aunt for the customary one-week stay. The remaining weekends of the summer until September 7, 1992 was spent at the cottage.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
GRADE NINE
SEPTEMBER 1992-JUNE 1993
On September 8, 1993, I entered grade Nine. The work was going to be hard and exams loomed large. Exams were held in December 1992 and June 1993. I passed both with flying colours. I was in the first year of living in the Senior Residence, now called Wilkes Hall and the first year of being in the senior choir.
During that year, the choir had three performances.
Christmas Assembly:December 17, 1992
Parents Day: April 29, 1993
Canadian-American Choir festival May 1993
I was also involved in the following sports:
Cross Country Running/Football: September-October 1992
Swimming/Wrestling: November 1992-April 1993
Floor Hockey: November 1992-January 1993
Goalball: February-April 1993
Baseball/Track: May-June 1993.
When school ended on June 25, 1993, I remained home for a week until going to the cottage from July 2 through August 2, 1993. I then went to Lake Joseph for camp and went with my aunt. The remaining weeks of the summer, through September 6, 1993, I spent up at the cottage.
CHAPTER EIGHTEN:
GRADE TEN
SEPTEMBER 1993-JUNE 1994
On September 7, 1993, I entered Grade Ten, This was my second year living in Senior Residence, now called Wilkes Hall and the second year in the High School Choir.
During that year, the High School Choir did four performances
Queen's Park, Toronto December 1993
Christmas Assembly: December 23, 1993
Parents Day: April 28, 1994
Graduation: June 15, 1994
I was in the following sports that year
Cross Country Running/Football: September-October 1993
Swimming/Floor Hockey/Goalball: November 1993-April 1994
baseball/Track May-June 1994.
When school ended on June 24, 1993, I was at home for one week prior to going up to the cottage from July 1-August 1, 1994. I went to Lake Joseph for camp in July and Camp Frenda in August. It was not a good summer, but I salvaged it by going to my aunt's home in mid August. I remained home until school started in early September. It would be my last summer at home.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
GRADE ELEVEN BASIC
SEPTEMBER 1994-JUNE 1995
On September 6, 1994, I entered Grade Eleven Basic. It was my third year in Senior residence, now called Wilkes Hall. Also, I started my third year in the High School Choir.
During that year, the choir had five performances
Christmas Assembly: December 22, 1994
Parents Day: April 27, 1995
Trip to Kentucky: May 18-22, 1995
Graduation: June 21, 1995
I was involved in the same sports as in previous years.
I moved from Arthur in early May 1995 going to Windsor for a few weekends, and then being billeted by a residential counsellor on Victoria Day, and going to my biological mother's home at the end of May to early June 1995, eventually settling in Mount Forest to a host family for a month and then moving into a group home owned and operated by Community Living Guelph Wellington.
Here is a letter I wrote in the spring of 1995 to my Aunt Laurel Anne:
W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 3J9 (519)-759-0730
May 17, 1995
Laurel A. Beechey
94 North Street West
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 1C3
Dear Aunt Laurel Anne:
Thank you for your letter of May 10, 1995. That was quite a long letter if you asked me! I laughed at the section on the fourth page of the letter that said “If you go too far on Highway #401 you might never come back”. That was really funny!
Tomorrow, being Thursday, I will be going on a trip to Kentucky with the High School Choir. We will be singing the following songs:
Blessed Are The Pure in Heart
Ave Verum Corpus (Word of God Incarnate)
Jesus, Sun of Life, My Splendour
A Whole New World
Hallelujah, Praise and Honour Be
Surrey with the Fringe on Top
The Director of Music, William Murphy, said that it was a vast contrast between the contemporary songs from the old fashioned songs.
Once again, I love you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Love
Shawn
CHAPTER TWENTY
GRADE ELEVEN GENERAL
SEPTEMBER 1995-JUNE 1996:
On September 5, 1995, I entered grade eleven General. That year, I tried living at an independent living house called MacDonald House. I was there for the Fall term (September 5-December 21, 1995), but moved back to the Senior residence, now called Wilkes Hall, on January 7, 1996. It was also my fourth year in the High School Choir.
The High School Choir did four performances that year
Queen's Park, Toronto: December 1995
Christmas Assembly: December 20, 1995
Parents Day: April 25, 1996
Graduation: June 19, 19966
I was in the same sports as in previous years.
In April 1996, I received a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form on Autism. The rest of my school life was doomed.
P A R T T H R EE
Jesus said to the criminals on either him “Remember me, for today you will be with me in paradise”
-St. Luke 23:34-36
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
GRADE TWELVE
SEPTEMBER 1996-JUNE 1997
On September 3, 1996, I entered Grade Twelve. This was to be my last year, but I would remain for Grade Thirteen, a decision I would later regret. This was the start of my fifth year in Wilkes Hall and in the High School Choir. It would be my last.
The choir did four performances.
Christmas Assembly: December 19, 1996
Parents Day: April 24, 1997
Anniversary Event: May 1, 1997
Graduation: June 18, 1997
This was not a very good year. But the year ended peacefully with my exam.
I did not participate in very many sports that year, except swimming from November 1996 through April 1997. It would be my last. The summer was peaceful and I got my first computer in August.
Here is a my final letter to Aunt Laurel Anne, but written from my own home because school hadn't begun.
Mr. Shawn Turner
351 Jeremy Crescent
Mount Forest, Ontario
N0G 2L0 (519)-323-2704
September 2, 1997
Laurel A Beechey
94 North Street West
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 1C3
Dear Aunt Laurel:
Thanks for having me and Ashley down to your house the first week in August. I had a good time.
Camp was great! On the first day there, there was thing called Mass Program (They have it every night) It was Coffee Shop. I played cards. On Sundays, they had a chapel service under a treehouse. It was wonderful.
There were many outtrips we could go on, like the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, the Fergus market and lunch and bowling in Guelph. I went to Paramount Canada's Wonderland in the 22nd, Fergus market on the 23rd and lunch and bowling in Guelph on the 25th.
There were other programs that I attended. They have swimming, crafts. Animal Farm, Boating, and I cannot remember the other ones.
They also had Indian Day on the 25th. I wore a huge headdress and and armbands.
I hope you had fun reading this letter.
Yours Truly
Shawn Turner
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
GRADE THIRTEEN
SEPTEMBER 1997-JUNE 1998
On September 2, 1997, I entered Grade thirteen. That was a big mistake. I only lasted the months of September and October and the first full week of November. I had enough credits so i was deemed exempt from the December 1997 and June 1998 examinations. An agreement was made to do the work for the remainder of the school year via postal mail starting in January 1998.
I still graduated. I came to the school to accept my graduation certificate on June 17, 1998. Finally, that chapter of my life was over.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
GRADUATION
JUNE 1998
Finally, on June 17, 1998, I went to the school to accept my graduation diploma, ending a terrible chapter of my life. But more woes were to come.
This was the last time I saw my grandfather alive. He died the following sumer.
Graduation was a step to employment,. The closing of one door and the opening of another door. Some go immediately to college, some go to work first. I went to work first. I took two years off before perusing post-secondary education.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The following is a timeline of events following my graduation from high school.
June 8-September 30, 1998: Worked at A.R.C. Industries in Guelph.
January 6, 1999: I am taken off major antidepresant.
August 12, 1999: I go to memorial service for my grandfather.
August 14, 1999: I attend wedding of Terry and Dawn Davison
October 9, 1999: I attend wedding of Chantal Sainte-Denis and Douglas Faas
May 27, 2001: I am confirmed in Hamilton
March 3, 2002: I attend window dedication service in Tillsonburg
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
COLLEGE APIRATIONS
Two years after completing high school, I entered Conestoga College's Upgrading Program. I had to leave in January 2002.
In August of that year, another attempt was made when I went to the Wellington County Continuing Education school. It was doomed from the start,
No other attempts were made until December 2005, when at a meeting at the college, recommended me to do an entrance test. Those tests were completed from February to March 2006.
In September 2006, I began a series of online courses:
Microsoft FrontPage (September-December 2006)
Adobe Dreamweaver (January-April 2007)
and
Adobe Flash CS3 (May-July 2007)
A new initiative was launched so I could pay for college, I applied and got the money in August 2007. I will be taking the full Webmaster Program starting April 2008.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
MUSICAL HISTORY
Since I was a child, I have always had a love of music. Whether it is Christian or secular, I have always loved the sounds of music.
I was in the Primary Choir from 1984-1987, the Junior School Choir from 1987 through 1990, the Intermediate Choir from 1990-1992 and the High School choir from 1992-1997.
In 1995, I joined the choir of St. Paul's Anglican Church from October 1995-February 1996 when I moved to Guelph. I moved back to Mount Forest in November 1996 and went back into the choir of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Mount Forest from January 1997-May 1998. Since May 1998, I have been singing in the choir of St. David and St. Patrick's Anglican Church in Guelph.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
BUSINESS GOALS
I have always wanted to earn an extra income for myself, because I am currently on Ontario Disability Support Program. Writing this book and selling it is just another opportunity.
I hope you will consider reading my book and purchasing it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT:
VOLUNTEERISM
At the heart of the Christian fiaith there is a principle that giving of your time and/or money is good and righteous.
I volunteer at several agencies in town such as the snack stand at Action Read Literacy Centre, my church, the Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington and other events and agencies throughout Guelph.
EPILOGUE:
I hope you had a good time reading this book. This book means a lot to me and I hope you buy the book.
Thank you
Shawn Turner
Author
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