Opinion: Hazel McCallion changed my life
I met Hazel McCallion, the remarkable leader and trailblazer who died recently at 101, the way I meet most people — over a shawarma.
Some years ago, my mother came from Lebanon to visit. I saw her walking around the house with a concerned look on her face. After a day or two, my mother finally confronted me. I still remember her words: “Mohamad, you have more photos with Hazel than you have with me!”What some forget about Hazel is that she led a long life of accomplishment and fulfilment before most people even knew who she was.
She and I had our differences at times — like when she endorsed Premier Doug Ford in last provincial election. That decision took me by surprise. Then again, everyone is entitled to one mistake per century. Even later in life, she inspired me to work harder. Every time I’d think about taking an afternoon off, I’d look at what she was doing — a 100-year-old woman — and I’d think: Back to work, Mohamad! You need to keep up!
As for courage, this was a woman who lost teeth playing professional hockey. She entered politics at a time when few women held high office. She didn’t need anyone to grant her courage.
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