November 29, 1978

Hi All,
The above mentionned date was an important date in my life. 26 years have passed since that day when I was just 6 years old. That was the date that I moved from my foster home in the inner city of Winnipeg, Manitoba to the beautiful North Kildonan area of Winnipeg. Even though it is a long time ago, the memories are still very fresh. Mom called me the other night and she had remembered that special date...well, it was the date that made her a first time Mother. And me as her son.
Wow! 26 years! It amazes me at how much has happened in my life since then. I know, and believe within my heart, that it was all of God's plan for me to have a home, a Christian upbringing, and lots of love, especially from Mom. Even though things got to be difficult and painful in the years to come after 1978(which I don't need to get into), my Mom was my saving grace. I loved her. She was my safety, my rock! She still is! I always will say to her, and to others that will listen, that the Lord knew I needed her badly, and that she needed me badly too. The love and attention she gave me, has made me the person I am today. Sometimes I try and imagine what life would have been like for me, had I not been adopted in her home. But that gets to be too scary(thinking of what I would have turned out had I NOT been adopted), so I am just very thankful to have been in her home.
We were talking, and found out that I came to her home on a Thursday, as she had taken the day off school. I think we went downtown later on, and probably stopped by to pick up Daddy. The next day, we started going to school at Dufferin together. And the rest is history. What memories I cherish. Of wanting to be loved, and being loved. Of needing attention, and being attended to.
As I will always say, I am blessed to be her son. Mind you, not her firstborn son as that title aptly belongs to brother Sachia born in 1982(and rightfully so). But I claim the title of her "First Child" which is true. I am the one who made her a mother...so I will end on that note...that I love her soooooo much!! I also look forward to seeing her in a few weeks at Christmas, as well as the whole family.

You should READ her books!!

Hi Friends,
I am at my Mom's in Edmonton this weekend, and having a great time! I wish I lived here all the time, but I don't. I live in Canmore, Alberta, where I work. I think I feel like I would rather be here because Christmas is just around the corner. I love the shopping, the going out for coffee and cookies, the love, warmth and beautiful sounds of music. I also love snuggling in a bed, with blankets wrapped all around me, as I drink some nice tea, and settle in for a good read. Nothing thrills me more, especially on a cold winter's day. And in certain parts of Canada, it can get a bit cold. Okay, okay, very, very cold!
One author I just adore is Crying Wind. Back in 1980, I remember Mom had this book called CRYING WIND. Of course, with myself being a huge bookworm, and still am to this date, I asked to read it, and she let me. It was a wonderful story, and I loved it all. I was about 8 or 9. Then a few years later, I saw at a book fair, in a Church in Bracken, Saskatchewan, the continuing story...MY SEARCHING HEART by Crying Wind. Well I had to get it. Without begging for it of course, and thankfully, Mom did get it for me. I was so thrilled and remember finishing that book that day. I loved it. I think, Crying Wind's story carried me thru my life, and all the turbulence of that time. To know, that she had felt alone and unloved, I knew I was not alone. That God did indeed love me.
Many, many years later...I found out that there was a third book coming out by Crying Wind called WHEN THE STARS DANCED. So I obtained that and it was powerful. To be able to continue to read and share in her journey is a thrill beyond words.
Then I got a chance to email her and she responded with grace and candor.. And for the last 2 years, we have corresponded by email. Not all the time, but we do catch up on each other's lives when we can. She has also encouraged me to get my story out there! Which is a help to me, and I just thank her for her willingness and emotional support. What a blessing she is! What I also love about her, is that she conveys thru her art, and her stories, is that she is a "real" person. Like you know her. What a gift that is! Anyways, I want to encourage you to get her books at www.indianlife.org They make wonderful gifts. I know, I got one for my mother, which she loved!

Just some more ramblings...

Hi All,
Well today was a busy day at work. But it was a good day! Busy but plenty of time to think. I had a nice rest last night so that helped in my day. Now, I am at the internet cafe downtown Canmore. I like doing this, after a busy day, and I feel good after reading my emails. By the way, Denise, I am glad you are my friend! You have so much to offer in many different areas, and not just musically speaking. It was also good to hear from Sandi. Maybe you won't have trouble posting.
I am going to post some pictures in the next few weeks. Some from the Sandi Patty concert. That was really an awesome experience. She really is a wonderful lady! So humble, so sweet. What I really admire about her, is that she went thru a public divorce, and all that stuff, and she came back to singing. Even though she thought she would never sing again. What is so neat, and what she says is, "Isn't it awesome that God is the God of first, second, third, fourth chances!" Which is true. And God is continuing to bless her in her music career. The thing, I feel we can all learn, is that when we judge others, we are taking the place of God, when we shouldn't be doing His job! God is God! God is good! It is our place to let His love flow thru us and thru to others. Be compassionate and be loving. Love is kind! Love doesn't hold malice or grudges! Love is pure! Love comes from God! I know some of my friends have gone thru a lot of pain the last few years, and have grown so much! Keep on praising God, even in your weakness. In our weakness, God is STRONG...or stronger!! He holds us in the palm of HIS great, loving, strong hand! What better place to be than in His hands! Hope these thoughts inspire you...they inspire me! You all inspire me to carry on!

Can't Wait Till Christmas!

Hi Friends,
I cannot wait till Christmas. It will be a good one this year. I had a great time, last year in Edmonton, where I spent my first Christmas with the family since December 1991(back in good ole Swift Current).
Last year, I moved to Edmonton in November, to work and start a life there. I got my own place, and it was nice to see Mom and the family on a weekly basis. I had missed them for so long, and it was nice to develop our furthering relationships. Plus, as they say, Christmas is the most FABULOUS time of the year(okay, I know it is supposed to be WONDERFUL but you know me...I am a bit different...don't get me started on the story..."The boy who cried pig!") Anyhow...where was I?
Last Christmas, we had so much fun shopping and going to the West Edmonton Mall, all the time. We would go for coffee, or something to eat, and to look at all the wonderful gifts. Cori, Mom and I even went driving around in a truck, with Hot Chocolate, doughnuts(from Tim Horton's), and Christmas music cds. We went to the famed Candy Cane Lane there, and I got to see a long street with almost every house decorated with Christmas lights, Christmas scenery etc. Very wonderful! Then we drove by Mom's old house on 89th Avenue, which I think was more for sentimental reasons on Mom and Cori's part, as they had lived there for 11 years, so that was a big part of their life. We also took pics at the Legislature Buildings.
Christmas eve was delightful. We went to Beulah Alliance Church for the service there and then headed to Auntie Jewel's afterwards for food and visiting. It was very awesome for me to feel a part of the family, and to be creating new memories.
I stayed over at Mom's for the holidays. Christmas day was wonderful. Everyone got up, made coffee and then passed the gifts out. I was shocked at all the gifts I kept getting. I had thought I would get a gift and a stocking, but that was not to be the case. I recieved a kettle, a teapot, some tea, chocolates, tapes, camera, Needlepoint book(I hope to take up needlepoint someday for relaxation and creative purposes), a handsome black dress shirt, a Brita water machine, and other fine gifts I cannot think of right now. It was a wonderful time. I was more blessed by being with the family on that day. It really warmed and touched my heart and soul.
Now this Christmas, Mom, Don, Auntie Marcia, Cori and Sachia are coming down to Canmore to spend Christmas eve, Christmas day and part of Boxing day with me. How lucky can I get! So they will have 2 of the cleanest rooms in the Hotel for them! It will be a wonderful time had by all of us! I am so blessed!

Matt Groening(of SIMPSONS fame) is my 3rd cousin! Wow!

Hello,
Just found out that Matt Groening, the creator of the tv show THE SIMPSONS is my third cousin! I knew that my adopted family of Mennonite heritage seems to be related to every other Mennonite, it seems.
Matt's dad Homer Groening, and my Mom are second cousins. My Grandpa Daniel Klaassen is first cousin to Matt's grandpa Abram A Groening. Matt's great grandpa and grandma are Abraham Groening who married Aganetha Klaassen. Aganetha Klaassen is the sister to my great grandpa P. A. Klaassen(or Peter A. Klaassen). Their parents are Abraham Klaassen and Helena(nee Martens)Klaassen, who were born in Russia.

Anyhow,
Later!

Just some thoughts about a crazy me!

Hello,
Being in the Rocky Mountains is one of the most beautiful experiences in my life. It is gorgeous here. With the stately mountains, so magestic, looming above, and around me, in the town of Canmore. I really enjoy being here. Although, I do miss my family in Edmonton, Swift Current, Winnipeg, and of course my great friends in Regina.

There is something wonderful about being here. I feel happy, and more in control of my life. I wonder why that is. Maybe it is because I am alone here, and controlling my destiny, my way. I have just myself to worry about. I don't have to deal with other's problems. Actually, I don't mind helping others, family, friends...but sometimes my own life gets overwhelming, and here, I have some peace of mind. I wonder if that means I am a solitaire kind of person.

Usually back home, I enjoy socializing, visiting friends, going to movies, out for supper, walking around. But since the past year or so, I have cut a lot of that out of my life, to a degree. I have not been diagnosed, but I have suspected, and others have confirmed their suspicians, that I might have anxiety disorder. I have often wondered for a few years, especially since 1999, when I had a bit of a breakdown, but it was not public knowledge. Just a lot of crying for no reason, horrible nightmares of being a child et al...and not seeing a future for myself. But a lot has happened since then, mostly for the better.

I consider myself a stronger person now. That's not to say I have it easy and happy all the time. There are days where I can retreat within myself, and stay in my room for a few days and not go outside, because I feel drained and have nothing to give. Or times, where I get nervous when I am out in public, and I feel weird inside. Or, it's hard for me to cross a street, where there are no lights, but just a stop sign. I sometimes will walk slowly when I see cars lined up waiting to cross and turn, and then speed up to cross the street quickly, before anyone comes. It's hard to explain how I feel. If there are lights, it's not too bad, but I hate people watching me. Other times, when I was staying at my friends, Rich and Susan Letourneau's in Regina, they would have company and I would retreat upstairs to the safety of my room or the computer room. They sometimes wanted me to be downstairs but I couldn't. I didn't want to make "small talk" or act happy when I wasn't or for whatever reason. I just wanted to be left alone, till the company left. Or making a meal and then eating it within the privacy of my room. That is something I still do. I mean, I will eat out in public, but I am much better than what it was during the dark years of my bulimia. I am glad that I am victorious over my fight with bulimia. Not that I don't have mini relapses, but thankful it's not the struggle it was for many, many years starting in 1988. I could write a book just on life! Oh yeah, I have. I am just trying to get it published someday soon.

One of my friends has the most beautiful voice in the world!!

Hi,
One of my good friend, who lives in Regina, is one of the most beautiful voiced singer I have ever heard. I met her in 1993, when I was volunteering at Regina Luthern Nursing Home. Her grandmother was there, and I remember meeting this girl and seeing her and her family. A few years later, in 1995, I met her. I knew she sang and I heard her sing, and she had a lovely voice. Everytime she sang, I paid attention. How could you not! Listening to the voice of an angel. I always considered it a privilage just to hear her sing. She also could play guitar too. One of our friends got married in September 2000, and I came from Jasper, Alberta to the wedding at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Well, this girl sang at the wedding, and when she sang the AVE MARIA, I was blown away. You have this tiny girl and the loud, controlled voice coming from her mouth...and the range at which she sang. She hit these high notes with perfect pitch. AVE MARIA can be a very, difficult song to sing, but she sang it with such ease, like a bird...a canary. I remember watching her hit those notes and my mouth dropped open. I didn't realize she could hit those notes! But she did. It was a joy just to witness that.

She still sings. She has sung all over the place. One of my favorite songs she sings is ISAIAH 49, and THE SWEETEST NAME OF ALL. It's an experience just to hear her sing. I know many people who love her, and admire her immense talent. And she's a sweet, cute person with a wonderful soul.

She always teases me about my love for the Carpenters. But I will have you know, that she has sung many CARPENTERS songs with me...including We've Only Just Begun, Top of the World, For All We Know, Superstar. And we have gone on a few road trips where she has sung note for note all the Carpenters hits...including knowing when to come in one the background harmonies. We've also watched CARPENTERS tv specials together, including THE KAREN CARPENTER STORY. And she has admitted that she has surfed the web looking at Karen Carpenter/The Carpenters websites. So I think that is VERY cool and VERY brave of her!!

What a cool friend she is!!!

Klaassen-Klassen background...Genealogy

Hi All,
I am finding out a lot of information on my family background. My adopted mother is Mennonite, and even though I am adopted, the background still becomes a part of me. My great grandparents Peter A. Klaassen(also known as P.A. Klaassen) and his wife, Maria (Jantzen) Klaassen were born in Russia. They came to Canada(there was 17 children, but only 14 lived to adulthood), and eventually settled in Hillsboro, Kansas. In 1918, because of conscription of their sons, they came to Canada. Mennonites don't believe in fighting, or violence. They settled in Turnhill, Saskatchewan. My grandfather Daniel W. Klaassen married his wife Tina Klassen(daughter of A.R.D Klassen and Margaret Braun), and they had 6 children. There is so much family history, and it's neat to learn about them, what life was like back then, what they thought, what they were like, etc.

I have also done some genealogy work on my birth family...PARENTEAU(over 1000 descendants from the marriage of Joshua Parenteau and his wife Virginie Chartrand in 1898)...as well as the CHARTRAND family. Metis families usually have humongous families, and mine is no exception. I mean, I have 8 brothers and 5 sisters, so that should say it all. Ages 13 to 33.

In about 2 years, I plan to have a PARENTEAU family reunion in Winnipeg, Mb, which is a huge undertaking, but since talking with many relatives and descendants, there is a huge interest in having a reunion. So that will be neat. And it will be a learning experience, as I will be the one in charge. Maybe I don't know exactly what I am getting into to...but...

My Greatest Success-poem by Cameron Longo.

I want to succeed in everything I endeavor to do
Not really for worldly acclaim but for myself
To be able to look back in the years to come
And remember my own trials and difficulties
To see the methods I chose to pick myself up

I feel I have grown in the last 10 years
But along the way I stumbled and fell
Weeks, months and years went by so slowly
And I wanted to pick myself up from the ground
But I didn't believe in who I was, so I stayed

Finally I turned over and saw the blue sky
I could begin to taste the unlimited possibilities
I chose to rise and walk and then run
I am who I choose to be which is ME!
The future is yours! The future is mine!

Life is so sweet now and I enjoy everything
Life has its ups and downs but I enjoy the challenges
Life has given me so much, for that I am blessed
That I want to share my past with my future
And that will be my greatest success of all...

by Cameron Longo
February 12, 2003(when I was living in Banff, Alberta and working at the famed Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for over 12 months).

My Siblings...the Longo siblings.

I grew up in my adopted home and there were five children in the family, with myself being the eldest. Next came Jeanne, Debbie, Sachia and Cori Marie. Jeanne, Debbie and I were born with the same birth mother Florence Chartrand, but whereas Jeanne and I had the same birth father, Clifford Parenteau, Debbie's dad was Joe Alec Laquette. We had two more birth siblings but they were taken away and adopted out...Gordon Chartrand and Sonya Laquette. In 1978, I was adopted and then the following year, in 1979, Jeanne and Debbie came to live with us. Mom and Dad tried to have children but to no avail. Three miscarriages were a result, and hard on all of us, and so it was a blessing for Sachia to arrive in 1982. He was such a beautiful baby boy. What I loved was that he had the most wonderful blonde hair, and a good disposition. Then in 1985, Cori Marie arrived and she was dark haired and dark brown, expressive eyes. We were so happy to have the family we did. We all helped to raise the family, and I remember people being surprised that there was 5 of us in the family. Actually considering my adopted mother's ancestry...Mennonite...her Dad came from a family of 17 children, and her Mom from 12 children. But I guess in the 1980's, 5 children seemed a lot.
I used to envy families that had just one or two siblings in them. I used to think they would get more attention. My next door neighbor Ryan, came from a divorced family, with the mother raising the 3 kids. I thought that was cool. I guess I liked anything different.
Nowadays I can reflect, and am so glad to know and love my siblings. They mean the world to me. And I think that, we have become even closer than ever before. Which is not easy sometimes, as things in our lives try to keep us so busy that we forget important things, like family. It's neat when we get together to just chat about our lives, failures, dreams, and reminisce.
I see how my mother is when she gets together with her siblings. She becomes like a different person. Girlish. Funny. She gets into a rhythm with her siblings and their humor. They can sit and just talk and talk and laugh. Sometimes I envy that, but I know that in 20 years, I will be sitting with my siblings and creating memories.
It's funny, that the only time I see many of my cousins are at weddings and funerals. Last year, July 2003, I was at my Auntie Jewel's lavish wedding, and of my 20 first cousins, 11 of us were there. So it was neat and fun to hang out with them, dancing, talking etc. So if that is the way it is with cousins, we lose touch, I have to be extra careful with my own siblings. To not lose touch.

"Remember me with love and smiles, for that is the way I'll remember you, but if you remember me with tears and sadness, then don't remember me at all." This poignant quote is from Little House on the Prairie tv show.

Me and my sister!

I love my 19 year old sister. She is the best! You know what is really neat! Is that for many years we were separated by time and distance. I was living in Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the 1990's, while she was growing up in Edmonton, Alberta. Also, I am older than her by about 12 years, and remember when in February 1985 she was born, becoming the fifth sibling in our family. I was so happy to have a younger sister. Actually I had two other sisters, Jeanne and Debbie in our family, but they are my birth sisters who were also adopted into the family, along with me. My brother Sachia was born in 1982 when I was 9, and that was also a joy.

Cori and me get along great. We never seem to fight at all. I consider her one of my dearest friends, as well. We love life and all it has to offer. Whenever I go to Edmonton, we hang out, or go to the dance clubs. It's funny, but in some ways, there is no age barrier when I am with her. I feel young and don't really worry myself about it. Our last movie we saw was with Mom and her boyfriend Don, called CONNIE AND CARLA, which was hilariously funny. I laughed and laughed. Next time I see Cori, she has promised to watch THE SOUND OF MUSIC and KAREN CARPENTER's CHRISTMAS. So I will hold that to her. It's not very often that my friends or family, will willingly submit themselves to hours of Carpenters music or television appearances, so I will hold that to her. It's nice, when my family/friends support my Carpenters habit.

Here is an interesting tid bit on my sister Cori. She went to school with Adam Gregory, the Canadian country singer, and was in band with him. Actually sat next to him. I even got to meet him in December 2003 in Edmonton, and I kept my composure, which in itself is remarkeable, as I am known to get flustered when I meet any celebrity. To date, I have met or seen up close...Sandi Patty, Adam Gregory, Scott Thompson, Lynda Carter, a Moffat triplet(don't know which one though), Stephen Baldwin, David Suzuki, Bob McGrath, and Kelsey Grammar.

Just a couple of weeks till Christmas...well a bit more than a couple!!

Right now, I am listening to selections from The Carpenters' seasonal holiday collections, 1978's CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT and 1984's AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS. Remarkable. As you all know, Karen Carpenter is my favorite secular singer. What a voice! She had such a unique quality in her voice, soothing, something you could relate to. She was personable, with her own style, her own impeccable intonation and superb control. This girl knew how to sing. Of course I love the Carpenters musical oevre, but listening to her sing Christmas songs is out of this world.

I was able to obtain, back in Christmas of 2001, a 5 video set of the Carpenters television and video appearances. It had, 2 of their TV Specials, Carpenters at Christmas 1977 and A Christmas Portrait 1978. I was enamored with both specials, seeing her visually, and hearing her sing some gorgeous songs. Some songs stand out for me, with the notable one being Bach/ Gonaud's AVE MARIA, and seeing Karen wearing a white, form fitted gown, standing in a sea of tall candles, beside a seated Richard accompanying her on keyboards. She sings that song as it were especially tailored for her, and her alone. Her pronounciation is amazing, and the range from low to high. It gives me chills to hear her sing this song...two words...pure perfection. I also loved her version of THE CHRISTMAS SONG, which shows Karen wearing a green satin jumpsuit, in her condo, singing that song. Beautiful. Or of Karen dueting with guest star Georgia Engels(of Mary Tyler Moore fame), singing Silent Night in German. Or of Richard playing O HOLY NIGHT with an orchestra. My only complaint, is Karen should have sung this song to his superb accompaniement. Still today, I always imagine what she would have sounded like, had she sung this. MERRY CHRISTMAS DARLING, a Number One Christmas single from the early 1970's is also another classic to hear, and to see Karen sing this, dressed in a period piece costume is enchanting. Other songs that are awesome are CHRIST IS BORN and SLEIGH RIDE.

It was also neat to see Karen and Richard appear on Perry Como's Christmas Special back in 1974, and they sing the gorgeous SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN TO TOWN.
I always feel, that Christmas is not Christmas without Karen Carpenter's voice! She gets me into the holiday mood.