Two decades have passed since the tragic Dawson College shooting, yet Louise De Sousa still feels the presence of her daughter, Anastasia, every day.
Reflecting on the loss, De Sousa shares, “You learn to adapt with it. She’s not physically here, but I talk to her constantly. I always remind her to watch over us.”
On September 13, 2006, Anastasia De Sousa, just 18 years old, lost her life in the devastating incident at Dawson College’s cafeteria, where a gunman unleashed chaos, leaving 19 others injured before being shot by police.
For Louise De Sousa, the pain of losing her daughter remains a constant companion even after two decades. She describes how the memories of Anastasia have become a part of her life that she carries with her every step of the way.
Anastasia’s infectious laughter is one of the cherished memories her mother holds dear. “She had this contagious laugh that could make anyone smile. She really had a way of brightening up a room.”
The void left by Anastasia’s absence is deeply felt by her family. Louise De Sousa expresses, “I miss her tremendously. It’s not fair what happened, but I try to find a reason to accept it and move forward.”
The tragic events of that fateful day are etched vividly in De Sousa’s memory. The frantic search for answers at Montreal General Hospital, the agonizing wait for confirmation of Anastasia’s fate – all moments that forever changed their lives.
Despite the immense grief, Louise De Sousa and her husband made a conscious choice to keep pushing forward for their other children. Their determination to not let the tragedy define their family has been a driving force in their lives.
Today, De Sousa finds solace in honoring Anastasia’s memory by sharing her story with students. Through her advocacy, she aims to promote empathy and support among young people, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to those in need.
With each passing day, the grief may shift, but for Louise De Sousa, the love and memories of her daughter are a constant presence in her life.
