Joy.

I was so well-received by Light Of Christ School.

Each day felt full of celebration.

Every student felt full of life.

Enthusiastic greetings came from literally everywhere, even from staff and students that I was neither working with, nor teaching.

One of the most memorable moments of the entire visit, was when I walked into the classroom of Mr. Ladouceur.

Joy.

He had his class previously inspect my work, and they had questions ready for discussion ahead of time.

All of the students were prepared with whatever they needed to interact with me.

Recently, in relation to this visit, I had just completed a photoshoot and 4-page feature with Avenue Magazine.

Here in the classroom was an entire fleet of magazines for me to autograph.

Mr. Ladouceur gave me a most heartfelt introduction to the class, one that left me a bit stunned, for the sheer amount of details that he was able to speak of without anything written to reference.

Joy.

After the initial meet & greet, he paused enough for me to ‘snap-to’ with newfound attention, as I could feel a shift in the room’s energy, specifically his.

Mr. Ladouceur holds up a copy of the magazine, opens it up to my feature, and focuses on the cover photograph -

And man, do I look happy…

He asks me: “Wakefield, this expression on your face! Just look at you! What is this Wakefield, is this joy?”

I was stunned.

I was silent - even if only for a few moments - though it was an eternity.

Then, I was silent for a few more.

Joy.

“Here I stand inside a Catholic School, a former follower of faith, a Poet who once considered being a Preacher. Inside of the church, was the only place that I ever even heard that word. It was a word reserved for The Saved, The Forgiven, The Chosen, The Blessed That Be - not for me - until now. Yes.”

Joy.

Those were the words that I spoke with a shaky voice, several choked syllables, and welled-up eyes.

Joy.

Yes.

Joy.

Now, this word is always on my mind, as I deeply believe that it belongs to me.

I left this school with some lifelong connections and memorable experiences, having no idea that more was to come.

Very shortly after visiting Light Of Christ, School, I hosted a function at The Grand Theatre, where I am the Resident Poet and Spoken Word Artist.

At the commencement of the show, as we all congregated in the lobby, there he was, Mr. Ladouceur with Lois Neelam, another most memorable Educator - she truly participated more than most students!

To compound my surprise, these wonderful humans presented me with a gift.

The students that I taught, compiled a book of their kindest words to reflect on their Poetic Experience with me.