Struggling Salmo family rich in gratitude
Couple with six children, all under the age of nine, thankful they’ll be sharing Christmas dinner together
Even though times are a tight around the Simmons household this Christmas, mom Savannah and dad Patrick are looking forward to celebrating with their six children, all under the age of nine.
“They love Christmas,” Savannah said of her children Autumn, 8, Farrah, 6, Kaylee, 4, Preston, 3, Wesley, 20 months and Finley, five months.
“It’s all about the memories. We have a wonderful time at Christmas. They love holidays and family. It’s important.”
Savannah and Patrick live in Salmo, a former logging town about an hour from Nelson.
They both grew up in the town and knew each other as children.
“My mom used to live with his mom when she was young,” said Savannah.
“I never did like Patrick. I grew to like him, though.”
They both moved away before returning to Salmo. That’s when they became a couple and started their family.
“Patrick is a family person and likes to have a close-knit family because his family was like that growing up,” she said.
Patrick used to work in a funeral home. “One day, a young child came in and it threw him for a loop,” she said.
Now Patrick, who can also work in timber-framing, is on a disability pension.
And because of that, Savannah said she’s limited in the amount of money she can earn.
“I can only make a certain amount a year. It kind of sucks because the government does that. There’s nothing wrong with me.”
She eventually would like to open her own nail salon in town, a first for Salmo.
She was taking an esthetician’s course in Nelson but had to put her studies on hold when she gave birth to her youngest five months ago.
She hopes to return to school and finish her course.
“I don’t need it, but it would be nice,” she said.
In the meantime, the family relies on the generosity and kindness of the folks at the Salvation Army in Nelson for help.
“I love them there, they’re super sweet,” said Savannah. “They help us.”
She said the Salvation Army, which is supported in part by donations to The Province Empty Stocking Fund, provides hot lunches for people in Nelson, offers programs to the addicted to find a way out and has a food bank.
“We used to use (the food bank) lots,” she said.
“We still go there to use it but not as often because it’s so far away.”
The family will receive a Christmas hamper with a turkey and all the trimmings, which Patrick cooks each year.
And the family has a tradition of allowing the children the chance to open one gift the day before Christmas, “and they love it.”
“And when we all sit down for Christmas dinner, we tell each other one thing that we’re thankful for,” she said.
“We’ve had a good year this past year and we’re thankful for that,” she said.
“We introduced our sixth baby into the world. And everyone’s healthy.”
“We’ve had a good year this past year and we’re thankful for that.”
— SAVANNAH SIMMONS