Bittersweet day as Scott Jenkins celebrates his daughter, marks anniversary of wife Aly’s death

It was a bittersweet day for Scott Jenkins on Tuesday.

As he marked his daughter Sydney’s first birthday, and his own 32nd birthday, it also was one year ago to the day that his wife Aly passed away during childbirth.

“The anxiety leading up to today, the last month, the last couple of weeks, have been stressful,” Scott said. “Just knowing what Oct. 20 was going to bring, (it’s) one of those things — sort of emotional, sad and happy (and) trying to make it a good day for Sydney.

“We had her party on Sunday with friends and family and we’re going to have more friends and family over today to celebrate her birthday and also the one year from when Aly passed away.”

Aly was well-known in the curling community, playing lead for the Sherry Anderson rink.

Scott Jenkins says the support from that community, and so many others around the province, has helped him and his family get through this past year.

“That first four months is a blur to me. I don’t remember too much of it,” said Jenkins. “All I know is the kids were being taken care of by everyone. The gifts, the food, toys for the kids dropped off at my doorstep every night, and books for the kids — it was remarkable.”

Because of the complications her mother suffered during the birth, there was a chance Sydney also wouldn’t make it at first.

“It’s quite a miracle, to be honest. To be told there was no brain activity, you fear the worst,” Scott said. “But the amazing doctors and nurses at the children’s hospital worked their magic and saved baby Sydney. I owe them everything.”

Jenkins says when he sees his daughter smile, it makes him think of Aly.

“She brings a lot of joy to her family and friends and everyone,” said Jenkins. “She’s exactly like her mother and she’s the closest thing to. She’s the last person who was with Aly.”

Jenkins has two other children, a five-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. He says the children are doing well thanks to all the support the family has been given by so many since Aly’s passing.