In December 2009, Michelle Lang, was on the reporting assignment of her life when the Calgary Herald sent her to cover Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. An award-winning journalist, she toured several forward operating bases outside Kandahar Airfield with politicians and senior military brass on a morale-boosting trip at Christmas time. Following that, she had a chance to travel as an embedded reporter in a convoy of two light-armoured vehicles (LAVs).
They stopped in several villages to survey Canadian development projects and speak to village elders about their community needs: Michelle wanted to tell stories of the Afghan people, including matters related to agriculture and health – the beats she had covered for Canadian newspapers – as well as how life might be improving for women. But on their return to Kandahar, a massive improvised explosive device was detonated beneath the LAV carrying Michelle, killing her and four Canadian soldiers. “The day’s outing would likely yield three stories, Michelle said. She did not finish her sentence.” wrote journalist, Colin Perkel.
Balancing the need for private grief with the desire to honour Michelle’s legacy, Catherine Lang, Michelle’s aunt, has written the memoir, “Embedded: The Irreconcilable Nature of War, Loss and Consequence,” to process the seismic shock of young death, family grief, and the passion for journalism that she shared with Michelle.
“In the thick of the shock that came with Michelle’s death, I instinctively felt compelled to write about her as a way to honour the wonderful, amazing person she was. Initially, I needed and wanted to do it for her. Perhaps that sense came from a longing to somehow give her life again, at least in memory. But as time passed, I realized I needed to do it for myself.”
Catherine admitted it was more difficult than she anticipated to write the memoir, even though she had studied creative writing and had already published a book. “Her parents were supportive and wanted their daughter remembered.”
While researching the book, Catherine learned that Michelle had made plans to write about Right to Learn Afghanistan (formerly Canadian Women for Women of Afghanistan) by visiting their office in Kabul. In January 2010, Canadian Women for Women of Afghanistan wrote a beautiful tribute to Michelle. Within the same month, Catherine had joined the “small and mighty” Victoria chapter and is now very active.
“I’ve had dark days, but Right to Learn Afghanistan gives me hope. It’s a way to counter my despair, to help women and girls on the ground in Afghanistan.”
All one-time donations made to Right to Learn Afghanistan during the month of October will be entered into a draw to win one of two signed copies of Catherine Lang’s memoir!
Donate & Enter to WinOrder your copy of Embedded. 10% of royalties from book sales will be generously donated to Right to Learn Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls.
Order EmbeddedA special thanks to Siobhan Fitzmaurice, our volunteer writer, for contributing this article.
