We go by many names—family caregiver, in-home care, and the Sandwich Generation. We are the people taking care of our parents and our kids. We’re stuck in the middle of a whole group of people who need us. Who need things from us constantly. Who present us with the biggest challenges, and greatest … [Read more...]
The Day My Son Set His Own Parent Trap
Every time my son Josh, 5, is with his dad, he cries for me. "I want Mommy," he will tell his dad. Then he'll call me in tears and I'll feel sad for him. When he's with me, he'll cry for his dad and call his dad in tears. It most often happens when he's tired, or doesn't like the rules of … [Read more...]
Respect Your Elders
When you have a kid you get a ton of unsolicited advice. The number one bit that I got, 'enjoy it because these times go fast.' I can tell you when living with postpartum depression the first eight months or so, I wanted to punch everyone in the throat who said that to me. I would physically … [Read more...]
You Can Dress Him Up, But Can You Take Him To A Wedding?
We had a family wedding this weekend and it was delightful. As with anything, it's not just the destination that counts, it's the journey. I learned a couple things on the way to the wedding. The first thing I learned was that I need to be incredibly specific when I say "Put on your tie, we have to … [Read more...]
Life In The Dark: Parenting Through Grief
Some winter mornings, bleary eyed after a night battling insomnia, I dress in the dark. I struggle with the buttons, willing my blouse closed over the snug matching camisole. I cruise through my morning routine on autopilot, throwing my hair into a ponytail and brushing my teeth with eyes closed. … [Read more...]
Post-Divorce: Do You Need A Therapist?
People don’t like to talk about needing a therapist. Often there is a stigma attached, but I’m honestly not sure where I’d be today if it weren’t for my therapist, Andrea Share. The countless hours I spent chatting with Andrea was one of the best things I did for myself when I separated. Some … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Before I Go” By Colleen Oakley
The day my mom was diagnosed with cancer we cut her hair short and dyed it purple. The colour description on the box said “Rich Mahogany,” but we decided to add the colour booster because, really, why the heck not? Anyway, the result pushed mom’s hair into purple territory and she looked like a … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Everything I Never Told You” By Celeste Ng
I don’t know how you feel about your high school experience, but you couldn’t pay me enough to repeat mine. Don’t get me wrong: it wasn’t horribly traumatic or anything (and it’s been a long time since I’ve had one of those locker combination dreams), it just isn’t in my Top Five list of “Best Times … [Read more...]
Remembering You
Today marks the fifth anniversary of my mother's death. And while I suppose it's true that time eventually heals all wounds, my soul knows that there are some losses that take a piece of you with them, leaving behind a deep, deep fissure. Most days, you carry on and the crack is small; not … [Read more...]
Talking About Dying-Part 2
The other day, I touched on why we are afraid to talk about dying. It is very tough. We'd all rather talk about life. But there are some important benefits on having these tough discussions. When we acknowledge death: • We have the opportunity to savour life Hope comes from the comfort … [Read more...]