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...]
Alice
My dog died the other night. It was shocking but not surprising considering her fulsome life. I basically eulogized her here, so I will not again (ok a little bit) but as the category above suggests, this indeed was a life event. Two things stood out about Alice’s passing. First, my eldest son, … [Read more...]
Aftermath
Reading this book this week was timely, since it deals with the aftermath of a tragic event and how the family members are affected. Moving forward from something traumatic is not an easy thing, and we have a window here into how Henry starts to make his way, with a little help. The Reluctant … [Read more...]
Making Christmas In Spite of Things
I've been mostly keeping to myself, riding the waves of sadness that have been rocking our house since Martin's mother passed away a few weeks ago... it's been in the forefront of my brain, of course, and I've actually not had a whole lot to say. The thing about grief is, it's a process. I reckon … [Read more...]
My Good People and The Abundance of Friendship
I have a bevy of excellent neighbourhood peeps. Since the less-than-warm temps of October, and with the suddenly-dark afternoons since turning the clocks back a few weeks ago, the leisurely summertime sit-downs on park benches with my peeps while we watch the kids play, sometimes with a cup of … [Read more...]
Feeling It All
Yesterday my mother-in-law asked for some French toast. I was more than pleased to quickly beat an egg with some milk, and a dash of salt and vanilla... butter in the pan makes it puffy and golden. Anything she wants. Anything at all. I dropped a few fresh raspberries on top. Maple syrup in the … [Read more...]
The Softness of Skin
I hold her hands while sitting gingerly on the side of her bed. I'm wary of crushing her as I lean over to kiss her on both cheeks. She smells the same. Her eyes are the bluest they've ever been. We chat quietly... she'd like some decorations around the windows for Christmas. Blue and white. … [Read more...]
one dies a million cry, a million die, no one cries
I am always deeply suspicious when I see a mass of mourners for a famous person.When Princess Diana died in a car crash- I saw the tragedy of a woman who was in the middle of her life, a mother of two boys who needed her, a daughter , a friend, gone forever. But that was pretty much it. Was it … [Read more...]
Dear Mom
Dear Mom,It's been nearly three years now since our last, wonderful Christmas together. The best of the best, as you called it. This year, the whole family will be together again. But without you. It's going to bring back a lot of memories. It's going to be wonderful and festive and joyful. And … [Read more...]
Finding our way through a year of “firsts”
By Heather Hamilton (@TZJMommy) Today is Zack's 4th birthday. The entire week leading up to this day has been so difficult and emotionally draining. You see, Zack is a twin, and while we are overwhelmed with the fact that Zack won't be there to turn 4, his brother still deserves a fun birthday … [Read more...]