It is becoming increasingly apparent that this will be the last summer for our dog Alice. In October of 1999, my wife Stephanie, in her maddening impetuous way, called me from a pet store in Bellville, Ontario two months after our wedding, letting me know she was holding a dog that was … [Read more...]
When We Can’t Save Our Children
I remember when my children were babies looking down on them as they lay sleeping in my arms and feeling the most intense love. When they were small I worried about schedules and meals and sleep. Their basic needs were sometimes overwhelming, a physical burden carried but balanced and usually … [Read more...]
11 things you might not know about leaving a marriage
1. It is (one of) the very hardest things on earth 2. The time leading up to it is the very very worst part 3. You wanted to do it long before you gave yourself permission to do it 4. You did everything you could not to do it 5. You hated telling people at first-it felt like failure. But then it … [Read more...]
A Lifetime of Perspective
Eight years ago today my cousin Madeleine passed away from cancer. She was in her early 30s and a mom of two small children. It was a tragedy.At the time I was also a mom of two in my early 30s.Her death hit me like a ton of bricks. I had a good job but a long commute. I left my house in a rush … [Read more...]
Living without a computer – YIKES!
I haven't posted much lately and as much as I would love to be able to tell you that I have been on an a month long cruise without any children, or travelling the world, I can't. No my friends, unfortunately there is a very unexciting reason.My laptop decided it was time to depart from me.It … [Read more...]
words for wednesday- without hurry or panic
This is Mary's chalkboard. It is in her kitchen where she starts her day and ends her day. Here she writes words and sayings and prayers to help her master her grief, breathe in and out and take time for gratitude. I loved all of these maybe especially- " I have the power and responsibility to … [Read more...]
lessons from Mary- more than just icing
I went to visit a friend last week who lost her husband to suicide. He died of suicide She tells me she says it this way, not 'he committed suicide". This is my first lesson from Mary I was anxious to see her as I had not been able to go to the funeral last April.I did not want to bump … [Read more...]
Dear Amanda
Today I watched your video I cried for you. So many times I am amazed at the human spirit and human kindness. Today I am ashamed to be part of the human race. I don't know where evil comes from or where cruelty like this grows. It is almost impossible to believe that people can be this … [Read more...]
words for wednesday-what hurts you makes you stronger
A friend was over for dinner Friday night. He told me that a doctor friend of his said "if you are over 50 and nothing hurts, you are dead" Nothing hurts me. I will be 50 in two seasons from now. Maybe I am dead. (Is this heaven or hell?) It got me thinking about physical strength and how we … [Read more...]
Moving Toward Closure
I'm...struggling.Yesterday I found out my ex has begun seeing someone new. I'll be honest - I wasn't completely surprised, but my kids sure were. In the end, I believe he did what he thought was best to bring the two sides of his life together, but it turned into an emotional train-wreck for my … [Read more...]