Yesterday would have been the birthday of my paternal grandfather. Undoubtedly, he spent many a Father’s Day acknowledging his arrival as well as the general occasion. Passed-away in 1964, Grandpa would be a very remote memory if not for my father’s and cousin’s stories.
Thankfully, I’ve gained some genuine perspectives about the man who gave me life leading up to and after his own transition in 2012. I offer them with integrity here.Read More
Just as Mother’s Day weekend in North America can be loaded for many, let’s acknowledge this can be the same on Father’s Day when you have a checkered or even wounded history. Just because you contributed to creating life does not make you a True Father. Like in May, I am here to serve the son or daughter whose reality is one of absence or irresponsibility.Read More
If you had one, what was your favorite high-school summer job? One of my two answers was working at the local Laura Secord Candy Shop. A Canadian tradition, they’re known for delectable chocolates and delicious ice cream. Allowed to ‘sample’ wares within reason between customers, my stomach turned at the mere sight of chocolate long before September. This never happened with ice cream. I am roaring!Read More
Before another second goes by, let’s address how you are going to deliberately craft your summer with (or without) aging family members. We need to ‘talk’ before your plans are set in concrete.Read More
Canadians recently enjoyed our first long-holiday of the ‘summer’ called Victoria Day. Americans are currently celebrating Memorial Day. My next blog will focus on deliberately crafting this season with (or without seeing) aging family members. For now, any of you who are already entertaining parents or visiting them, please bear in mind these peace-creating strategies.Read More
For many, Mother’s Day weekend in North America can be a very mixed occasion. After all, how does a son or daughter cope with their negative reality while surrounded by societal strictures in the form of bombarding restaurant ads, mushy greeting cards and lavish florists?Read More
Anyone who has done a measure of personal growth work knows it is a process and NOT an immediate outcome to arrive at healing sentiments toward a parent with whom you have a checkered history. Such is the case with my mother. Let’s resume where we left off last time following her passing while encapsulating what I have learned along the way.Read More
Incredibly, we have just passed the ninth anniversary of my mother’s passing at age 89 on April 17th. In this Part 1 of an authentic journey that resulted in peaceful resolution of a complex and layered relationship, we trace benchmark moments that bring us forward into 2019.Read More
Did you know Easter gets its name from Ostara, also known as Eastre, Goddess of Springtime and the Dawn? Symbolic of fertility, her annual return is heralded by the flowering of trees and plants – plus the arrival of babies human and animal. Reflection is prompted at three levels.Read More
A few weeks ago, my weekly radio show, “The Conscious Caregiver”, focused upon how we can come to the so-called end of life without carrying regret into those other worlds. At this season of rebirth and renewal, it feels fitting to dive further into the topic.Read More
