Remembering Dad

Grief has no timeline. You can feel like you’ve moved on from grieving the loss of a loved one and then grief hits you hard, tugging—no, yanking!—at your heartstrings. Holidays and anniversaries of the loved one’s passing intensify this feeling.  For our family, it’s a double whammy. Dad passed away around the time of Thanksgiving…

For You, Dad!

I’ve lived in my home for over twenty years but rarely spotted a cardinal in our yard. Things changed nearly four years ago . . . after Dad passed away. The day after Dad’s death, I could hear the sweet chirping of a bird as I mowed the backyard. It was louder than the noise…

Dad

By today’s standards, this story won’t pique the interest of those who choose to fault their childhood for their own actions today. I’d be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the way I was raised. How many people can truthfully say that? I come from a large family. Six of us kids. I have four…

The Cosmos

Do you ever wonder why something, or someone crosses your path? Is it by chance or is there some significance behind it? The other day, as I rollerbladed along the Ganatchio Trail, I noticed an older man up ahead. Even from the back, I recognized him by his gait. It was my neighbour, who has…

A Slice of Pumpkin Pie!

I’ve never been big on Hallmark Holidays. That’s what I consider Thanksgiving.Probably because our family leads busy lives and the thought of cleaning for company and cooking all day just doesn’t sound like a lot of fun. Don’t get me wrong. We’ve celebrated every year, except last, with turkey and family. Sometimes we’ve even included…

My Father’s Gift

“The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” While this quote by John Wooden may not apply to many family situations nowadays, it did apply to my own family. To love unconditionally with your whole soul sets a wonderful example to children. For Father’s Day, let me share…

The Birth

Happy Easter! Special treat today…a short, poignant tale written a few years back by my now 90-year-old Mom. The story was written at an Elderhostel on Manitoulin Island. Elderhostel, renamed these days as Road Scholar, is a program that combines travel with learning for seniors.  Please excuse the quality of the photos. They’re from long ago! Here’s…

Wisdom

I’ve kept track. I’m good at math, after all. So far I’ve survived 100% of my worst days. As my dear old Dad would say,”This too shall pass.” Dad wouldn’t boost me up, telling me that I was strong and could survive anything. Nope. He just gave me hope things would change. Circumstances may look…

Ode to Joy

Musical memory…is there such a thing? I’ve heard of muscle memory. How a person can hop on a bicycle despite any recent pedaling and still take a spin as if they rode yesterday. A couple of years ago, my hubby bought me an electric piano or keyboard. I don’t know what you call it; I…

Eulogy for Dad

Our family of six kids was raised in an era when children weren’t coddled. We were aware of our parents’ expectations. If you knew what was good for you, you did it. Without complaining.  I remember showing my parents a challenging test marked 98%. Dad looked at it and said, “What about the other 2%?”…