Our lives are made up of stories. I would like to share with you one of my mother’s. Her name is Anne, but at the Dotsa Bitove Wellness Academy, they call her Champagne Annie. You see, my mother loves to dance and she loves the sound of music that makes her want to dance but my mother’s most favourite sound in … Read More
Goals And The Heart’s Intentions
The New Year is often a time for setting goals and making resolutions. While I agree this practice can be useful, it can also be disheartening, leading to feelings of failure and disappointment. The year 2017 was a bit like that for me. Beginning enthusiastically with my lofty list of goals ready to fulfil, I was overflowing with gusto … Read More
Celebration of Life or Denial of Death?
People are often surprised when they learn of my love-hate relationship with the term “Celebration of Life.” “But you’re a Celebrant!” they say. “Doesn’t that mean you like to celebrate?” Well, yes…and no. It depends. Let’s take a look at Google’s definition of the word: Call me a killjoy, but I’m not a huge fan of the “happy funeral” … Read More
Born on the Fourth of July
“How will I teach him to tie his shoelaces?” During those initial chaotic moments in the delivery room, that was my first coherent thought. His due date was July 1—Canada Day—but, fittingly, he arrived instead on the Fourth of July. Independence Day. “He will be fitted with a prosthesis and that will help him manage,” the doctor told me. My … Read More
Dear Dementia
I have heard that writing a letter to someone who has died is helpful to the grief process and, while my mother is still very much alive, with every passing day, I mourn her loss. Over and over again, I am reminded, “It’s not her, it’s the disease.” And so, Dementia, I write this letter to you, for you have … Read More
