Living with an Open Hand
This is the speech I gave last weekend at the May Memorial, Remembering Our Losses. I hope it will be an encouragement. OPEN HAND Of all the many lessons I’ve learned in my life, there is one in particular that stands out. The lesson: live with an open hand. Living with an open hand is like holding a butterfly. It means not squeezing too tightly to what we want, to what we love; otherwise it may be crushed between our fingers. Instead, we can open our hands and let that which we desire stay however long it wishes. If it goes, it may return if we remain open, but there is also the chance it will not come back. Living openly like this means being grateful for what we have for however long we have it. In happy times, this lesson sounds easy, but throughout...
Read MoreBreakfast Television Tomorrow
In anticipation of International Bereaved Mother’s Day, I will be talking to Ryan Jespersen tomorrow morning on Breakfast Television on City TV in Edmonton. My segment will air at 8:30am. Please tune in for more info about the event and how you can join in the...
Read MoreWanted Chosen Planned nominated for a Yeggie
Why do I write this blog? There are a lot of reasons: My son Zachary gave me the greatest gift of LOVE and compassion which I hope to share with others. Wanted, Chosen, Planned is my labor of LOVE to make a difference in the world. I LOVE writing and am glad that my gifts can be used in a meaningful way. I guess it all comes down to LOVE… These reasons are worth it in themselves but make it all the more special when I learn that my blog is nominated for a Yeggie – and has been shortlisted! A Yeggie is a new media award in Edmonton for bloggers, social network addicts and twitter personalities that are doing good things with their screen time. Wanted, Chosen, Planned has been shortlisted in the “Family and Parenting” category. I find this a huge honor...
Read MoreRemembering your Baby over the Holidays
Christmas is one of the best times of the year – but it can also be very difficult for many people. For some the struggles are financial and practical while for others the feeling of being alone becomes tangible. If you have lost a baby, the ache for your child and the life they did not live may be forefront in your thoughts as you see other children sit on Santa’s lap at the mall or hear Christmas carols that remind you of your own childhood and all the dreams you had. At this time of year I am always reminded that Zachary was supposed to be a Christmas baby. My original due date was December 20th. How can we remember our precious children at Christmas time? Here are some ideas I am trying: Craft. I’m sewing a stocking for each of my children, Zachary...
Read MoreThe Quiet Rebuild Exhibition
After Zachary’s death, I lost myself. It was only after I got back into my work as an artist, photographer and writer that I came to understand that art possessed the ability to express the inexpressible parts of my sorrow. Building my wood sculptures was the beginning and was therapeutic as it allowed my mind to linger in places of pain and grow to understand myself better. The artwork that I have made over the last two years is called “The Quiet Rebuild” and is currently on exhibit at Harcourt House Gallery and Artist Run Centre in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. The show runs until November 29, 2013. Harcourt House Gallery: 3rd floor, 10215-112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta “The Quiet Rebuild” features painting, wood sculpture, photography and a curious...
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