My Great Cycle Challenge

2006:  “It’s OTMH calling.  We have your son’s scan results and the doctor would like you both to come back to the hospital to go over them.  Bring a bag with clothes as we are probably going to send you by ambulance to Sick Kids tonight for more testing.” My…

A Known Threat

The past year has been a turning point for my 14 year old.  He has become confident, reliable and concerned about his school work.   With this maturity came his desire to work part-time but, for most 14 year olds, finding that first job seems like a next-to-impossible task.  Just…

The Plan

Christmas is a tough time of year for me.  Since my parents passed in 2015, holidays have not been the same; Christmas is especially tough.  Although I do see my brothers and their families, I am still left feeling empty.  This year, I needed Christmas to be different. What I…

Let Them Be Kids

In the past six months, Ontario universities have lost students who took their lives.  We can’t begin to wonder why or guess the circumstances.  But what we can do is find ways to improve.  We, the adults, we need to do better. The stress that our youth face is no…

Finding Inspiration

Like most runners, I finish a race and I either mark it for my ‘to race’ list next year or I consider it as a ‘maybe’.  With that decision come goals for improvement or goals to adjust my training.  This year, I think it’s safe to say that I don’t…

A Gentle Reminder

It’s been three years since my parents died and holidays are still tough, especially Christmas. Growing up, Christmas was extra special; my mom spent months planning and baking, we got dressed up for two family dinners (Christmas and Christmas Eve), sang songs and built memories to last a lifetime. Fast…