Jeremiah 29:…
Category: Strong
Listen. Learn. Take action. Watch “amazing” happen!
They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Well, I guess the student is ready. Because, over the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know a 43-year-old man who has become my teacher. This man, while in the process of defining and taking the actions…
We are called to honour our parents … even when it hurts
We are called to honour our parents (Eph 6:1-3) … even when it hurts. I remember what it felt like to watch my dad’s memory fade away … as he forgot my name, then forgot his relationship to me. It wasn’t just his memory that faded … it seemed that all of who he was…
Being “in the moment” brings me full circle
by Linda Doran Viscardis I love it when I am able to be in the moment, rather than worrying about where I’ve been and where I’m going. Invariably, when in the moment for longer than just a few seconds, I am blessed. Something amazing happens, and I find myself shaking my head in wonder. This…
Setting GPS early makes living away possible
Ya, so, I was reminded recently that it has been almost 14 years since our now 33-year-old daughter moved from our home. Check that – five of those years, she actually lived in an apartment we built for her, above our garage. But, it’s been 14 years of letting go for me, and living away…
Funding advocacy a matter of education
How many readers would be grateful for more funding for their family member who lives with an intellectual or developmental disability? If you’re someone who would appreciate more funding, read on. First of all, I’ll state up front, that our daughter receives funding from the Government of Ontario. Is it enough to support her in…
Asset-based perspective changes status quo
I just had a conversation with yet another person who is feeling sick about the lack of funding for their adult person who lives with multiple challenges. Their cry, “What are we going to do!!?” makes me heart-sick! And prompted a wee rant, I’m afraid. 🙄 I belong to various disability-related Facebook groups, as…
Focus on “Can-List” sets GPS
Wow! This article about the “Can-List” sure brings back memories!! I remember our daughter’s first IPRC in elementary school, at age 5 …. there were 13 people sitting around the table – therapists, resource teacher, teacher, educational assistant, vice principal, principal .. and me. The first item on the agenda was for…
Communicating positive assumptions often a challenge
Omgeezers! Even now as I’m into my seventh decade, I still have so much to learn! Despite having a university diploma in both French and English literature … despite having studied languages … despite the study of English grammar being my absolute favourite suject in elementary school … despite having worked for a news company as…
#BellLetsTalk … let’s talk about it!
Well, yesterday was #BellLetsTalk day … and I feel free to write about something that is near and dear to my heart …. mental health. We should not feel confined to only one day per year, and so much has improved as far as the stigma of mental health issues is concerned, but …. I feel…
Balance is Power
Definition – Balance: mental and emotional steadiness (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) So, today, I’m driving away from my neighbourhood store, with my many organic foods packed neatly in my reusable cotton bags, when the word “balance” comes unsolicited to mind. I am seeking balance in my life. I am shopping as close to home as possible, so I…
When is a fish not really a fish?
When I go grocery shopping, and fish is on my list of things to buy, I look for fish clearly marked “wild.” I will not knowingly put farmed fish, or genetically modified fish, into my refrigerator or into my body. I get discouraged when I hear that genetically engineered (GE) fish may soon be showing…
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