Lockdown: Isolation and Exhaustion, or Validation that All the King’s Men Can’t Put Humpty Dumpty Together Again

Lockdown! I’m so over it. Who’s with me? This global pandemic has put a definite crimp in my style, and I’m ready to chalk it up to one of those milestone, once-in-a-lifetime events that I’d rather put behind me. But wait! Maybe I should just sit quietly in the COVID-19-induced stillness for a bit. Eyes…

Introversion, The Titanic, and the commitment to forge ahead: What may come from consistency and persistence

I’m an introvert. Who’s with me? If you are, you’ll understand that my inclination is always to be on my own, or, at least, in very (very) small groups. But, I believe, even we introverts have a duty to use our voices, to speak up loudly and clearly on behalf of those whose voices often…

Be Impeccable with Your Word

Recently, I was reminded about the importance of effective communication. I consider myself to be a good communicator━not great, but good━but there are times when I could definitely do better. This last little while, I could have been doing better. Being the mom of two amazing humans, one of whom is a young woman who…

One person’s first effort at making Christmas cake – and it’s not about cake

It was a lovely, wintry day – perfect for doing anything related to Christmas. My husband Den and I were in the Bulk Barn, excitedly gathering our ingredients. I felt like a kid, again. The anticipation of something amazing was almost too much. On December 25, 1994, my family and I said goodbye to my…

We’re living in the 21st Century—right?

It’s August, 2019. Very clearly, some of us are living in the 21st Century. But, some others? I’m not so sure. How many of you manage your family member’s financial affairs? Don’t you just love it when, each month, everything falls into place as it should? With no surprises? No issues? No frustrations? I like…

Tears speak volumes

There’s a lot that can be said about non-verbal communication. Tears, for instance. Tears can say a whole lot. Recently, our daughter reminded me of this. I’m so grateful that I remain open to learning from her. She’s an amazing teacher. You see, our daughter is committed to living ever more fully into her fantastic…

Sugar sweet to yummy savoury has been a worthwhile journey

Sugar! I don’t even miss it. But there was once a time when I craved anything with sugar. I remember when I was young. My mom baked a lot. She always told me, “Brown sugar is just better.” And she was right. Anything she made with brown sugar just seemed to taste better. Of course,…

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…

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…