The best of intentions
I made a decision over the holidays: no more promotion of my book (even though I hadn’t really even started yet!) I decided: I will speak to groups when invited, but for now I will lay low and stop shopping … Continue reading
What I mean by Hope as Snake-oil (3 of 3)
Hope is a non-activity. Like worry–an unproductive time-filler that distracts from the moment and takes us away from what is real and happening. The thing that is hoped for–wealth, good fortune, tides turning in a favourable direction, acceptance– is determined … Continue reading
Book signing
A brief interruption in my 3-part series to show a couple of photos of another great event! Indigo Mount Sinai book-signing. Thank you to everyone who came out! Several people who listened to the radio broadcast came to say hello, … Continue reading
What I mean by Cheerful Pretend (2 of 3)
In my book I recount a number of moments of cheerful pretending in Owen’s life (of which there were many), including: the accounts in Owen’s school communication book of achievements and interests–things he liked, friends he made, artwork he created–almost … Continue reading
What I mean by Fake Work (1 of 3)
I’ve had a hard time articulating a succinct message of the book, even to myself. Carsten encourages me to not worry about it, says I’m an author with a story and I can promote different aspects of the book as … Continue reading
Fake work, hope as snake oil, protecting childhood – and other inspiring topics
I was interviewed on CBC Radio One, Ontario Today with Rita Celli today. I don’t listen to radio all that much and wasn’t familiar with the show – but a friend’s referral to the producer of Fresh Air started a … Continue reading
CBC radio interview, short video, book signing
I’ll be on CBC Radio One’s Ontario Today with Rita Celli, this coming Thursday January 19, 12-1 pm. It’s a call-in show–if you’re so inclined please participate! The theme will be similar to what I am addressing at Holland Bloorview … Continue reading
Upcoming parent workshop (free) at Holland Bloorview!
Holland Bloorview’s Bloom has launched an exciting new speaker series… and I’m honoured to be kicking off the series with a talk on Redefining Success. Details and poster below. Hope to see you there! Redefine success: Decide for yourself what … Continue reading
Christmas ramblings
I sometimes experience waves of shock – surprising moments of sadness that roll through me like a sudden thunderstorm, sometimes lasting minutes, sometimes lasting days. Like the first anniversary of Owen’s death when I couldn’t breathe for two weeks. Like … Continue reading
Another time and place
I spent a good part of my childhood living in a subsidized housing complex in Kitchener. I didn’t know that it was dingy or small or that our neighbourhood was poor or what government subsidy was. I thought of it … Continue reading
Follow up post: ‘Grand Rounds’ for patients/parents
Since I posted the original idea for parent ‘grand rounds’, much dialogue has taken place! I’m sure no one will be surprised to learn that there is strong support from us regular folks… so I’d like to share some of … Continue reading
An idea: Grand Rounds for patients/parents
I had a thought recently, while speaking at a pediatric conference here in Toronto. I looked around at the attendees–chatting, sharing notes, comparing stories and anecdotes, listening to presenters delivering the latest research and case studies. Why, I thought, do … Continue reading
A night to remember
My launch party for the book was last night. Before I go on, let me say: it was a perfect night! Very well attended (between 80-100 people), the room beautifully appointed, and I am quite happy (thrilled, really!) with my … Continue reading
I do have fun sometimes too…
Someone near and dear to me said my blog is a bit of a downer. He was joking of course, but I can’t disagree. I think it serves the subject matter well–but, it seems, at the expense of sharing lighter … Continue reading
On Hallowe’en I lied about it for the first time
Angus went trick-or-treating with some friends. Had a fantastic time, in a neighbourhood that goes all out with decorations. He had deliberated about his costume for weeks: a T1000 (you know. . . the liquid guy in Terminator 2); a … Continue reading