True Friendship

My dear boys, as you grow up you'll learn that some people will disappoint you and others will surprise you. Not everyone is capable of being there for you when times are tough and when you need a shoulder to cry on. Yet, for each person that disappoints you, you will find many more that will lift you up. These are the special people that will inspire you to persevere when things seem too tough and never expect anything in return. If you are ever in need, I hope you will find yourself surrounded by these type of people. Equally important, and because you have faced diversity in your young lives, I praise you for your ability to have empathy for others as they will benefit from your courage and tenacity.


"True friendship and good character is all about how a person nurtures another person when they are vulnerable and can give very little in return. Thus, it’s not who’s standing beside you during good times, but the ones who stick by you through tough times that are your true friends.

So take note of who remains in your life when times get tough, especially the people who sacrifice the resources they have in their life to help you improve yours when you need it most. Seriously, when you come out the other side of a difficult period in your life, look around you. The people still standing beside you are your true friends." Marc Chernoff


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A Few Quotes to Live By

My boys. I am proud of you. Each and every day. Your childhood has not been an easy one. You've faced more change and sadness than most boys your age have. But, you have each other always. Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be there for each other and you will make your dreams come true despite adversity.
For Cole:
I like this quote by a famous architect who inspired the design of this very house you live in. He wasn't always a very humble or kind man and he made many mistakes in his personal life, but he was insightful, inspiring and truthful. If you become an architect one day, you will most certainly study his work.

For Sam:
May you never wake up another day without reaching for the sky, following your dreams and seeking adventure. I like this quote by the famous Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who often finds time, while in outer space, to sing and play his guitar. Perhaps sometimes he appreciates home, serenity and the little things in life that may not be bold, brave or daring necessarily.

Find a purpose, make a difference, be generous always and you will be rewarded with friends and family you can count on, happiness and success. Wake up each morning with a smile, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, respect your body by exercising and filling it with healthy foods. Hold a door open for others, say "hello" to someone you pass on the street you have never met and treat your loved ones the way you want to be treated. Look people in the eye and shake their hand firmly.

Location:Beech Ave,Toronto,Canada

My life, My Loss and What I Hope to Teach My Sons

I begin this blog almost six years after an auto-immune response to a viral infection single handedly, over the course of a day, annihilated the nerve cells in my upper spinal cord. Nerve cells, also called neurons, are like an electrical current sending motor and sensory messages back and forth between the brain and spinal cord to our organs and limbs. Like a telephone circuit, the spinal cord talks to the rest of the body via these highly specialized "wires" and any disruption to the circuit will botch communication or stop it all together.
My body plays a constant game of Broken Telephone with my brain, and vise-versa. After a full day of this aggravating back and forth with the odd correct message getting through, my body collapses into a much needed slumber, just to start it up again when the sun rises. Fatigue, not surprisingly, is one of the most common burdens of persons with spinal cord injuries and illnesses.
My two children were young in July, 2007 when I became ill, only four and six at the time. Much of my life was put on hold - dreams of travel, career advancement, and training for a marathon. But, my most valuable treasure, motherhood, was not stripped from me on that fateful day in July.
And thus, I begin to share the story of my life, my loss and what I hope to teach my sons.

Location:Toronto