Cultural and racial differences, stigma of mental illness, societal outcasts, bullying, abuse, and family dysfunction are all factors of our inability to cope; being a precursor to suicide, depression, drug and alcohol dependencies. Too many keep silent, not seeking help causing isolation, loneliness, aggression, homelessness, and addictions leading to suicidal tendencies and destructive behaviors. Add …
With Mother’s Day having just ended, I have taken this time in quiet reflection before telling you of the passing of my Mom on April 23, 2023, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. What is a mother? Is she one to tuck you in and kiss you goodnight? Is she one to hold you …
When you look at someone what do you see? Appearances alone do not tell the whole story. This is a story of regular people like you and me whom I had the privilege of meeting while going for chemotherapy treatment. I had time to waste as I would sit for 4 to 6 hours waiting …
I pray you find yourself again and bring peace into your soul, amen I pray you laugh with joy again and bring a smile to your face, so when? I pray you can see past the pain and a brighter future may you gain I pray you wipe away the tears and learn to love …
In Memory of my Twin Boys I gave birth to my twin boys prematurely and lost them both within two days of each other. Today marks their 25th anniversary, and I wrote this poem shortly after they died. One year after losing them, I gave birth to my second set of twin boys. I hope …
In 2011, Nick, my nephew-in-law, died by suicide. At 36 years old, he had paranoid schizophrenia since the age of eighteen. Attending the Celebration of Life service, I listened to the eulogy and the rendition of Nick playing his guitar to a piece of music by Jimi Hendrix. An overwhelming urge to start clapping my …
Anna’s Story – Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Read More »
Our dog, Brandy, a black lab cross we had since she was a puppy. At 14-years-old, diagnosed with cancer; A fast spreading cancer, Brandy’s health deteriorated quickly. Towards the end, we slept downstairs with her on our makeshift bed as she couldn’t climb the stairs anymore. One night, I woke up after shouting her name …
Having grown up in a dysfunctional family, I felt invisible from a very early age, meaning I was not seen, heard or spoken to. I learned what I said didn’t matter, wasn’t important or that my opinion didn’t count – that’s when I stopped talking. Traumatized, this affected my mental and physical state as I …