I wrote this short story last year, but have never published it anywhere. It touches on themes of connection, organ donation, loss and healing. It is set during the month of December, and for that reason, it felt appropriate to be one of the pieces of content I shared this season. Christmas Eve It was … Continue reading Same Stars – A Short Story
For my entire life, I've been the kind of person who's puts a lot of value on place. For example ... My childhood bedroom, with it's pink walls and purple-haired-doll wallpaper, held more memories of imagination and wonder than any place else on earth. I can close my eyes and imagine the warmth against my back, … Continue reading A Place To Call Home
“There's no great loss without some small gain.” Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House On The Prairie For a very long time, I thought I was the kind of person who thrived on change. I thought that I took on new adventures with a smile, simply because of who I innately was. I believed that there was … Continue reading Unchosen Change
'Identity' ... It's a concept that goes far beyond ambiguity, yet still plays a pervasive role in the lives we lead, every single day. But as relevant as it may be to each of us, it somehow still escapes the grasp of being 'easy to explain,' especially when it comes to discussing the times when … Continue reading Redefining My Identity Without The Title Of “Daughter”
I lost my mom nearly 5 and a half years ago. Writing those words blows my mind to this day. Because the truth is, a much as I speak and write about my grief, it's role throughout the vast majority of my waking hours is that of white noise. It's always present, and if I … Continue reading Why I Speak So Openly About My Grief
If my mama were here on earth, today would be her 56th birthday. Of course, she'd insist we pretend it was her 35th, but regardless of her teasing reluctance to admit her age, she wouldn't shy away from celebrating. She certainly didn't on her final birthday here on earth, at least. That birthday was her 50th, … Continue reading Birthdays In Heaven
While writing this blog, I've done my best to be open, honest, and authentic in everything I share. For the most part, that's been easy. I launched the blog during time when I'd already overcome a number of challenges. I was in a reflective and positive place where I felt very comfortable sharing what worked … Continue reading Hello Anxiety, My Old Friend
5 years ago today, on June 25th 2014, I boarded a plane in the Greater Moncton International Airport and set off for Pearson ... soon to land in Toronto and begin my new life in Ontario. It was a wide open future, with no set plans other than to 'do life' with my then-boyfriend, now-husband … Continue reading It’s Been 5 Years Since I Moved Away From Home … Here’s How Life Has Changed
On May 18th, 2019 I married the love of my life and my very best friend. The day was blissfully perfect and everything we'd been working towards throughout our eighteen month engagement. Of course, as my readers will know, despite it being the best day ever, there was one person missing who undeniably should have been … Continue reading My Wedding Day + The Loss Of My Mom
On May 3rd, 2014 my mama died in a tragic accident. On May 4th, 2014, her official declaration of "Brain-Dead" came through in the wee hours of the early morning. On May 5th, 2014, she was finally taken of life support as doctors harvested her organs for donation. Throughout those three days, I barely cried. … Continue reading On The 5th Anniversary Of My Mother’s Death
Heather Jane 