Category: Uncategorized
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Life’s Value: Lessons from Loss and Love
We search to find meaning in someone’s life. We search for answers to their existence. At times, especially during moments of loss and grief, we look for meanings in their life to ease our pain. That is the human condition. We search because we think if we can attach value to their life, then their…
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Honoring Mama: The Guardian of Our Dene Culture
She came into this world on 8, of May, 1919, in Old Fort, Alberta, the eldest of eleven children. With two sisters and eight brothers, she quickly learned the weight and responsibility of caring for others. At just 15, she entered into marriage with Isadore Deranger in 1933 in Fond du Lac. Their union began…
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GET OVER IT?
I am part of the last generation of survivors of a dark chapter in Canadian history—the Indian residential schools. But I am more than a survivor; I am resilient, and brave. In the summer of 2022, Pope Francis visited Canada. He came to apologize for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools. His visit…
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Stroke and Recovery in 2019
This blog is my personal observations. They come from my time as a patient at Elizabeth Bruyère Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Clinic. I also received care from Ambulatory Stroke Services. I experienced excellent care after suffering a stroke. I later became an outpatient under the care of Dr. Hillel Finestone. I also give some…
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LIFE’S MOMENTS
Mid-February Musings Lately, I’ve been reflecting more deeply on life’s fleeting nature. I grapple with the idea of a purposeful life—what does it truly mean? I believe we must be intentional in how we live, yet purpose manifests differently for each of us. This contemplation led me to reevaluate what is truly important in my…
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The Impact of Stroke on Family: A Personal Reflection
In 2018 I suffered a stroke. Illness doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it ripples through the whole household. Each family member is integral to the healing process. I spent a few weeks in a rehabilitation hospital after suffering a stroke after an operation. I was fortunate my son came home to help. This experience…
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The Impact of Family Deaths: Reflections on Loss and Legacy
The first time I heard that someone I knew passed away, it was my grandmother, Christine Adam. She died on the operating table. I had a quick and visceral reaction to the news of her passing. I was a 21 year old student with my life ahead of me and my grandmother’s life ended. It…
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Healing Gardens: A Journey to Recovery
In 2018, I experienced a medical crisis. Thankfully, it was resolved with surgery. Unfortunately, I suffered a Right brain parietal stroke during surgery. I designed a healing garden that summer, to help me recover faster. People feel better when surrounded by fresh flowers. I am no different. As I was researching healing, I discovered an…
From the Shores of the Ottawa River 