love.

Mom & Dad

My first love post goes out to my parents. For all the obvious reasons, but mainly for making it possible for me to experience life. My life that is filled with bright, sun shiny days, as well as the terrible storms of my past, I am happy to have seen it all.

It is so funny how when you are younger, your parents are seen as these super humans. Never did it seem like my father or my mother carried any doubt about anything in life. They always seemed so confident & sure about everything, never experiencing a moment of weakness or fear. Obviously this was very far from the truth. That is what made them such amazing parents. Portraying to their children that constant image of confidence, courage and happiness, no matter how they were truly feeling. Saying “everything will be okay”, even if they didn’t believe it themselves.

My parents’ role transitioned from super human, to enemy, to best friend. I was very fortunate to always have an excellent relationship with both my parents and also very fortunate to know how much they loved me. Although they will be big shoes to fill, I have been shown what it is to be a good parent if ever life leads me down the path of parenthood.

So as I take this gift they have given me, and march on forward, eyes wide with excitement, I carry only one regret. That my parents are no longer here to march with me.

Thanks Mom & Dad, for everything.

Sisterly Love
This week my love goes out to my little sister Samantha. At just 23 years old, Samantha has experienced far more darkness and has encountered more adversity than most people ever have to face their whole life. Sam has so much to be proud of and that is why my ‘love’ goes out to her this week. Because I don’t think I tell her enough.

Sam’s mom and my dad got together when I was 13, Sam was only 5. Sam’s mother had just gone through a difficult divorce with Sam’s father who was struggling with a cocaine addiction. Sam’s mother (the greatest step-mom ever!!) did everything she could to protect her and keep her from this unhealthy environment. However, Sam’s father had been a wrecking ball for her emotions for as long as she could remember. He came in and out of her life like a ping pong ball, heightening her hopes with promises about how he has changed only to leave her broken hearted with disappointment. Disappointment from the belief that he will never change.

That is why Sam felt so fortunate when Bobby (my dad) came into her life. Finally, a proper father figure who was sticking around. Bobby helped raise her and thought of her like a daughter of his own. 

Unfortunately for Samantha, stability and consistency in her life is about as present and reliable as her real father. Sam was only 15 when she lost Bobby. She was the one to call 911 and watched him take his last breath. An event extremely traumatic for anyone, never mind a 15 year old. It seemed as though her black cloud had returned.

The roads ahead for Sam, as dark and dreary as they were, were also somewhat predictable and almost expected. Sam turned to drinking and drugs. As many teenagers do at this age, for Sam this was beyond experimentation. The drugs got heavier and more frequent. With each high, Sam wished for a brighter, happier place than the one her sober self had to live in every day. I am not sure if it was the actual high or the familiar feeling of disappointment when the drugs wore off that Sam desired more. Either way, it was a heavy load and Sam was starting to sink.

With her mother’s unconditional love as well as the love and support from her grandparents, Sam slowly broke free from the drugs tight grasp. As she overcame one drug, she slowly learned to let go of another and another. Sam was soon drug free but alcohol remained a big part of her life. Maybe it was a series of events, or a sudden epiphany. It doesn’t matter really. What mattered is Sam finally stood back and took a look at her life and the road that lay ahead. There were two paths: one that carried on into darkness and one that lead to the sun. Sam made a choice.

Sam is now celebrating over one month sober. She has gone back to school studying to be an Esthetician. With admirable strength and optimism, Samantha has turned her life around completely. Sam has also gained a new father figure in her life. Her mother has met an amazing man who has become an intricate part of Sam’s life. And, surprisingly enough, Sam’s father has also turned his life around and is celebrating over 5 months sober. They have reunited and are working at mending their relationship. Through the love that surrounds her, Sam is letting go of the anger that she carried for so long. Everyday is a struggle but Sam is trying hard to see the beauty in this crazy world.

Sam & I visiting Dad

As Sam lives in Ottawa, 4 hours from me, our visits are few and far between. No matter the distance though, my awe and appreciation for this amazing girl is hopefully resonating across the miles. I hope Sam knows how proud I am of her and what an inspiration she has been. And if she doesn’t, I hope this helps.

 Thank You My Healthy Hotties!

As I write this entry, my heart is so full of love I am afraid is may actually burst! That may be because this week my love goes out to not just 1 but 12 amazing women. Women, who just over 2 years ago were complete strangers to me but today, own a huge piece of my heart.

All coming from different walks of life, we found ourselves in the same little classroom 2 years ago. A love for nutrition and health brought us there. Some of us were going back to school again for the first time in 5, 10 or even 20 years and most of us not knowing much about our new found passion. Although nervous and overwhelmed, there was a calming energy throughout the room that softly sounded the message “don’t worry, together we will get through this”.

It has been a difficult journey to say the least. Arriving at class after working sometimes 8,9, 10 hour days. Getting home after 11 at night. And spending literally every free moment reading a textbook, researching the net, cramming for a test or writing an assignment.  There were many times where I felt as though I was sinking. But as our time in the classroom progressed, and bonds between us grew, my classmates made sure I would stay afloat. It was inspiration that kept me going. Knowing that these women were going to be in class, without fail, every Monday and Thursday evening no matter what else was going on in their lives, pushed me to do the same.  Their admirable strength and relentless perseverance made me reach deep down inside myself to find those same qualities.

Needless to say, I could not have walked this journey alone. And fortunately, I didn’t have to.  Here is a little blurb about the special people that I had the privilege of traveling this remarkable journey with.

Susan M – Although she looks half her age and has a body that all of us women aspire to, Susan took a real mother figure role, always looking after all of us and making sure every one was alright. Seeing her big warm smile every class as well as teaching me by example what a true Vata is, especially before Anatomy exams, was so greatly appreciated. As a cancer survivor herself who is now reliving the experience as she helps your husband fight his biggest battle - NATURALLY, has been a true inspiration to us all. The admirable strength and courage along with her dyer passion for nutrition will make any client of Susan’s truly blessed to have her as their practitioner, just as I was blessed to have her as a classmate, and now friend.

Susan B – Our spunky Newfie who is determined to prove that wine is not hazardous to our health! If you need help fighting that one girl, I’m with ya!! Susan’s down to earth personality and humor will shave years off the lives of all those seniors she is going to help. However, I do foresee only one problem with her future career working with the elderly: Susan will either make them laugh to death or all the old men are going to fall in love with her! Either way, they are going to be so lucky to have her as their Holistic Nutritionist.

Nathalie – I think it took about a year before I ever heard Nathalie speak. All I knew about her besides that fact that she was stunning, was that she loved Bon Jovi! She was the quiet one in class, maybe due to shyness, or maybe just because she couldn’t get a word in edge wise with us babblers. Either way it has been great to see her come out of her shell and get to know the wonderful, kind person that she is. 

Ilona – another quiet one, but when she speaks, has so much valuable information to share. Ilona completed this program without missing a class, no matter how hectic her day was. Never in the whole 2 years of sharing a classroom with her did I ever hear Ilona complain once. She is one of those people who seemed to breeze on through, without letting the stress of the classes get to her and never seemed to be frazzled no matter how much was piled on her plate. Ilona’s strength and determination was certainly inspirational when times got tough. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.  

  

MJ – Our feisty maritimer who has so much drive and determination it could knock down a bull. Not only did MJ finish this program without missing a class, she also became a cancer coach and all doing so while raising two young kids. MJ’s previous experience in the Holistic field as well as her ability to excel in everything she does has been a great asset to all of us. There is no doubt in my mind that ‘Live Wise’ & ‘FU Cancer’ will be soon to be well known names in the holistic world. And I pity anyone who tries to get in the way of her goals!

Yvette – My go to girl!! I think the only thing Yvette doesn’t know about is procrastination. Always on top of her game with organization skills that I, the scatter brain, am so envious of, Yvette is always one step ahead of the crowd. Yvette is a powerful, amazing woman who’s passion for nutrition is just seeping out of her pours.  As a successful business woman, amazing single mother and now sure-to-be successful Holistic Nutritionist,  Yvette has truly been an inspiration to be around. That is why I hope to continue to be around her for a long time to come.

Denise – Our Carribana queen who is always smiling and always willing to lend a helping hand. Denise is never afraid of trying something new and jumping in feet first just for the experience. Her diverse repertoire, endless patience and big heart will certainly guarantee Denise a successful future. From our time in class to our ttc rides after, Denise has been a pleasure to get to know and acquire as a friend.

Shyra – Our determined vegan even if she is Blood type O, has been a pleasure to get to know over these past 2 years. As a Reiki Practitioner, Computer Programmer, Public Speaker with a Native background, the knowledge Shyra has shared with us has been so greatly appreciated. And now that Shyra is an official Holistic Nutritionist I do believe she will bring a healthier, more balanced, less-pale face to veganism;)

Hayley – Hayley is that classmate that you totally envy because good grades just seem to come so naturally to her. Unlike myself who needs to read something like 10 times for it to sink in, Hayley seemed to get it 1^st time around. She’s also probably the only person I know who could throw together a wedding in less than four months while working full time and going to school. A definite over-achiever with a passion to make this planet a better place, Hayley has been such an asset to our group and someone I hope to see a lot more of in the future ahead.

Lisa B – Lisa joined our group after everyone else but it took no time at all for her to fit right in. Lisa was like that missing piece we didn’t know we were missing until she joined us. Lisa brings a wonderful down to earth approach to the classroom, asking all those question we were all too shy to ask, and digging until she understood it fully. Her personal achievements along with Lisa’s newly acquired love for nutrition has helped her blossom into the confident Holistic Nutritionist she is today. It was wonderful sharing this journey with you.

Kim C – Our class goof, not clown, because she doesn’t even try or even know for that matter, how absolutely hilarious she is!! Kim is the life of the classroom with a fun positive outlook on everything. She is a well balanced, highly driven woman with a great big heart who I am sure will make people laugh their way back to good health. It was an honor to take this journey with you. You have blossomed from my classmate to my friend and now to my forever RICK STAR!!

Maria – Our little Latin flare, Maria has been not only a ray of sunshine, but she has lit up our classroom like the big bright sun itself. No matter how difficult a time, every Tuesday & Thursday night I was greeted by her big radiant smile which instantly brightened my day. She had this effect on us all. Maria is so passionate and so sure about becoming a Holistic Nutritionist that she recently quit her secure stable job of 13 years to focus primarily on her practice. Maria: your great big heart and magnetic energy leaves no doubt in my mind about the success you & Rediscover Your Health will achieve in the very near future.

This weekend I graduated as class valedictorian with First Class Honors. These are accomplishments that came as a great surprise, and of course a GREAT honor. I feel so blessed that my efforts paid off and did not go unnoticed. However, I was not the only one to work hard, sacrifice and give it my all these past two years. I do not deserve this achievement any more than any of these wonderful, beautiful, inspirational women I had the honor of sharing a classroom with every Monday & Thursday nights for the past 2 years. It is because of them, their drive, determination and most of all their love that carried me to where I am today. Thank you my Healthy Hotties!




My Unconditional Love for the Universe, my Brother....and his Gallbladder.

Today my only brother was minutes away from getting his gallbladder removed. Minutes before the anesthesiologist attended to my brother, doctors refused to proceed due to complications with my brother’s Medicare card. They were worried how they would be paid for the procedure so they sent him home. My brother was frustrated and worried about the excruciating pain soon returning. I can’t help to smile at how beautiful this universe is.

My brother rushed to the hospital a few nights ago doubled over in a pain that he describes as the worst thing he has ever experienced in his life. An ultrasound showed several large gallstones that were blocking the bile ducts. Doctors said there was no choice, the whole gallbladder had to be removed.

This has become such a common procedure and doctors treat the removal of the gallbladder as routine surgery that it is easy to mistake the importance of our gallbladders. However, the gall bladder plays quite a vital role in our body and without it, one can be looking at a lifetime of digestive issues.

Upon hearing about my brother’s condition I just wanted to rush to Montreal to his bedside and protect his little gallbladder from those evil men in white coats that just want to kill it and throw it away! I couldn’t talk to Jay as he was in the hospital to voice how I really didn’t think he should have the surgery and that there were other options. And even if I couldn’t talk to him, I wondered if he would listen.

I am his little sister. His little sister who has adopted a new lifestyle and belief system that we can heal ourselves naturally, without drugs. Don’t get me wrong, allopathic medicine has its place and without it many people would not be alive today. But unlike many people, I see allopathic medicine as the last resort, not the first. I am so passionate about my new career, that I sometimes push my beliefs on others without realizing. I didn’t want to do that with Jay. I hoped he knew where I stood without having to say too much, but ultimately I had to leave this decision up to him.

Jason got sent home from the hospital for the day yesterday but was scheduled to return first thing in the morning, ready to lie on the operating table and be cut open. He called me & we got to talk for the first time since he was admitted. I almost had to sit down when he voiced the words ‘ I want to keep my gallbladder. I am willing try to do this naturally, and maybe that way I won’t need surgery tomorrow.” I may have not been that one to convince him but I lite up instantly with pride. Then my pride was instantly replaced by fear. I know how to clean a gallbladder and liver for that matter. I have even preformed a  liver/gallbladder flush on myself. But never had I treated one that had stones in it. Large, obstructed stones for that matter. I also remember reading ‘ do not do this with someone who has stones.’ And also remember reading the words ‘ risk of death’! I warned him of the consequences (without using the ‘d’ word;) and he said he was still willing to try. He is braver than I.  I immediately contacted all my amazing peers to get their opinion. I put him in touch with my colleague and my friend M-J (www.livewise.ca) who has a lot more experience than I in these cleanses. She guided him through it and he followed everything she said. Now it was the waiting game. A game I suck royally at, especially when it concerns my bro.

I stayed by the phone for the rest of the day, praying this cleanse would work. I imagined him going to the hospital the next morning and shocking all the doctors because the stones had magically disappeared. That would have been nice. But cleanses don’t work like that, especially for some one with a gallbladder issue. It takes time and takes a few cleanses to work fully.

Being new to natural medicine, or any medicine for that matter, Jason wasn’t sure if the cleanse worked so he kept his appointment for surgery in the morning. It was out of my hands, it was out of M-J’s hands and it was out of Ely’s hands, his wonderful girlfriend who never left his side throughout this whole ordeal. It was now between Jay, the doctors and the universe.  And luckily the universe won. Jay was on the right path but like so many of us we get confused by outside influence and lose confidence in our decisions.  That is why the universe had to step in and help guide him. It was not because of a faulty Medicare card. It is because Jason was not supposed to have that surgery.

I am now on my way to Montreal to be with my brother and help get him better naturally and without the need of a Medicare card. It may not be due to his confidence in me or in natural medicine; it may be just because he has no other choice. Either way, I am given the opportunity of a lifetime – literally. All my life I have been his little sister, the one he was told to protect and look after. That role has been embedded in his brain and has carried this role even to today, 31 years later. Jason has been my rock through everything. My blood and my family, very little of what I have left of. He is the only person on this planet who knows absolutely everything about me and the only one who has shared my darkness. We have an indestructible bond that I cherish everyday. That is why today, I have been blessed. I am finally given the opportunity to repay a little of all my brother has given me.