Chapters

June 3, 2021 • Part 1 of 2

Chapter 14: A Bitter Sweet Moment of Surrender

"Does everything happen for a reason?" This is the philosophical question I pose in this chapter.

June 3, 2020

Chapter 13: Third Of June

June 3rd did not have any specific importance for me until 1997, when I heard the song "Third of June" by Corey Hart playing over the radio in a medical transport vehicle. Here's the story.

May 30, 2020 • (Part 3 of 3)

All of my days are spent coping with so many dreadful symptoms that it's hard to stay optimistic about anything. But, like most things, it all boils down to perspective, and that is the purpose of this chapter. I'm hoping this story will change perspectives a little bit, and maybe help people have an easier time getting through the COVID-19 days, weeks, and months to come.

May 21, 2020 • (Part 2 of 3)

Chapter 11: Heroes

In this deeply personal blog post, I reflect on my ongoing physical and emotional struggles, made worse by the pandemic, and revisit the concept of heroism introduced in a previous chapter. Initially reluctant to accept the "hero" label, a heartfelt message from a longtime friend and police officer shifted my perspective, reminding me that living through chronic illness with resilience can also be heroic. Through this lens, I began to accept my role as an "everyday hero," sharing my story to foster empathy and connection. The post is a moving exploration of suffering, identity, and the power of being seen and heard.

March 26, 2020 • (Part 1 of 3)

Chapter 10: Heroes

I’ve noticed that the term “hero” gets thrown around a lot these days, especially during this pandemic - and rightly so, I should add. There are many different kinds of heroes, of course, with the most archetypal one probably being the War Hero. I wonder what measuring stick is used to qualify one’s actions to label them a hero?

March 15, 2020 • (Part 4 of 4)

Chapter 9: Suicide Blonde

Although the song Suicide Blonde does not really speak to suicide but instead tells the story of Michael Hutchence’s (Lead singer of INXS) girlfriend’s experience with dying her hair blonde for a part she was playing in a movie, I still wanted to use this song to bookend this chapter.

February 8, 2020 • (Part 3 of 4)

Chapter 8: Just Like A Pill

I noticed that the song playing on the radio was “Just Like A Pill” by PINK. How sadly ironic. There I was, basically a pill junkie, in a psych ward listening to the lyrics, “You’re just like a pill, instead of making me better, you keep making me ill, you keep making me ill”.

February 5, 2020 • (Part 2 of 4)

Chapter 7: l’Affaire Dumoutier

There they were, the locked blue doors to the psych ward. Then a nod from an attendant permitted us entry. As soon as I had passed the threshold and officially crossed over into the ward, I knew I was in the wrong place. Fear and panic set in.

December 26, 2019 • (Part 1 of 4)

Chapter 6: Crazy

I was brought to the Lakeshore General Hospital ER on Sunday, December 15th, by my caring and kind neighbour, Ray. I spent 3 days in the corridor waiting for a bed to become available in the psychiatric ward, or as it’s known internally, “4 North”. I was breaking down every day, several times a day. I needed help. But as you'll see, I didn't get help; the *help* only made matters worse.

November 15, 2019

Chapter 5: Ring Ring

My mother loved ABBA. Their music would often fill our home while she was cooking or cleaning. She would float around from room to room singing along, and you could see that the music was carrying her, and filling her with joy.