#The Struggle Is Real

The other day we attended a charity bowling fundraiser. It was a great event and raised significant money for an addictions recovery centre. The organizers of the event, friends of ours, created the fundraiser in memory of their son. The profound loss of a son, prompted the parents to action. An action which will save lives.

Last month we attended the dedication on the site of the addictions recovery centre. What seemed like a no brainer to my sweetie and I and thousands of others turned into a drag them out battle. A battle that didn’t have to be. A battle born out of ignorance and misinformation.

Finally all the rezoning and formalities are all done. The rebuild can begin in many ways. The building will be transformed, the community will heal and lives will be saved.

Hearing stories of lives torn apart by addiction and mental illness. These stories are heart wrenching. My friend’s story is no different. The underlying theme is that the people in need of help were reaching out to be helped to be saved. The resources of help are not readily available. Lists are long as demand is high. The crisis is real and not going away.

Mental health and addictions can go hand in hand. No one is immune. Anyone can become an addict, anyone can develop a mental health issue. Depression is a flaw in chemistry, not in character.

It’s simple be kind, be supportive, be respectful. Everyone has a story. My friends are two of the most courageous people I know. They have chosen to honor their son by working to prevent others from not having to go through what they experience.

Depression is a bitch. It kicks us in the ass when we are down and kicks us in the ass when we are up.
Everyday is a struggle. It is not to be trivialized.

The Kindness of Strangers

Today is September 11.  A day of reflection and remembrance. A day of where we instinctively remember where we were and what we were doing. For me, I had just finished a shower when my roommate yelled down a plane has hit the World Trade Centre. My first thought was that must be some serious New York fog for this to happen. Before I left for work, I saw the second plane hit the WTC. Something huge and scary was happening.

Within the hour the true extent would be known. Airspace was closed throughout North America. Planes landed at the nearest airport. Eastern Canada took the majority of the planes. Here in Winnipeg 15 planes were diverted. People were calling into the airport and the media asking how they could help. The stories about the people of Gander have been well documented. Reading the stories over and over again bring tears to my eyes. The outpouring of love and support cannot be measured it was experienced and is lasting.

The kindness of strangers was evident that day. First responders unselfishly risking their lives and losing their lives. The heroic acts of bravery of every day citizens like the passengers on United 93 fighting back to prevent further tragedy. The tale of the Man with the Red Bandana Welles Crowther an equity trader and volunteer firefighter who saved 18 life’s inside the towers before losing his own life.

The kindness of strangers is everywhere. I heard a story today about 2 high school students in Memphis who witnessed a fellow student who was being bullied for wearing the same clothes every day. They took it upon themselves to gather up new and used clothing and present it to this student so he would not be subjected to further bullying.

The picture represents a contrast between one of the worst days in my lifetime and one the happiest weeks  of my life. A Carnival Caribbean cruise with my sweetheart. It was her first cruise. Watching her experience it and relive it brings great joy.

Life is full of great joy and great sadness. Extreme emotions and the kindness of strangers. Be kind at all times. Be supportive and be engaged in life.

Channel Your Inner Bianca

I have not had the energy or motivation to blog over the last month. However, I like most other Canadians jumped on the Bianca Andrescu bandwagon. And why not she is amazing talented mature beyond her years. The poise, determination fortitude to win the US open this past weekend. She beat the world’s best in Serena Williams. The superlatives to describe her victory are endless.

One of the things that marvelled me the most was how she channeled her emotions through meditation. I have never given mediation much thought. I thought it was hocus pocus. I also thought I didn’t have the patience or the imagination to meditate. Maybe I will give it a try. I was making excuses.

After weeks of feeling sorry for myself. Cancelling out on exciting opportunities and letting my depression get the better of me. I do not want to make excuses anymore.

August 31 was world Overdose and Awareness day and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. I have been thinking about people who have died from overdose, addiction and suicide. Thankfully I have not overdosed nor been addicted to drugs or alcohol. I have had suicidal ideations including one severe ideation 19 years ago. I was on vacation and was having an extremely low time. I strongly thought about not coming home. Nobody would care if I didn’t return.

I am very happy that I reached out and called my father. There was no judgement, just a simple how can I help?  Four of the most important words one can ever say to another person.

So, tomorrow light a candle for all those who have died by suicide. It is not a sign of weakness. Be strong be brave be kind be supportive and be like Bianca. She is amazing and so are we.