Sober October

The month of October has passed and it was a sober one for many reasons. Due to some health issues I decided to go the month without alcohol. I am not a big drinker to begin with however, I do like my beer after all it is “ The Nectar of the God’s “. It was pretty easy to do. I will do it again.

In my home town Winnipeg, we are undergoing a crime rampage. Murders, arson, liquor store thefts and the most heinous act of violence I have heard occurred in our town last week. An innocent 3 yr old boy named Hunter was stabbed while asleep by his mother’s ex-boyfriend. Gut and heart wrenching. People have gone numb. My mental health took a hit last month. Tears are welling up in my eyes as I write this. Hunter was taken off life support and died yesterday. He was just starting out and never had a chance. What kind of person would attack a defenceless innocent boy. Words cannot describe the perpetrators thought process.

My grandson Oliver is 3 and a half and I have thought about him a lot. I would be absolutely devastated if anything happened to a Oliver. He brings immense joy and happiness to my life. I was speaking to grade 7 students last week, sharing my mental health journey. One of the questions a student asked me was what lessons am I teaching my grandson. I have taught him about kindness, being aware of his environment and to enjoy life and he has taught me about unconditional love.

The attack on Hunter has left me devastated and wanting to be part of the solution. What is fuelling all this rage. We can no longer turn a blind eye to mental health, addictions, poverty, socio-economic issues, racism.

For the sake of our city we have to sort this out. No more can we say it doesn’t affect me because it is not in my backyard. Everyone is affected. Everyone can chip in and be the solution. We look for leadership to our politicians. We have to look elsewhere. We are the solution. The solution is to be active, engaged, kind, supportive. We have great resolve. I will continue to do my part.