It was July 2010 and I was interested in a young lady we were texting and talking on the phone when she abruptly stopped. I listened to my inner voice and what my dad told me “in order to get ahead in life be prepared to take risks”. A female name popped into my head. Since I had a huge fear of rejection, I did what any male would do, I asked her out on a date via email. A day later she accepted my request and 2 days later we were on our first date. Well the date was okay, yet we left it open for the future. A week later we got together again and this time everything went very well. We shared our first kiss which sent me tingling throughout my body. We drank champagne and had a wonderful evening. Well we are still going strong as we enter our second decade together.
On a beautiful fall afternoon we went for a walk at the Forks when she stopped me and said I think you have low grade depression. Later that night doing research on the signs and symptoms of depression they were staring me in the face. I knew there was something wrong just couldn’t put my finger on it. Well months later I was formally diagnosed and asked about medication. I politely declined believing that once you were on meds you never came off meds. I decided to face this head on and embrace it. I would tell everyone, most people were supportive, others not so much, as evidenced by a family member who said you can’t blame that on me. My support network changed. I saw a Psychologist for 6 months and learned about DVT. Yes I eventually went on medication. I chronicle my mental health journey in a blog.
In 2012 my high school had their 100th anniversary. What an amazing weekend, reconnecting with schoolmates and discovering that other people from work, social activities went to the same school. I still connect with these people through social media.
The following year I started work on creating the Manitoba Soccer Hall of Fame. I was shocked to find that we were the only team sport in Manitoba without a Hall of Fame. It wasn’t until 5 years later a committee was formed and the Hall formally created in 2029. A great legacy. My father would be proud smiling down.
In winter of 2014 two ladies from CMHA were offering a course through work called Living Life to the Fullest. I signed up and embraced this course so much that after the course was done. I signed up to volunteer with CMHA which led me to working mall displays, special events and as a speaker with the Speak Up program going to schools, universities and companies to share my mental health story. Always an amazing experience and each time come away inspired and empowered.
January 13, 2015 while walking back from a meeting at the hospital to my car. I fell on the ice and broke my ankle. Two ladies saw this and offered assistance. I was too proud to accept their help. I got up walked to my car and drove to my office. The pain was excruciating. After having a couple of nurses take a look I was driven to urgent care. Ten minutes later an X-ray was done. Three days later I had surgery. My plan was to be back at work the following week crutches cast and all. Sadly how wrong this would prove. Well I embraced my situation and chronicled my recovery on Facebook. I was off work for seven weeks and only had two bad days the whole time. Thank you Shelley for your TLC and putting up with through this ordeal.
In 2016 I met my grandson Oliver “Ollie” and fell in love with him the moment I saw him. Even one day when I was changing his diaper and he peed on me. Shelley, Kelsey and Ollie had a great laugh over that one. One night he came and crawled up on my chest and fell asleep. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. He has taught me about unconditional love and many other things. One of the greatest moments is to be on the receiving end of his hugs.
Shelley and I had talked about marriage for a few years. Well in 2017 I proposed to her and those that know me know that I was afraid she would say no. Well she said yes. We decided to have a social 6 months later. An amazing night. We had food every hour representing 5 different themes. 50/50 draws every hour. Over 150 people attended and the best part was my new family was all in attendance.
In 2018 Shelley and I went on a Caribbean cruise. It was her first time. When we reached the cruise port in Miami and she saw the boats, Shelley mouthed the words “OMG”. That set the tone for an amazing week. Also in 2018 we volunteered at the World Men’s Curling Championships. Shelley is the Uber curling fan and met all her curling idols. John Schuster fresh off his Olympic Gold medal performance was there. Before the opening ceremonies we went and watched the marshalling. Schuster was there we waved to him and came to us and had a great 10 minute conversation. He non chalently pulled out the gold medal and was eager to have to show it off. A very nice and humble man.
I have more meaningful and closer relationships. People I was associated with in a different era have said to me and Shelley that I have changed and for the better. No more angry frustrated insecure man.
I admit I am still a work in progress and will slip up and this is a good thing. It keeps me humble and accountable. I am still discovering and learning. I am excited about the new decade and I am excited I will be with Shelley my rock and her family. My theme for this year is twofold and they go hand in hand. Be kind to myself and others and atonement. My depression is in a good place, however, it is a daily reality. Some days are better than others. Some years will be better than others. We will see what 2020 brings. Whatever happens I will keep you all posted. Cheers and Happy New Year.
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