First Person

Working with the public is no picnic, please keep that in mind

The blanket that kept mom cozy, and warmed my granddaughter’s heart

At ages 79, 82 and 83, we still find it fun to swim with whale sharks

When will the men of youth hockey ever grow up?

Infertility is gut-wrenching, but I do what I can for my wife

My son may have autism, but we’re going to be okay

The ancient Egyptians had it right: Bury the dead’s treasures with them

During my family’s dangerous mountain adventures, I always trusted Dad

Catering to my old dog’s inner diva was a lesson in living with no regrets

Maybe every day is already a ‘Mother’s Day’

Stepmothers are not often praised and appreciated - this letter changes that

Sometimes motherhood feels like ‘otherhood’

Leaving Mom is never easy when we live so far apart

Mom’s last great days of sensual pleasure

I wish I could have watched my Mom grow old

My daughter’s ‘secret forest’ in Calgary is also now her memorial

The books I read on the bus lead to the most interesting conversations

Flying the Ukrainian flag with my Maple Leaf is an important gesture

I never thought I’d become a ‘dog mom’

How can love endure when Alzheimer’s takes him away?

Why I gave up driving all over town to grocery shop (and it’s not just the cost of gas)

My bee garden is pretty incredible and so important

Everything I know about slow and steady living, I learned from snails

When squirrels moved in, my love for all nature moved out

Honk, hiss, flap - run! Every spring Canada Geese chase me away

I’ve wrestled with my spirituality (or lack of it) for most of my life

This year, baking Ukrainian Easter bread feels different

I learned to ride a bike when others my age learn to use a walker

The 83-year-old who joined his grandson’s wrestling team - and never looked back

Menopause is bad enough. Menopause and COVID? A new nightmare

I messaged my childhood bullies so I could let go of the trauma

Making marmalade connects me to my past

What’s the weather in Chibougamau? Where is Chibougamau? We hit the road to find out

The kindness of neighbours will always trump a ‘smart home’ device

I got my official autism diagnosis as an adult - it was a welcome relief

Why do I drive a 1989 Mercury Topaz? It’s my time machine