Seeking Ordinary

07/04/2023

Two thumbs up for Family Support Institute BC! FSI embraces families who experience any type of disability. Best of all—no diagnosis required! Staff and volunteers alike understand families and disability to their core. I'm pleased to volunteer as a resource parent., connecting with the community.

05/25/2023

Love this tote bag and cheeky name tag from BCEdAccess! If passionate about inclusive education, check out their website.

02/20/2023

Sibling love endures...even if buried under resentment. My February blog shares how my children evolved from these loving preschoolers, to testy teens and into seasoned adults.
Read about the journey at https://www.seekingordinary.com/blogs

02/02/2023

Thrilled the documentary, "Unloved" has been released! Tough, powerful and scathing, the film's messages speak to dark truths.

Watching bruises the heart, but doing so acknowledges the harsh realities thousands of voiceless children, endured at Huronia.

I applaud the passion, courage, and grit displayed by the institution's survivors. The Remember Every Name campaign created
Stunning, permanent tributes to all imprisoned at Huronia. Having names and messages on public display gives voice to a dark time in history. Kudos to all involved in making this important film!

A filmmaker's quest to discover the fate of her disabled brothers uncovers an institution's shocking history of neglect and abuse.

12/04/2022

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities! People First groups across the country are celebrating by hosting screenings of the film Unloved – Huronia’s Forgotten Children. Filmmaker Barri Cohen uncovers the truth about her two half-brothers and the cruel system that institutionalized vulnerable children.

11/27/2022

Consequences have impacts, ranging from inconsequential to life altering. Minimizing the risk of potentially devastating consequences takes awareness, insight, planning and action.

Despite your best efforts, reducing risks can be a tall order. Begin by assessing if a risk is a possibility or probability. That clarity helps guide you.

What do you fear the most for your family member? Go ahead…dare to say it out loud. That small first step is where you begin.

11/17/2022

Our favourite stories aren’t always big—but the impact usually is. Cherished stories can be as simple as a moment of delight.

Frozen in time, the moment imprints on your heart. Such memories fill us with hope, caring and understanding.

Never hesitate to pay it forward…many are in need.

11/03/2022

“We need to talk...” Oh, how those words paralyse me. The phrase typically foreshadows unpleasantness or minimally a disruption of plans.

Parents raising a child with a disability hear that phrase, lots.
No matter how gently those words are spoken, they convey a threat to stability and plans.

In that moment, it’s important to take a deep, calming breath. Despite knowing that, sometimes I find myself holding my breath, as if suddenly submerged into icy water. Maybe you too? ...

To read more on this and other subjects, visit https://www.seekingordinary.com/blogs

10/24/2022

Be the reason

10/03/2022

09/29/2022

Behind the veil of public image.... Was privileged to discuss advocacy realities with engaged, passionate professionals at Fairmont Hot Springs.

We all benefit from openly discussing pain points and possibilities. Always willing to share my experiences and perspective.

09/12/2022

School’s in—bringing fresh starts, uncertainty and angst, lots of angst. Every parent pursuing inclusion wears an invisible backpack jammed with worry, hope, fear and self-doubt. I remember those days well! Hiccups happen…even in a great year. Your invaluable in-depth knowledge and understanding can help address emerging issues. 👍 The key is to speak up, be clear and stay focused. You’ve got this!

08/23/2022

It can happen in a flash! One moment all is calm and then emotions erupt. Regulating emotions can be a lifetime challenge for our kids. Maturity helps, yet life situations can unpredictably trip a hair-trigger, regardless of age. Like their parents, our kids are a work in progress.

Fear of needles was huge for our son. As an adult, Matt is rightly proud that he overcame this phobia. When he was young, filling a requisition for bloodwork took a huge toll on both child and parent.

This Warrior Angel audio clip shares one such parent/child experience. Can you hear the faltering control in my voice? Clearly a reminder that it’s not just our kids who have powerful emotions.

07/31/2022

Society’s devaluing, hurtful messages are like wet wool blankets. They weigh us down, dampen our spirits and wrap us in negativity. The unwelcome weight can influence our outlook on life.

I encourage you to think about how you approach life. Reviewing this simple, but powerful More or Less chart can help. Such attitudinal adjustments could improve your outlook.

You and your loved ones deserve to live the best version of you. The tough part is acting on what holds you back. It takes a conscious, prolonged effort.

I know my weaknesses and continue to wrestle with them. I encourage you to do the same.

07/12/2022

Meltdowns make me shudder. Public meltdowns are the worst. Just ask any parent. Our kids get harshly judged by onlookers who lack insights into the complexities that got us here.

Onlookers distract, so try shooing them from your brain and peripheral vision. Oh, so much easier said than done.

When your child is really upset, the first step is to listen, without interrupting. And no, you can’t rush the process. ☹

Feeling heard and understood is essential before their ears can hear other perspectives and explore possibilities. Respect breeds respect. Sounds like a logical and straightforward process, right?

All too often, I fall down on the listening part and then I get impatient. I’m still a work in progress. Where do your challenges show up?

07/07/2022

I am honoured to know strong, articulate and determined families. Each one started out shaky, before becoming grounded. And with each step they learned lessons and got stronger.

I am in awe of everyday people, like you, who know their values, find their voice and demand accountability. YouTube has an inspiring clip of a fiercely focused mother from Alaska. Her son was pepper sprayed by the police.

Check it out at https://bit.ly/39xcmh3 The mother enters the frame at 2:16 of the body cam footage.

I’d like to think that I too would be that strong. Yet, I pray that I am never put to the test. How do you think you would react?

07/06/2022

The value of having people in your corner cannot be overstated. You know them—allies who understand your passion, pain and persistence. Like fellow foot soldiers, their emotional support is a given.

When Matt was in high school, I was challenged by the principal, for speaking my truth. That distressing phone call remains vivid, even after 20 years.

I’m eternally grateful for the army on my shoulder that gave me the courage to stand firm. The following short audio clip from Warrior Angel captures the essence of that call.
https://bit.ly/3yhW4B0

07/05/2022

My last post spoke of cultivating a warrior angel spirit. Amazingly, I was gifted this forged steel sculpture that is symbolic of that spirit.

The angel conveys power, fluidity and preparedness for battle. Her broad wings can cradle or slap, depending on each unique situation.

I’ve fallen many times, limped off the battlefield and licked my wounds. Despite multiple battle scars, I’ve not a single regret for the chosen path.

How do you recover when weakened from battle?