Columns

Growing up as part of a large family of eight children, we were shaped by the same parenting principles, church values, and largely similar educational experiences. As we grew older, however, our individual personalities and temperaments emerged — each of us possessing a unique way of thinking, reacting, and communicating.

Parkinson’s disease has many facets, and research into its progression and treatment is constantly evolving. So is my health. Navigating all the changes takes a team, and over the past 11 years since my diagnosis, I think I’ve recruited a pretty good one. So who’s on my medical team?…

Since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago, I’ve become obsessed with trying to understand everything about it. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I question and test everything. And I mean everything. As time passes, I find myself doing that more and more…

“I accuse Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with a revolver.” Wait, does anyone have a conservatory in their home, and if so, what is it? Is colonel pronounced “col-o-nel” or with the letter “r”? If any of the above rings a bell, then, like me, you grew up playing Clue,…

In the fall of 2012, I was moving fast. I had a big job and was becoming known in my industry. I traveled for work almost nonstop, working with clients and speaking at conferences. I was married to a great guy; we had the resources to enjoy beach vacations and…

The air rushed out of my lungs, and tears filled my eyes. Eric’s face dropped, and his shoulders slumped. Simultaneously, we’d been gut-punched. In 2014, 7.2 billion people lived on Earth, but on that April day, we felt as if we’d been plucked out of the world we knew…

I’m the ultimate planner — just ask my family. Knowing the next life steps for my husband, my children, and myself offers me a sense of peace and calm. Because of that, I’m constantly planning and trying to organize our lives. Planning is especially important when a family member is…

Recently, for a column I was writing, I was looking for a good definition of Parkinson’s disease. I’m always amazed that much of the information out there about Parkinson’s disease doesn’t apply to my husband, Arman, and his experience with the condition. Many articles focus on tremors and…

I’ve always heard that mourning doves symbolize peace, hope, renewal, and love. While I’m unsure if this old wives’ tale is accurate, I can be sure that the nest of mourning doves on my patio brings me abundant happiness and a sense of peace. Almost immediately after we moved into…

In the fall of 1986, I worked as a chef at the Black Swan Café in London, Ontario, Canada. The café was on Richmond Street, one of the city’s busier streets for restaurants and retail. We were excited because Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour would be coming…