When a Child Loses A Pet

Our sweet Lanaya unexpectedly left us this week, the first time T has experienced the loss of a pet. Lanaya was a wonderful part of our family for 10 years and for almost all of T’s life. She came into the hubby and my life on Canada Day 2015, when we adopted her and ourContinue reading “When a Child Loses A Pet”

The Deadly Walk

Writing helps me process my world. Reading T’s school writing work, I see he might’ve done the same. As an ice storm descended in our city, I settled into my Friday evening and noticed an artwork that T had created in his school folder. Upon closer inspection, it was an image of what looked likeContinue reading “The Deadly Walk”

Celebration of Life

On Saturday, surrounded by family and friends, near and far, we said goodbye to Ma. It was celebration and catharsis. I am thankful for the last few weeks to reflect and to remember what an inspiring life Ma lived, full of love and accomplishments. Loved ones from afar, including Philippines and Guam, joined the serviceContinue reading “Celebration of Life”

Flowers

On a beautiful Spring Sunday afternoon, T brought flowers for his Auntie. A few weeks prior, the memorial garden staff let me know her memorial plaque had been installed and with it, a vase for flowers. At 8.5 years old, T has experienced a lot of adversity and loss the past year. When I watchedContinue reading “Flowers”

Marshmallow Halo

Processing and understanding death is hard for kids. Sometimes, stuffed animals can help. T’s Auntie’s – my sister’s – death a few days after Christmas was sudden and despite the unexpectedness, T is doing ok. I continue to check in with him every day to see how he’s doing. Kids often don’t tell you howContinue reading “Marshmallow Halo”

In the Arms of an Angel

Our family faced a sudden loss – for T, his first experience with losing someone – over the holidays. My sister passed away last Thursday, a few days after being admitted to the hospital on Christmas Day, after a short and brave battle with cancer. My family and I are still processing and making senseContinue reading “In the Arms of an Angel”