Other than these columns, I spend most of my writing energy penning serious letters and emails, on behalf of the amazing politician I work for and with. I’m blessed to do it, and thank God I can. But some days, another vein of writing busts out, a less serious one. …
Ten years ago the Preacher was diagnosed with West Nile Neurological Disease. Five years ago, colon cancer, stage four, followed. This summer marks the point where he will be declared officially in remission. We’re so grateful. During the cancer journey, I wrote these words to praying friends: “Psalm 20:7 reads, …
“Hey, how’re you doing?” I asked a friend after church one day, anticipating her usual enthusiastic, “Just great!” Not that day. A big circumstance had her battling. She explained – for some time. As her story lengthened, I chafed. Someone stood near, trying to catch my eye. She seemed not …
During the days when the Preacher and I lived for several months in a medical facility, the toilet in his room developed a nasty case of hiccups. I reported the problem and a staff member called in Norm the plumber. He came cheerfully, pushing a red metal cart heavy with …
From the vault, one of my favourite columns…and memories: The wrapped-up-in-peace business started on one of my Friday afternoons with our grandbeans. After lunch, Dinah Jane, just two at the time, seemed tired and cranky. During a colouring session, she wanted to keep all the crayons. “No, honey,” I told …
Some of my readers are treading life. It has swamped you, either in increments or suddenly. You feel almost at the “no surviving beyond this point” point. And you wonder if God cares. I opened an old journal last night, and found someone like that. Me. A younger self, passing through …
I heard the news on CBC Radio as I pulled into Pita Pit for supper. First came the familiar music of my favourite radio show. Then the voice I and millions of listeners loved so well. “I’m Stuart Mclean and this is the Vinyl Cafe.” The newscaster cut in. “A …
Decades ago, my friends and I, along with our pastor, traipsed into a nursing home, intent on “cheering them up,” or so Pastor said. I had just joined my high school band. My trumpet skills lacked, but I knew the others would cover for me – a clarinetist, a pianist, …
They work at the gas station where I fill up my faithful sedan. They head organizations for which I’ve spoken. Some are clients through my work. Others have attended my church. Sitting at their kitchen tables, I’ve shared their home-cooked food. Sitting at mine, they have bravely done the same. …
Some of my readers have asked about my Sweet Sixty Project – putting together sixty feminine hygiene kits for use by the organization Days for Girls (www.daysforgirls.org), in honour of my sixtieth birthday. Kits assembled by Days for Girls volunteers travel to poor areas of the world where families have …
