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Finding purpose in the sharing of stories...

7/17/2015

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Don't we all just have those days, when you're just not sure what it is all about?  What you're meant to be doing, or saying or achieving in life?  Days when the questions far out weigh the answers?

As a Mother who has lost her child, I know I struggle with that often.  Even though it's been six years now, and life has taken on a new form and a different flow, there are still those days where I ask myself what is it all about.  What were all the lessons that I had to learn for anyways?   What are the next steps when what you believed your purpose was has changed so drastically?  What now?

I have more irons in the fire and things on my to-do list than just about anyone I know.  The endless little piles of projects and ideas and things to yet be accomplished are scattered beyond my office, they area throughout my home, as I pick at pieces of what might be next, trying to put it all together in a way that makes sense of life.  I read and re-read the writings in my journal, seeing myself asking myself that question so often.  The answer is so close, but still just out of reach most days. 

I become so busy being busy, that I neglect to sit back and just review and reflect. I know it's important, I encourage and challenge others to do it all the time through my life coaching. But like all people, sometimes I neglect to take my own knowing and turn it into action. Then I get a day like today

This morning, in an effort to get through one of the piles on my desk, I came across some of the feedback forms that we'd received after our presentation at the CCDDA conference in Winnipeg in June. I'd read them quickly then, but not since in all the things that we've been 'busy' at. So this morning, I took the time to scan them into my files, and post some of the authorized testimonials on our website, and in doing so, was reminded of what is so much a part of my purpose. I am filled with gratitude.

The kind words, the heartfelt encouragement and gratitude for what Trem and I share, reminded me of just how important it is that we do keep sharing. That we continue to tell Shane's story...our story...and his lessons and his teachings to us...because he was one of the greatest teacher's that I have ever known. To be able to share that and reach the hearts of others through our words and my music is such an honor...such a gift.  

Sometimes I need to gently remind myself, that it was not all for nothing. That there was meaning, and knowledge and wisdom that was gathered on every step of our journey together, and that by continuing to share it with others, we have the opportunity to make the journey of another less lonely. To share it ensures that nothing is lost.  To offer another parent hope that what they want most for their son or daughter...love and acceptance and meaningful relationships...can be possible. Not easy, not without intentional work and effort, but none the less possible.

Maybe something that worked for me will work for them. Maybe something that moved Trem to embrace that friendship, will inspire another to take those little steps that changed all of our worlds. Maybe ... just maybe... a child's life and a families experience will be just a little bit easier because of our being open and sharing what we went through with others.

Maybe that is the point of so much of our life's purpose and journey, every one of us. Just to share our story, teach what we learned through what worked and what didn't, to keep offering light, and hope and optimism to those that we encounter on this walk through life. We are all on different paths, but we all share the road we're traveling.   

Whether it's through presenting at a workshop or just being available to answer a question or offer a suggestion to another whose path is similar, maybe the purpose is just to do it with authenticity and an open heart..

And maybe when we need our own answers the most, they are given to us...through the kind, thoughtful feedback of others. Thank you all so much for that. 
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Sharing our story with CBC Radio Noon February 2013

2/12/2014

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Love looking back into the archives of what has happened over the past with our 'Just My Friend' presentation.  This week I was reminded of the interview we did last year in conjunction with 'Inclusive Education Week' in sharing our story about why it is so important for Trem and I to continue to share the story of the friendship that had developed between Trem and my son,
Shane Dickson. 

I love that last year we were fine-tuning the presentation, and this year we will be presenting at the MCEC conference at the Victoria Inn next week, in celebration of Inclusive Education and all that it means to all stake holders.  We are both very proud that we have this opportunity to share the story of the friendship that developed between the boys, and remained as they grew into young men.  We love that this story has the potential to ignite possibilities for other children with and without disabilities to create deep, lasting connections with each other.  And what we really love is having the chance to keep Shane's incredible memory and legacy alive by being able to share him with you, through our memories and perspective! Thank you so much for allowing us to do that, and please come out and join us when you see us at an event near you!

Our love and gratitude..
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So much to be Thankful for!

10/13/2013

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Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, and we are blessed with so many wonderful things!  An awesome fall day, family to celebrate with, food on the table, having a roof over our heads.  The list can go on and on, and mine does.  I am one of the luckiest people I know.
For all the challenges that have given me reason to feel less than grateful in times gone by, I have had the time and the opportunity to see that gifts that were hidden within those challenges and heartaches.  But believe me, none of that happened over night.  Finding the diamonds hidden in the rough patches of our lives never does come quickly or easily.  But with time, it does come. 
This is one of my favorite pictures of a reminder of all that I have to be grateful for, even after the heartache.  It came in the form a call I got from Trem in July of 2010, shortly after he and Shane should have graduated together.  Circumstance resulted in Shane not being with us to graduate in body, but he could not have been more present than he was that day in spirit!  Trem won the 'Shane Dickson Memorial Award for Inclusion' that year, and Trem texted me a few days later to tell me that he was planning to have a tattoo done to honor Shane and the years that he had been with us, asking if I was okay with that.  How could it ever have not been?  My heart exploded.
This was the picture he texted me of the tattoo that day...raw, and new and painful...sort of like the memories we shared of Shane were like at that time.  Now, over 3 more years later, the memories still can be painful, but they are less raw, and not nearly as new.  The good news is that they are still just as alive and just as important as they ever were. 
As we celebrate another Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the opportunity that Trem and I have to share the story of the friendship that he and Shane shared.  I am grateful that Shane was blessed with a friend who recognizes the importance of sharing that story.  To share the hope that that this can happen for all children, with and without disabilities.  To share the hope that the story we choose to share with people will lead to more friendships, more tolerance, more opportunities, start to pave the way to eliminating bullying in our schools today. Having the opportunity to be part of the change that will move the world forward into a softer, more inclusive society is something that is so much to be Thankful for! 
As you count your many blessings today, don't forget to be thank ful for the ways in which you too have an opportunity to make change for something better  in our world....then go forward and find your own way to be part of that change....and be Thankful that you live in a world where you have the freedom that you can make those choices!  Namaste


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    Lynda and Trem are Grateful knowing....

    we are so lucky to have this opportunity to share the things we are doing, and the many things we are learning as we continue to work towards inclusion in all areas of the world we live in !  
    We appreciate having this opportunity to share our experiences here, as we all grow together! 
    Thank you for being part of our journey!

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