We have been surprised, to say the least, at the lack of public discourse around health care during this election period. As a top-of-mind issue for British Columbians, you’d think it would be as central as the always large and looming econ…

Over the past few years I’ve found myself with ample opportunities to spend time with people who were in the last years of living. I’ve observed; I’ve asked; I’ve listened;  It’s been quite an education.We’re a funny bunch, us human…

Folks, even though I am slowly leaving middle age behind, I always thought of myself as young at heart………………….. ! (Maybe the perfect age, according to Jack Benny is 39!) Lately, I find my mental age is slowly catching up with my physical age, and there was ample proof of that this morning when I [...]

On holiday in Cat Island, Bahamas recently, something happened.  Regular readers of my blog might recall that I’ve blogged about Cat Island before – it’s a remarkable place in its beauty, its simplicity and its authentic (but few) inhabitants.  Last year, I visited an 87 year old firecracker called Miss Ella Sweeting.  Back then, Miss Ella sang  us a of rap songs and explained raucously that she had been banned from calling in to the Eleuthera radio station for over-using that privilege.  She was, what you might call ‘a going concern’. This year, I dropped in again to visit Miss Ella.  Her straw work roadside stall was empty of wares, but the door was open, so I knocked and stepped inside.  There was a tiny frail woman sitting by the television.  She wore an ill-fitting black wig.  I asked if Miss Ella was in.  “I’m . . . → Read More: THE CAREGIVERS’ LIVING ROOM – A Blog by Donna Thomson: Making Peace with Aging and Infirmity

There are times in our lives when we have to come to grip with issues that are life changing. At this time we are at that stage – or at least I am that. Life gives us an opportunity to expand our horizons but at a cost. Should we make choices that are …

This past weekend, I met a man who is a jouster (sigh!). I had been invited to join a joust-training team years ago, but the commute was too far to make it work, and I had been PINING to do it ever since. I have always loved adventurous, physica…

Awoke to brilliant sunshine flooding the kitchen, and a beautiful springlike day; perfect for executing “Plan Spring Her”. My ninety-five year old step-grandma has been under quarantine for the Norwalk virus for more than two weeks at her seniors resid…

I kicked the habit! I inhaled enough sugar, chocolate and pastries over the Christmas holidays to leave me sweet enough for a lifetime – or so it felt. After my belly fat and I had a meeting of the minds, I decided to try something a little more drasti…