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Motherhood.
I have to say, this was a nice Mother’s Day. I have been in bed for the last two weeks icing and compressing my knee replacement and it’s still too painful to walk any real distance or ride in a car. So Russell surprised me and found a way for Rhys to FaceTime ME from the group home. And Owen gave me a little treasure hunt so I could find treats he left me from his last visit. 💕
Even though we can’t be together it certainly doesn’t mean we don’t love each other any less. We are just in a different stage of life.
I am lucky and grateful just as I am.
Ps. Poor choice in songs to sing, I realized that after the fact. 🤪

Motherhood.
I have to say, this was a nice Mother’s Day. I have been in bed for the last two weeks icing and compressing my knee replacement and it’s still too painful to walk any real distance or ride in a car. So Russell surprised me and found a way for Rhys to FaceTime ME from the group home. And Owen gave me a little treasure hunt so I could find treats he left me from his last visit. 💕
Even though we can’t be together it certainly doesn’t mean we don’t love each other any less. We are just in a different stage of life.
I am lucky and grateful just as I am.
Ps. Poor choice in songs to sing, I realized that after the fact. 🤪

✨My dad is writing his life story. Because of this. 
He’s got stories. Good ones. The kind that deserve to be remembered. 
I’ve tried everything to capture them. iPhone recordings. A book-writing service he hated. Sitting with him hoping I’d remember. 
Nothing worked. Until I built him something. 
I created a custom AI writing partner just for him. He talks to it like a friend. It listens. It asks questions. And his stories, one by one, are going in. 
There’s a blue button waiting for when he’s ready. 
It says: “Let’s take all the chapters and make a book.” 
I built that. Me. The woman who used to be afraid to give her newborn a massage in case she did it wrong. 
That fear, what if I do it wrong, has followed me my whole life. 
The Bootcamp didn’t make me perfect at this. It just got me started. 
And that changed everything. 
Link in bio if you’re curious. 👆🏻

✨My dad is writing his life story. Because of this. 
He’s got stories. Good ones. The kind that deserve to be remembered. 
I’ve tried everything to capture them. iPhone recordings. A book-writing service he hated. Sitting with him hoping I’d remember. 
Nothing worked. Until I built him something. 
I created a custom AI writing partner just for him. He talks to it like a friend. It listens. It asks questions. And his stories, one by one, are going in. 
There’s a blue button waiting for when he’s ready. 
It says: “Let’s take all the chapters and make a book.” 
I built that. Me. The woman who used to be afraid to give her newborn a massage in case she did it wrong. 
That fear, what if I do it wrong, has followed me my whole life. 
The Bootcamp didn’t make me perfect at this. It just got me started. 
And that changed everything. 
Link in bio if you’re curious. 👆🏻

Just keepin’ it real over here. 😼

Just keepin’ it real over here. 😼

What a week of new releases it’s been! I’m doin’ a little happy dance over here for my new friend Neo! #MacbookNeo

What a week of new releases it’s been! I’m doin’ a little happy dance over here for my new friend Neo! #MacbookNeo

Organizing not only other’s digital lives, I’m building the AI side of my business and pulling it all together with Notion.
Mac Made Simple

Organizing not only other’s digital lives, I’m building the AI side of my business and pulling it all together with Notion.
Mac Made Simple

🎄Ugly Sweater Cute Dog 👉A little cheer for those who need it this morning ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎄Ugly Sweater Cute Dog 👉A little cheer for those who need it this morning ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎄The Holidays.

🎄The Holidays.

Growing up, I thought tennis was a sport for singles.

Just me, the court, my opponent. And often I liked it that way because if I lost, I could only blame myself.

But somewhere along the way - between learning doubles, joining a team, showing up after major life changes and substantial injuries - something shifted.

I stopped playing alone and I started having way more fun. I used to feel guilty about playing tennis and if I didn’t win, even worse, I felt like I had let others down.

But after coming back from my Achilles tear and being able to walk again, I am just so happy. I don’t feel guilty playing tennis anymore, I feel grateful.

And all of the sudden, my game got better and my smile became wider. It doesn’t really matter if we win or lose, I’m just lucky to be here, with my team.

Growing up, I thought tennis was a sport for singles.

Just me, the court, my opponent. And often I liked it that way because if I lost, I could only blame myself.

But somewhere along the way - between learning doubles, joining a team, showing up after major life changes and substantial injuries - something shifted.

I stopped playing alone and I started having way more fun. I used to feel guilty about playing tennis and if I didn’t win, even worse, I felt like I had let others down.

But after coming back from my Achilles tear and being able to walk again, I am just so happy. I don’t feel guilty playing tennis anymore, I feel grateful.

And all of the sudden, my game got better and my smile became wider. It doesn’t really matter if we win or lose, I’m just lucky to be here, with my team.

I’m not the type of woman who wants a birthday week or even a birthday party. I’m a little too introverted for that. I got exactly what I needed for the first winter day of a new year of me. 
Sunday was a snowstorm, sleet and snow everywhere. I tried to postpone but the girls rallied together anyway. We dressed in comfy, cozy clothes, had a good laugh, maybe a cry, (me, it’s always me 😂) and they knew what I needed more than I did. 
Monday morning, on December 1st 🎂 Russell and all the animals made staying in seem completely irresistible. He wanted me to feel special even though I wasn’t with my boys, my sisters or my parents.
 What I did do was get on the court for a couple hours with my tennis team. We had the very best hit getting ready for our match on Wednesday. Later on, chillin on the sofa watching Bugonia with Emma Stone and take out.  
Add in sweet messages, phone calls and long conversations with dear friends, lots of love, and a birthday card from Owen calling me an old tart (!!), and this might just be the best way to celebrate.   Oh, and there was the greatest gift - when I ACTUALLY thought I was a year older than I was - and the girls gave me the present of correcting me and reminding me that I had a whole extra year of youth. 🩷🎾

I’m not the type of woman who wants a birthday week or even a birthday party. I’m a little too introverted for that. I got exactly what I needed for the first winter day of a new year of me. 
Sunday was a snowstorm, sleet and snow everywhere. I tried to postpone but the girls rallied together anyway. We dressed in comfy, cozy clothes, had a good laugh, maybe a cry, (me, it’s always me 😂) and they knew what I needed more than I did. 
Monday morning, on December 1st 🎂 Russell and all the animals made staying in seem completely irresistible. He wanted me to feel special even though I wasn’t with my boys, my sisters or my parents.
 What I did do was get on the court for a couple hours with my tennis team. We had the very best hit getting ready for our match on Wednesday. Later on, chillin on the sofa watching Bugonia with Emma Stone and take out.  
Add in sweet messages, phone calls and long conversations with dear friends, lots of love, and a birthday card from Owen calling me an old tart (!!), and this might just be the best way to celebrate.   Oh, and there was the greatest gift - when I ACTUALLY thought I was a year older than I was - and the girls gave me the present of correcting me and reminding me that I had a whole extra year of youth. 🩷🎾

There’ve been a lot of ups and downs lately and I’ve been feeling all the feels.

Which reminds me of what a blessing our animals are. We lost our Blenheim pup Travis in 2017 and it took me five years before I could bring myself to have another dog. I couldn’t bear the thought of replacing him. Of course, he could never be replaced, but here we are with the most emotionally demanding tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Indie. And it took me 15 years before I said yes to another cat. But when I agreed to adopt Miss Grace, she spent part time at my son’s dad’s place and we missed her terribly!! That’s when we decided to introduce her to our feline friend, Miss Pixie Picklebottom.

Now that they are here, I can’t imagine our home with without them. They just fill this house with love and so much joy. (And fur). 😻🐶

There’ve been a lot of ups and downs lately and I’ve been feeling all the feels.

Which reminds me of what a blessing our animals are. We lost our Blenheim pup Travis in 2017 and it took me five years before I could bring myself to have another dog. I couldn’t bear the thought of replacing him. Of course, he could never be replaced, but here we are with the most emotionally demanding tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Indie. And it took me 15 years before I said yes to another cat. But when I agreed to adopt Miss Grace, she spent part time at my son’s dad’s place and we missed her terribly!! That’s when we decided to introduce her to our feline friend, Miss Pixie Picklebottom.

Now that they are here, I can’t imagine our home with without them. They just fill this house with love and so much joy. (And fur). 😻🐶

I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO.🔻
You know that feeling when you’ve committed to something that seemed like a brilliant idea three weeks ago, but now it’s midnight, the Jays are in the 11th inning, and you’re thinking: “Seriously? I do NOT want to get up at 6 am and drive to Oakville tomorrow. I’m just too tired.”

That was me.

But I went anyway. And the moment I arrived, something shifted. The view was incredible. The to-do list in my head started to fade. After a few moments of meditation, it all melted away.

We meet friends for dinner, for drinks, for coffee (it always seems to revolve around food, doesn’t it?). But on this day, my sweet friend Leslie and I did something different. We were guided by the incredibly talented Lisa Gu and Kim Luces through yoga, meditation, self-reflection, and a sound bath. I wore the most gorgeous kimono by @guruforlife, and all of the guests were treated to silk, slow fashion, sustainable headbands.

So the next time you think, “I’m too busy” or “I’m too tired,” just know that a good sleep will be waiting for you at the end of the day and it will all be worth it.   ~We never remember the nights we slept, but we’ll never forget the beautiful memories we made with the people we love. ✨

I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO.🔻
You know that feeling when you’ve committed to something that seemed like a brilliant idea three weeks ago, but now it’s midnight, the Jays are in the 11th inning, and you’re thinking: “Seriously? I do NOT want to get up at 6 am and drive to Oakville tomorrow. I’m just too tired.”

That was me.

But I went anyway. And the moment I arrived, something shifted. The view was incredible. The to-do list in my head started to fade. After a few moments of meditation, it all melted away.

We meet friends for dinner, for drinks, for coffee (it always seems to revolve around food, doesn’t it?). But on this day, my sweet friend Leslie and I did something different. We were guided by the incredibly talented Lisa Gu and Kim Luces through yoga, meditation, self-reflection, and a sound bath. I wore the most gorgeous kimono by @guruforlife, and all of the guests were treated to silk, slow fashion, sustainable headbands.

So the next time you think, “I’m too busy” or “I’m too tired,” just know that a good sleep will be waiting for you at the end of the day and it will all be worth it.   ~We never remember the nights we slept, but we’ll never forget the beautiful memories we made with the people we love. ✨

Two tickets to Morrissey this Saturday, Sept 13 at 8:30pm at Budweiser Stage. Great seats in the 200 level (covered section). Selling at face value - $146 each. Can e-transfer tickets immediately- I wish I were you right now!! #morrissey #torontomusicscene

Two tickets to Morrissey this Saturday, Sept 13 at 8:30pm at Budweiser Stage. Great seats in the 200 level (covered section). Selling at face value - $146 each. Can e-transfer tickets immediately- I wish I were you right now!! #morrissey #torontomusicscene

This year, the first day of school just hits differently.

I wish I could articulate exactly why, but I think it comes from consuming too much social media. It’s never the “perfect accounts” or overly glamorous ones that get to me—I can’t even relate to those. It’s more the posts from friends and acquaintances that stick with me. I’m a glass-half-full kinda girl, so when I see your posts, I only think about how amazing the experience you’re sharing must be. 💕

I was with a couple girlfriends last week, and one said about our host’s kitchen: “Ooh, I love this gorgeous kitchen. I want this kitchen!”

I paused and thought about her actual kitchen—filled with light, family, and probably way better cooking than mine. “I want YOUR kitchen, silly!!” I said.

And I’m sure someone out there wants my little galley kitchen too.

So pack up your little Smurfies and savor every minute of this first day of school with them, exactly as they are.

This was my time with Rhys yesterday. Even though we’re not together today and there won’t be a “first day of school” photo from us to share, I’m grateful for our time together, this photo of us, and the great guy who took it. 📸 @russellaxford

This year, the first day of school just hits differently.

I wish I could articulate exactly why, but I think it comes from consuming too much social media. It’s never the “perfect accounts” or overly glamorous ones that get to me—I can’t even relate to those. It’s more the posts from friends and acquaintances that stick with me. I’m a glass-half-full kinda girl, so when I see your posts, I only think about how amazing the experience you’re sharing must be. 💕

I was with a couple girlfriends last week, and one said about our host’s kitchen: “Ooh, I love this gorgeous kitchen. I want this kitchen!”

I paused and thought about her actual kitchen—filled with light, family, and probably way better cooking than mine. “I want YOUR kitchen, silly!!” I said.

And I’m sure someone out there wants my little galley kitchen too.

So pack up your little Smurfies and savor every minute of this first day of school with them, exactly as they are.

This was my time with Rhys yesterday. Even though we’re not together today and there won’t be a “first day of school” photo from us to share, I’m grateful for our time together, this photo of us, and the great guy who took it. 📸 @russellaxford

ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK. I know it’s super silly but when I dress in outfits that I like, I SWEAR I play better, run faster and just in general, have a better time. When I was a kid, I never wore pink, and I NEVER CRIED. Because that’s what weak girls do. 🙄  Well, things change. I now cry at McDonald’s commercials, I wear pink and celebrate it and I still show skin even when I don’t feel like I am physically at my best. It’s a heck of a lot more fun than waiting until I am at that “perfect weight again”.
So I wore this outfit this morning and it was really, really, hot out. And we won! I think it was because the skirt.

#OnWednesdaysWeWearPink #PickleballToronto #MeanGirls #AmandaSeyfried #visitFairgrounds #pickleballCanada #pickleballcommunity

ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK. I know it’s super silly but when I dress in outfits that I like, I SWEAR I play better, run faster and just in general, have a better time. When I was a kid, I never wore pink, and I NEVER CRIED. Because that’s what weak girls do. 🙄  Well, things change. I now cry at McDonald’s commercials, I wear pink and celebrate it and I still show skin even when I don’t feel like I am physically at my best. It’s a heck of a lot more fun than waiting until I am at that “perfect weight again”.
So I wore this outfit this morning and it was really, really, hot out. And we won! I think it was because the skirt.

#OnWednesdaysWeWearPink #PickleballToronto #MeanGirls #AmandaSeyfried #visitFairgrounds #pickleballCanada #pickleballcommunity

The Days are Long but the Years are Short. Can you relate? You want them to grow and experience everything they should… or maybe life circumstances change in a way that breaks your heart. But you’ll never forget how it felt to be a new mother. This morning I clicked on, “Owen’s Delivery Playlist” a playlist I made to bring him into the world through energy filled music that I loved. It now reminds me of them both, but always brings tears to my eyes.

#universityofbritishcolumbia #kelownabc #collegemom #kcnq2 #epilepsysucks

The Days are Long but the Years are Short. Can you relate? You want them to grow and experience everything they should… or maybe life circumstances change in a way that breaks your heart. But you’ll never forget how it felt to be a new mother. This morning I clicked on, “Owen’s Delivery Playlist” a playlist I made to bring him into the world through energy filled music that I loved. It now reminds me of them both, but always brings tears to my eyes.

#universityofbritishcolumbia #kelownabc #collegemom #kcnq2 #epilepsysucks

DOES THIS KIND OF THING EVER HAPPEN TO YOU?
I get lost in the weeds all the time. I’m super productive but not always at what I intended to. 🤣 #AppleHomeKit #Nanoleaf #Gardeninthecity #outdoorlighting #distracted

DOES THIS KIND OF THING EVER HAPPEN TO YOU?
I get lost in the weeds all the time. I’m super productive but not always at what I intended to. 🤣 #AppleHomeKit #Nanoleaf #Gardeninthecity #outdoorlighting #distracted

His view —> My view
A very special Canada Day filled with new beginnings. 🇨🇦♥️🇨🇦

His view —> My view
A very special Canada Day filled with new beginnings. 🇨🇦♥️🇨🇦

It’s amazing something as simple as pickleball can completely change your state. ✨

It’s amazing something as simple as pickleball can completely change your state. ✨

Yep. Why I am selling my Dyson Airwrap.

Yep. Why I am selling my Dyson Airwrap.

It was an epic memory - Neil Young came to play at Owen’s former boarding school Lakefield College to raise money to maintain the Northcote Farm and preserve some 🇨🇦Canadian history.
I mowed the lawn every weekend listening to After the Gold Rush when I was 14 through 16 on my yellow Sony Walkman. I played Neil and CSNY to Owen in the womb and through to his delivery day.

I even met Mr. Young outside a pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, February 2011.

I was SO nervous but I thought I would never get a chance again. So I said, “Mr. Young…” I repeated it 3 times until he finally looked over at me. “Your music has been an inspiration to me for every chapter of my life.” He just growled and me and moved on.

As a fellow parent of a child with special needs (he has two boys with Cerebral Palsy) he done enough benefit concerts to make up for dashing this woman’s dream of meeting her hero.

We all have our strengths and I adore listening and singing along to his.

#NeilYoung #Solo #NorthcoteFarm #Lakefield

It was an epic memory - Neil Young came to play at Owen’s former boarding school Lakefield College to raise money to maintain the Northcote Farm and preserve some 🇨🇦Canadian history.
I mowed the lawn every weekend listening to After the Gold Rush when I was 14 through 16 on my yellow Sony Walkman. I played Neil and CSNY to Owen in the womb and through to his delivery day.

I even met Mr. Young outside a pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, February 2011.

I was SO nervous but I thought I would never get a chance again. So I said, “Mr. Young…” I repeated it 3 times until he finally looked over at me. “Your music has been an inspiration to me for every chapter of my life.” He just growled and me and moved on.

As a fellow parent of a child with special needs (he has two boys with Cerebral Palsy) he done enough benefit concerts to make up for dashing this woman’s dream of meeting her hero.

We all have our strengths and I adore listening and singing along to his.

#NeilYoung #Solo #NorthcoteFarm #Lakefield

In Toronto, it’s illegal to let your cats outdoors. True or False?
(And @elmcgrath this was just after you left today!)

In Toronto, it’s illegal to let your cats outdoors. True or False?
(And @elmcgrath this was just after you left today!)

When I use my favourite mug and I know she’s watching, I just feel a lot smarter throughout the day. 🤓 Ya know?

When I use my favourite mug and I know she’s watching, I just feel a lot smarter throughout the day. 🤓 Ya know?

💡I am in Marie Forleo’s Dream Club and a member asked, “Is there an easier software than either Excel or pen + paper that to could use to map out my businesses production process? I want my staff to easily enter it on my tablet.”

I don’t know a lot about this business, but I made this very simple Notion flow chart for them. When you open it, you can see it in table view, or you can flip to “Timeline View” which is their version of a Gantt chart.

Sometimes, basic is just what we need. What are you using Notion for? Do you find it simple or complex? (Ahem, asking for a friend.) 😳

💡I am in Marie Forleo’s Dream Club and a member asked, “Is there an easier software than either Excel or pen + paper that to could use to map out my businesses production process? I want my staff to easily enter it on my tablet.”

I don’t know a lot about this business, but I made this very simple Notion flow chart for them. When you open it, you can see it in table view, or you can flip to “Timeline View” which is their version of a Gantt chart.

Sometimes, basic is just what we need. What are you using Notion for? Do you find it simple or complex? (Ahem, asking for a friend.) 😳

🎾 Some of us sniff the balls when they open a can!! Who actually does that?? 😜

🎾 Some of us sniff the balls when they open a can!! Who actually does that?? 😜

👩🏼‍💻 Digital Decluttering TODAY at 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST

It’s a little last minute but I am inviting you to a FREE (normally paid - but for you it’s free!) event TODAY at 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST talk I am giving with the worldwide women’s group “On Friday” on Digital Decluttering Your Apple Tech.

Link is in my and the code is “NATALIEOF”

There is no recording, and I have just received the opportunity to share this with my network. I hope to see you there but if not, and you are interested in more, please reply and let me know!! And while this is just for women today, please share this with the women in your life who’d love community and digital decluttering!

On Friday is for women like us who are leading full lives, and who seek connection and learning. It’s resonating with women who are at a distinct place in their life and careers and are making a meaningful impact. Each Friday they curate expert speakers virtually who share their experience, wisdom and resources, to elevate women and to navigate life and work.

👩🏼‍💻 Digital Decluttering TODAY at 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST

👩🏼‍💻 Digital Decluttering TODAY at 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST

It’s a little last minute but I am inviting you to a FREE (normally paid - but for you it’s free!) event TODAY at 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST talk I am giving with the worldwide women’s group “On Friday” on Digital Decluttering Your Apple Tech.

Link is in my and the code is “NATALIEOF”

There is no recording, and I have just received the opportunity to share this with my network. I hope to see you there but if not, and you are interested in more, please reply and let me know!! And while this is just for women today, please share this with the women in your life who’d love community and digital decluttering!

On Friday is for women like us who are leading full lives, and who seek connection and learning. It’s resonating with women who are at a distinct place in their life and careers and are making a meaningful impact. Each Friday they curate expert speakers virtually who share their experience, wisdom and resources, to elevate women and to navigate life and work.

👩🏼‍💻 Digital Decluttering TODAY at 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST

One of the greatest St. Patricks day in memory! I got to spend it with the Leafs, @russellaxford and Leo. 🍀 I waved to @aliciamccarvell and she waved back as we were friends. What an absolute sweetheart she is! 🩷🩷

One of the greatest St. Patricks day in memory! I got to spend it with the Leafs, @russellaxford and Leo. 🍀 I waved to @aliciamccarvell and she waved back as we were friends. What an absolute sweetheart she is! 🩷🩷

💫 INBOX ZERO WIN!
Starting my Monday with just 48 emails across 4 accounts (only 17 unread)! Remember when Monday mornings meant drowning in hundreds of emails?
Not anymore! A clean inbox = clear mind = productive week ahead! 🎯
Want to know my secret system for keeping emails under control? Drop a ‘✨’ below!

#InboxZero #MondayMotivation #ProductivityHacks #OrganizedLife #macmadesimple#DigitalOrganization

💫 INBOX ZERO WIN!
Starting my Monday with just 48 emails across 4 accounts (only 17 unread)! Remember when Monday mornings meant drowning in hundreds of emails?
Not anymore! A clean inbox = clear mind = productive week ahead! 🎯
Want to know my secret system for keeping emails under control? Drop a ‘✨’ below!

#InboxZero #MondayMotivation #ProductivityHacks #OrganizedLife #macmadesimple#DigitalOrganization

CLOSING OFF 2024 ➡️ OPENING UP TO 2025 Since October when Rhys went into the hospital, I’ve only been able to think one day in advance.   I keep saying that major surgery post pandemic for your child has been like night and day compared to when we went through this in 2020. There were so many volunteers at the hospital, supportive and happy staff, and there were smiles that I was able to see with the masks off!

Earlier this year, I shared my story about our time in the hospital because I needed community. I appreciate all of you who reached out, who came to visit and those who made special gestures. 🩷 I appreciate you SO much. I really want to share the most beautiful incense dish that was hand crafted and gifted to me by Matt Chu @brushbymatt. Each time I hold that dish or inhale the scent of woodsy spice, I will think of all of the kindness shown to me and Rhys.  It wasn’t a breeze, Rhysie worked his little tail off but it was a journey with a happy ending. Here’s Owen escorting Rhys from the hospital this weekend and we were all smiles as we walked out that front door together.

#HB125 @HBKidsHospital #CerebralPalsyMom #KCNQ2 #LifewithRhys #AutismMom

CLOSING OFF 2024 ➡️ OPENING UP TO 2025 Since October when Rhys went into the hospital, I’ve only been able to think one day in advance.   I keep saying that major surgery post pandemic for your child has been like night and day compared to when we went through this in 2020. There were so many volunteers at the hospital, supportive and happy staff, and there were smiles that I was able to see with the masks off!

Earlier this year, I shared my story about our time in the hospital because I needed community. I appreciate all of you who reached out, who came to visit and those who made special gestures. 🩷 I appreciate you SO much. I really want to share the most beautiful incense dish that was hand crafted and gifted to me by Matt Chu @brushbymatt. Each time I hold that dish or inhale the scent of woodsy spice, I will think of all of the kindness shown to me and Rhys.  It wasn’t a breeze, Rhysie worked his little tail off but it was a journey with a happy ending. Here’s Owen escorting Rhys from the hospital this weekend and we were all smiles as we walked out that front door together.

#HB125 @HBKidsHospital #CerebralPalsyMom #KCNQ2 #LifewithRhys #AutismMom

The weekends at the hospital are so quiet. There is always a push pull in my heart to be here. When I am not here with Rhys I feel I should be and when I am - I long for a regular schedule (tick, tick tick off the list). Rhys’ discharge date will be January 3rd.  Currently, Rhys is asleep and I am trying to catch up on work and life in the lobby of @HBKidsHospital. Earlier today, I saw a boy move his electric wheelchair to wait by the front doors of the hospital, just looking out the window. I wondered what his life was like.

Then an hour later, I look up and I see 9 of his friends who all appear to be in grade 9 or 10, pose with him in front of the #HB125 sign. That lonely boy wasn’t so lonely anymore. And I was so happy for him that he had all those friends come and support him with a visit. I know his life isn’t going to be easy. But what I also know is that today he has peers who love him.
 Suddenly, with a quick inhale I was struck by the fact that Rhys has no friends. Not one his own age, and he never will. He is so adorable and eager to laugh - but he will never have that typical relationship that most of us take for granted as a child. Just one friend hangin’ out with another.

Crying in public isn’t my best look - but I wrote this post right here in front of the HB125 sign because I want to share our story.

I don’t want to feel alone and if there are others who are going through something remotely similar, I am sending you my love through the ethers. 🩷

The weekends at the hospital are so quiet. There is always a push pull in my heart to be here. When I am not here with Rhys I feel I should be and when I am - I long for a regular schedule (tick, tick tick off the list). Rhys’ discharge date will be January 3rd.  Currently, Rhys is asleep and I am trying to catch up on work and life in the lobby of @HBKidsHospital. Earlier today, I saw a boy move his electric wheelchair to wait by the front doors of the hospital, just looking out the window. I wondered what his life was like.

Then an hour later, I look up and I see 9 of his friends who all appear to be in grade 9 or 10, pose with him in front of the #HB125 sign. That lonely boy wasn’t so lonely anymore. And I was so happy for him that he had all those friends come and support him with a visit. I know his life isn’t going to be easy. But what I also know is that today he has peers who love him.
 Suddenly, with a quick inhale I was struck by the fact that Rhys has no friends. Not one his own age, and he never will. He is so adorable and eager to laugh - but he will never have that typical relationship that most of us take for granted as a child. Just one friend hangin’ out with another.

Crying in public isn’t my best look - but I wrote this post right here in front of the HB125 sign because I want to share our story.

I don’t want to feel alone and if there are others who are going through something remotely similar, I am sending you my love through the ethers. 🩷

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