A 13th World Congress on Brain Injury press pass dangles from my neck. When someone asks whom I write for, I launch into a monologue that I repeat several times during the day. I’m press, but actually I’m recovering from a brain injury. This is my first conference in 22 months! (Self-conscious smile.) I haven’t … Continue reading 2/ Press, no press
mindfulness
Showing up for myself
This morning I’m putting off writing. I’m doing everything possible except sitting down to write. I’m not doing it on purpose, I don’t think. Writing’s at the top of my list of things to do. Want to do. Need? Those questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Or are they the deepfreeze core? I’ll … Continue reading Showing up for myself
All that remains
I drove past my old elementary school the other day. To see what it looks like now that it’s gone. To bid a final adieu.It turned out that demolition was still in progress.The eastern end of the Metro Toronto School for the Deaf was all but obliterated. A façade of first-floor windows, functioning as a … Continue reading All that remains
Breathing my mother, breathing myself
Since my accident, I’ve been practising self-care. I take time. I allow for rest. I try to just be. But when my mother goes by ambulance to the hospital, time goes berserk. Will mom make it through surgery? Will she get out of the ICU? I’ve learned to breathe, and I find myself breathing my … Continue reading Breathing my mother, breathing myself
My dog days of summer
On a morning of non-stop drizzle, when everyone’s gone into town to find Wi-Fi, the dogs and I are having a nap. We’re holding down the summer fort, so to speak. Hanging out because, well, that’s how we roll. My sister’s golden retriever, Tekla, is blissed out under the red Ikea chair by the window. … Continue reading My dog days of summer
What love’s got to do with it
Let me describe her before she’s gone. Because I have a feeling she’ll go. That, or I’ll learn to live with her in a way that I barely notice her presence anymore. Call it my new normal. For brief moments, I already feel like she’s gone. After a nap. After a good night’s sleep. It’s … Continue reading What love’s got to do with it
This writing life
I’ve barely touched this space for three months. I’ve been busy quieting my mind to give my brain more space to heal. I rest a lot: fatigue still takes a lot out of me. I practise all that I learned at rehab: Breathing. Mindfulness. Self-compassion. Making sure I exercise and get to yoga. Mostly, I … Continue reading This writing life
Postcards from my brain 