Today, Jules and I organized our luggage as we are off this week to visit and Kim and her new life in the wild west. You would think we were going away for a month as we pondered for the longest time as to what we need to take. The bags are basically packed thanks to Jules and his meticulous packing technique. There is even room left for the bagels. Now who can travel from Montreal without packing those original bagels that Montreal is so well known for. It was the only thing on Kim's list that she wanted. We are excited. It is a new adventure for us and especially for Jules as he has never flown before. I keep telling him that there was also a first time for everyone on a plane. The headsets will be with us along with magazines and crossword puzzles. He can watch movies and I will probably watch the Food Network!
We are fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Jasper National Park. Ah, the mountains and all its glory. It will be marvelous.
Today being Mother's Day my thoughts turn to my mother and of course to Kelly-Anne. Mom loved to travel and see new things. She also loved to shop no matter where she was visiting. She always felt that there would be something new and different to purchase compared to her regular shopping routine here in Montreal. Kell on the other hand loved the adventure of travelling. Shopping was secondary to her. I remember a time when she returned from a water polo tournament in Florida. She arrived at the Canada customs agent in Dorval and was asked what she had purchased. She proudly opened her bag and showed the custom's officer her purchase which was a Tweety bird toy for her cat Trixie. How cute was that, I thought at the time. It was more important to her to think of her cat than of herself or others. I am a mix of both. I want to see everything and I want to shop to look for that find that is not available here at home.
Today, I feel very blessed and at peace. The sun is shining and I feel even though Kell is not here on this earth or that Kim is so far away that I am still very much loved by both of them. I am also thinking of other mothers like myself who have lost a child. And I think of the mom's to be that I have met over the past eight months who are or will become new moms. The anticipation, the excitement, the preparation of welcoming the little one brings a smile to my face each and everyday.
Stay tune for the continuing stories of our adventure. I know Kell is happy that we will be adventuring and I am sure she will be watching over us with a smile on her face and my mom will probably lead me to some interesting shops along the way!
Happy Mother's Day!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Federal Aid for Victim's Families'
Yesterday, Stephen Harper announced the new Federal aide program for the families of victims of homicide and disappearance. It is a start but in my opinion no way near where it should be. The program will help families for a period of 35 weeks who have lost a child under the age of 18 to either homicide or a disappearance. The person applying must have an income of over $6,500.00 per year which would entitle them to receive $350.00 per week and be assured that their job awaits them at the end of the period.
Firstly, the government has forgotten all those who have been victims of homicide or who have disappeared who are over the age of 18. Also the government has not taken into consideration that 35 week is hardly enough to get over the loss, deal with the police and crown. Nor will any court proceeding be held during this period.
I had proposed to government officials a few years ago that a program under the compassionate leave program with the E.I. act include families of those murdered or of disappearance. It would have included all and not just victims under 18 years old. Also, my idea would have give have possibly given more income to the families based on 55% of their salary for a period of one year providing that they would have been contributing to employment insurance benefits. Don't forget, here in Quebec our labour standards allow someone to be absent from their job for up to a year without pay. They also would of had job protection. I felt that the program through E.I. would of complemented our Quebec program.
What Harper does not understand is that families still have to pay bills, feed and take care of the rest of the family members and live through the grief, post traumatic stress, court and eventual return to work.
Imagine a family where the father is the only bread winner. His regular earnings are $80.000. 00 a year and now faces this terrible trauma in his family's life. He is unable to go to work and decides to stay home. He is not going to be able to survive on $350.00 a week. This is where many employers will allow the employee to go on a absence management program. With that, and company insurance benefits accompanied by a doctor's certificate would be far more beneficial to the worker than any government run program.
It is only those families who do not have company benefits that will use the government program. For me, the government is not giving up alot. It is not everyday thank goodness that someone under 18 is murdered or disappears.
I feel that Harper has no choice but to finally step up to the plate and help victims.He has Pierre- Hugues Boisvenu as a Senator and I am sure that Pierre- Hugues has educated Harper regarding victim's rights.
All this being said however, does not influence how I will vote in the next eventual federal election. Harper still has a long way to go before convincing me of his worth.
Firstly, the government has forgotten all those who have been victims of homicide or who have disappeared who are over the age of 18. Also the government has not taken into consideration that 35 week is hardly enough to get over the loss, deal with the police and crown. Nor will any court proceeding be held during this period.
I had proposed to government officials a few years ago that a program under the compassionate leave program with the E.I. act include families of those murdered or of disappearance. It would have included all and not just victims under 18 years old. Also, my idea would have give have possibly given more income to the families based on 55% of their salary for a period of one year providing that they would have been contributing to employment insurance benefits. Don't forget, here in Quebec our labour standards allow someone to be absent from their job for up to a year without pay. They also would of had job protection. I felt that the program through E.I. would of complemented our Quebec program.
What Harper does not understand is that families still have to pay bills, feed and take care of the rest of the family members and live through the grief, post traumatic stress, court and eventual return to work.
Imagine a family where the father is the only bread winner. His regular earnings are $80.000. 00 a year and now faces this terrible trauma in his family's life. He is unable to go to work and decides to stay home. He is not going to be able to survive on $350.00 a week. This is where many employers will allow the employee to go on a absence management program. With that, and company insurance benefits accompanied by a doctor's certificate would be far more beneficial to the worker than any government run program.
It is only those families who do not have company benefits that will use the government program. For me, the government is not giving up alot. It is not everyday thank goodness that someone under 18 is murdered or disappears.
I feel that Harper has no choice but to finally step up to the plate and help victims.He has Pierre- Hugues Boisvenu as a Senator and I am sure that Pierre- Hugues has educated Harper regarding victim's rights.
All this being said however, does not influence how I will vote in the next eventual federal election. Harper still has a long way to go before convincing me of his worth.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New Life, Renewal and Family
It has been a busy winter, with endless projects and transitions. I am forever grateful that the snow has finally disappeared and that the winter boots are cleaned and put away. Easter is upon us, a time for renewal, a time for new life and new beginnings.
Easter will be quiet this year with Kim living out west. However, she texted me several times today as she prepared to create her Easter feast. What is cream of tartar? What is lemon curd? Eventhough we are not together for Easter, I still feel that I am apart of her dinner preparations as I coach her on the how to's. We spoke today on my drive home from work about the technical aspects of preparing lemon curd.
Kelly-Anne is always is on my mind. Somehow,I feel she keeps us all on an even keel. My husband soon will begin a new transition in his career. I have never seen someone so cool, calm and collective about moving forward. He inspires me with his confidence. He continues to support me in my career goals.
Another person in my life is my boss of almost nine months. What a joy and pleasure it is to work with him. He allows me to be me and make the decisions that I need to to in order to keep the place afloat. This man is kind, compassionate towards others and a great teacher. He tells me that I have a soft heart, but in reality he has the softer one. He just won't admit it! Most mornings I feel like a kid again. With my lunch packed, I skip out of the house, hop on the bus with the excitement and anticipation of the day ahead. It's such a good feeling. On days like that, my thoughts bring me back to Kelly-Anne. She,as a young girl skipping her way to school in the morning with that smile and her bouncy curls waving in the breeze. The image of her never leaves me. This job is my renewal and my new life. Seeing expectant mothers with smiles on their faces delights me in ways one cannot imagine.
My,have things ever changed since my days of work accidents,unions and steel capped shoes.....full circle I would say. I told someone recently,that I would never go back to my old career. It seems like another life, another time and another me.
Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!
Easter will be quiet this year with Kim living out west. However, she texted me several times today as she prepared to create her Easter feast. What is cream of tartar? What is lemon curd? Eventhough we are not together for Easter, I still feel that I am apart of her dinner preparations as I coach her on the how to's. We spoke today on my drive home from work about the technical aspects of preparing lemon curd.
Kelly-Anne is always is on my mind. Somehow,I feel she keeps us all on an even keel. My husband soon will begin a new transition in his career. I have never seen someone so cool, calm and collective about moving forward. He inspires me with his confidence. He continues to support me in my career goals.
Another person in my life is my boss of almost nine months. What a joy and pleasure it is to work with him. He allows me to be me and make the decisions that I need to to in order to keep the place afloat. This man is kind, compassionate towards others and a great teacher. He tells me that I have a soft heart, but in reality he has the softer one. He just won't admit it! Most mornings I feel like a kid again. With my lunch packed, I skip out of the house, hop on the bus with the excitement and anticipation of the day ahead. It's such a good feeling. On days like that, my thoughts bring me back to Kelly-Anne. She,as a young girl skipping her way to school in the morning with that smile and her bouncy curls waving in the breeze. The image of her never leaves me. This job is my renewal and my new life. Seeing expectant mothers with smiles on their faces delights me in ways one cannot imagine.
My,have things ever changed since my days of work accidents,unions and steel capped shoes.....full circle I would say. I told someone recently,that I would never go back to my old career. It seems like another life, another time and another me.
Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
It Takes Two to Tango
Today in the news we hear the name revealed of the convicted murdered doing time in prison who gave money as a bride to two Montreal cardiologists. We all remember Valery Fabrikant who murdered many of his colleges some twenty years ago in a Montreal university. Yesterday, the media was not able to reveal the name of the prisoner as he being a patient had his right to confidentiality. Again, my blood curls as I hear that protective word : confidentiality. What changed from yesterday that allows us to know the name of the prisoner today is something I am not yet aware of.
The doctors in question are André Pasternac and Mark Eisenberg. I ask why would two supposedly upstanding cardiologists find themselves in this mess with Fabrikant. How could they think that dealing with this nutbar would not have any repercussions. How could they not of known what Fabrikant was like as he has been in the media often in the past twenty years while trying to stir up trouble.
I blame the doctors for not refusing treatment right from the get go. I know that a doctor's is obligated to help people even criminals, but from the first instance of trouble brewing,the doctors should of sounded the alarm. However, the stuffed enveolpes looked very appealing. THese doctors have lost their credibility. They made bad choices and for that I would not ever be able to trust them with my life or anyone I know as their decision making would always be questionable.
From the responsibility of Correctional Services who govern and house Fabrikant, I question what control are they allowing him to have. Why was he allowed to choose his own doctors? From what I have read, it seems that Fabrikant wanted the doctors to be available to him at his beck and call. Does that mean whenever Fabrikant wanted to see his doctors, Correctional Services would just put him in a van and shoot him off to the doctor. Who's is running our prisons? Is Fabrikant using his manipulative enveoples with others around him to get services as he sees fit? I wonder if Fabrikant has access to the internet which I am told by CSC that the prisoners do not have access to.
The doctors should face the courts and Fabrikant's stuffed envelopes should be going to the familes of the victims he distroyed. Interestng how even from prison he still controlls his wife. What is she afriad of? Why is she still in the picture?
It was reported that Fabrikant had an operation which Pasternac deemed unnecessary, however he still operated. He was paid with a stuffed envelope, plus our RAMQ paid him which we the Quebec taxpayers paid for. How long was Fabrikant on the waiting list? Who did he bypass on waiting list to get the operation? Probably, someone who desperately needed it.....a good law abiding citizen.
The doctors in question are André Pasternac and Mark Eisenberg. I ask why would two supposedly upstanding cardiologists find themselves in this mess with Fabrikant. How could they think that dealing with this nutbar would not have any repercussions. How could they not of known what Fabrikant was like as he has been in the media often in the past twenty years while trying to stir up trouble.
I blame the doctors for not refusing treatment right from the get go. I know that a doctor's is obligated to help people even criminals, but from the first instance of trouble brewing,the doctors should of sounded the alarm. However, the stuffed enveolpes looked very appealing. THese doctors have lost their credibility. They made bad choices and for that I would not ever be able to trust them with my life or anyone I know as their decision making would always be questionable.
From the responsibility of Correctional Services who govern and house Fabrikant, I question what control are they allowing him to have. Why was he allowed to choose his own doctors? From what I have read, it seems that Fabrikant wanted the doctors to be available to him at his beck and call. Does that mean whenever Fabrikant wanted to see his doctors, Correctional Services would just put him in a van and shoot him off to the doctor. Who's is running our prisons? Is Fabrikant using his manipulative enveoples with others around him to get services as he sees fit? I wonder if Fabrikant has access to the internet which I am told by CSC that the prisoners do not have access to.
The doctors should face the courts and Fabrikant's stuffed envelopes should be going to the familes of the victims he distroyed. Interestng how even from prison he still controlls his wife. What is she afriad of? Why is she still in the picture?
It was reported that Fabrikant had an operation which Pasternac deemed unnecessary, however he still operated. He was paid with a stuffed envelope, plus our RAMQ paid him which we the Quebec taxpayers paid for. How long was Fabrikant on the waiting list? Who did he bypass on waiting list to get the operation? Probably, someone who desperately needed it.....a good law abiding citizen.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A Rope in a Cell........
Senator Pierre- Hugues Boisvenu came under fire this week when he made comments that murders should have ropes in their cells to hang themselves. Well,I can understand where he is coming from and honestly,I agree. He did retract the comments saying that he meant it was for murders who could not be rehabilitated. I do not think that there was any need for him to retract. However, he being a senator made the retraction all the more necessary. Today we read that someone in Quebec is asking that Boisvenu apologize as this man had tried to commit suicide and fears that words like this would encourage people who are depressed to try to commit suicide. What this man fails to understand is that these comments were pointed at murderers and not those who suffer from depression.
Let's face it. In Canada, a criminal is treated with kid gloves. They are able to get an education in prison, work and earn a little money, no smoking restrictions, eat three meals a day, have visitors and even have trailers visits where their mothers can bring the reminders of home with a good home cooked meal. They also get great medical care,free eyeglasses and dental care. And their rights are protected! All on our Canadian tax dollar.
Quelle belle vie! And before you know it,they are out on the streets again. Boy does time fly. Who really is living out a life sentence here? Not them, but people like I and Boisvenu and many others...the secondary victims to homicide.
If we had the death penalty,families like mine would not have to be concerned about the criminal being on the street again and hurting someone else. We could use our tax dollars toward what honest law abiding citizens need like better health care and resources for our aging population.
Stephen Harper is now talking about raising the Old Age Pensions to age 67.That would mean people would have to work until then to collect their federal pension. Federal money is in the wrong place and now the honest citizen may have to sacrifice two more years,but it is okay to spend the money on the criminals.
Encore, quelle belle vie!
Let's face it. In Canada, a criminal is treated with kid gloves. They are able to get an education in prison, work and earn a little money, no smoking restrictions, eat three meals a day, have visitors and even have trailers visits where their mothers can bring the reminders of home with a good home cooked meal. They also get great medical care,free eyeglasses and dental care. And their rights are protected! All on our Canadian tax dollar.
Quelle belle vie! And before you know it,they are out on the streets again. Boy does time fly. Who really is living out a life sentence here? Not them, but people like I and Boisvenu and many others...the secondary victims to homicide.
If we had the death penalty,families like mine would not have to be concerned about the criminal being on the street again and hurting someone else. We could use our tax dollars toward what honest law abiding citizens need like better health care and resources for our aging population.
Stephen Harper is now talking about raising the Old Age Pensions to age 67.That would mean people would have to work until then to collect their federal pension. Federal money is in the wrong place and now the honest citizen may have to sacrifice two more years,but it is okay to spend the money on the criminals.
Encore, quelle belle vie!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Shafia Family : Guilty
Finally after a long trial, the Sharfia family members are found guilty of 1st degree murder with no eligibility for parole until 25 years. Four women dead because of a man who could not bear to have his family dishonored by his daughters wanting to live the North American lifestyle. It is just a horrible story. The father, his second wife and their son plotting to murder the rest of the family and the husband's first wife.
Reflecting on today's verdict, I am pondering the idea that maybe the mother should of received a second degree verdict rather than a first degree. This is my reasoning...The wife, in my view was controlled and abused by her husband. Abused women live within four black walls. They know that what is happening in their present situation is not correct but are locked into it by FEAR. I would not of been surprised if the wife had she not complied with her husband and son, she too would have been murdered. She lied through her teeth which didn't help her cause. I don't feel sorry for her, but understanding how abused women are,lets me believe that she thought she had no choice but to participate in this heinous crime.
Violence against women, honor killings, it is still about men controlling women. The son was not even 20 years old when he participated in this crime. He, at such a young age was already brain washed by his father. Did he feel that it was his responsibility as a man to honor his father by doing away with his sisters?
Will there be a request to appeal the case? The defence has 30 days to come up with a good enough reason to prove that the judge erred. I hardly think that will happen.
I hope the sisters and the first wife are at peace. They will never be forgotten as this verdict will send a strong message to many cultural communities that we will not tolerate honor killings, violence against women, and family violence in Canada nor should it be tolerated in any other country.
Reflecting on today's verdict, I am pondering the idea that maybe the mother should of received a second degree verdict rather than a first degree. This is my reasoning...The wife, in my view was controlled and abused by her husband. Abused women live within four black walls. They know that what is happening in their present situation is not correct but are locked into it by FEAR. I would not of been surprised if the wife had she not complied with her husband and son, she too would have been murdered. She lied through her teeth which didn't help her cause. I don't feel sorry for her, but understanding how abused women are,lets me believe that she thought she had no choice but to participate in this heinous crime.
Violence against women, honor killings, it is still about men controlling women. The son was not even 20 years old when he participated in this crime. He, at such a young age was already brain washed by his father. Did he feel that it was his responsibility as a man to honor his father by doing away with his sisters?
Will there be a request to appeal the case? The defence has 30 days to come up with a good enough reason to prove that the judge erred. I hardly think that will happen.
I hope the sisters and the first wife are at peace. They will never be forgotten as this verdict will send a strong message to many cultural communities that we will not tolerate honor killings, violence against women, and family violence in Canada nor should it be tolerated in any other country.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Traditions Old and New
It is hard for me to believe that Christmas is shortly upon is. Where did the year go to! We decorated the house in all its splendor over a week ago. It was another bittersweet day as we placed the precious ornaments which Kelly-Anne had made some years ago on the tree. Along with them were the newer ones which Kim,Jules and I had made a couple of years back.
That day I reflected on Christmases past as I looked at decorations that were given to me by people who were close to me and have passed on. I cherish the ornament from my friend Heather. She was my mentor and helped me alot in my career. I think of her often, but each Christmas as I look at her special ornament which she gave me on her last Christmas with us, it just fills my heart with happiness, sadness and appreciation. I often thank her for helping me be the person I am today.
Christmas this year will be different. Kim is in her new home out west with the love of her life. She will have a taste of home as the baking has all been shipped out by FedEx. We spoke last week and I said to her that now was the time for her to start her own traditions. Funny how I received a text today from Kim telling me that she can't find ground veal in the grocery stores. She was wondering how she would make my tourtière recipe without it. I did laugh as we were at the FedEx desk sending off the baking when the text came. I said to Jules that it was too late to send out ground veal! We had a good laugh about that. It did warm my heart that she would make our Quebecois traditional meat pie with her great pie crust and show the Westerners just what they have been missing.
Christmas this year for us will be filled with hope,joy and peace. We will enjoy our family,the four footed guys and friends over the holidays and continue the traditons which we have created together. As always, there will be a candle lit on the table for Kelly-Anne.
Jules and I look forward with excitement to the new year ahead. Good things will be happening for us in our careers and personal life. We look forward to traveling to visit Kim and to meet all the people who have become her second family.
From our home to yours, we wish you health,happiness and peace that will last throughout the year to come. Enjoy your families and your traditions and let the fond memories of Christmases past warm your hearts as those of ours will.
That day I reflected on Christmases past as I looked at decorations that were given to me by people who were close to me and have passed on. I cherish the ornament from my friend Heather. She was my mentor and helped me alot in my career. I think of her often, but each Christmas as I look at her special ornament which she gave me on her last Christmas with us, it just fills my heart with happiness, sadness and appreciation. I often thank her for helping me be the person I am today.
Christmas this year will be different. Kim is in her new home out west with the love of her life. She will have a taste of home as the baking has all been shipped out by FedEx. We spoke last week and I said to her that now was the time for her to start her own traditions. Funny how I received a text today from Kim telling me that she can't find ground veal in the grocery stores. She was wondering how she would make my tourtière recipe without it. I did laugh as we were at the FedEx desk sending off the baking when the text came. I said to Jules that it was too late to send out ground veal! We had a good laugh about that. It did warm my heart that she would make our Quebecois traditional meat pie with her great pie crust and show the Westerners just what they have been missing.
Christmas this year for us will be filled with hope,joy and peace. We will enjoy our family,the four footed guys and friends over the holidays and continue the traditons which we have created together. As always, there will be a candle lit on the table for Kelly-Anne.
Jules and I look forward with excitement to the new year ahead. Good things will be happening for us in our careers and personal life. We look forward to traveling to visit Kim and to meet all the people who have become her second family.
From our home to yours, we wish you health,happiness and peace that will last throughout the year to come. Enjoy your families and your traditions and let the fond memories of Christmases past warm your hearts as those of ours will.
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