Happy 5th Birthday To Enchanted Essence!!

My baby is growing up!!

Five years ago today I started this blog. Really not having any intention of how long I would keep it going, or of what shape it would take. So you can imagine my surprise that five years later EE is still here. With a presence on Facebook and Twitter, with 57,000 + page hits. I, more than anyone am surprised!

Someone said to me that the blog exists because I write. Well, yes. (lol) However, what good is the written word if no one is around to read it? So, as with every accomplishment and milestone EE reaches, I have to say Thank You!!  :-)

Thank you, wherever you are in the world, for checking in - be it on your computer or tablet or smartphone, you take time out of your day to click the links, to check in - whether you are reading my latest posts, checking your horoscopes, looking up a recipe, reading a movie review ... or however you spend your time visiting EE - what matters is you are here! And you are welcome!

Please join me in wishing a HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY to EE!!!

God Bless.

-Laura

Happy Birthday To Our National Anthem - O Canada!

Not only does Canada turn 147 years old on Tuesday, July 1st; Canada Day. But our National Anthem is also celebrating a birthday this weekend. O Canada turns 34 this year.

On this day in 1980, the current version of O Canada was officially adopted as Canada’s National Anthem under the National Anthem Act.

The Act was proclaimed by then Governor General Edward Schreyer in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill on Canada Day (July 1st, 1980).

Please join me in wishing our National Anthem a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Grieving For One

Losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences of our lives. One of the most difficult things we will ever go through is saying goodbye to someone who has passed away. If we are lucky we are given forewarning of the impending death. Time to say goodbye. Often times we are not. We are taken by total surprise when a life is lost. An accident, a murder, when an elderly family member slips away in their sleep.

When a loved one is terminally ill, we are given the opportunity to say goodbye. Does that make it easier? In some ways I suppose it can - you can say all of the things that others are not able to when death is unexpected. But what happens after the passing?

Family and friends gather. Condolences are given. A service is held. Eulogies are written and read to those who have gathered to say farewell. The service typically takes on a tome of a celebration of life. Memories are shared, stories told, hymns sang.

Following a service, typically mourners will gather for a wake or reception. More stores and memories are shared. There is often a mix of emotions - as all emotions are raw and bubbling right at the surface. There are tears as well as laughter as we recall Uncle Bob's lucky socks. Or the way Aunt Betty would always burn the holiday gravy.

There is no timetable for grief. For most people it never really goes away. The pain fades over time - but the ache never really ever leaves us. The blessing is that we have people to share it with. Holidays and birthdays of the deceased are the most difficult. Even though you may miss your loved one every day - there are inevitably days which seems to amplify the pain. Like a big spotlight on your broken heart. This is a time where family and friends will again often gather - connect and share in their mutual loss. And at times just hold one another up. Memories are shared and through memories, we are comforted.

Having a network to connect with in these times is essential to our being able to move forward through the grieving process. But what happens when we don't have anyone to share in our grief?

Those who know me or have been following my blog for some time know that I lost my father 19 months ago, after only having found him 14 months prior.  Every day is hard. Every day hurts. Some days more than others. Yesterday was especially difficult as it was my dad's birthday. I had gone my entire life not having a father and was given the gift of being able to have him for one birthday. Those who have been following along know of the One's. One Christmas, One New Year, One Easter, One Father's Day and One Birthday.

I won't go into the whole family dynamics again. Those who have been friends of EE already know the story, and those who are new can look it up. But suffice it to say that I have had to endure the grieving process on my own. I have not had the luxury of having anyone to share memories with. Nobody to share stories with. Nobody to share their memories with me. Nobody to share my grief with. And it has been very lonely.

Yes, I have friends and maternal family who have stood by me. Who have been supportive, loving, and understanding as best as they possibly could be.  But they never knew my dad. So in essence it is like opening up my broken heart to complete strangers. Really no different than posting my grief through this venue. Perhaps the exact reason why I took to writing so extensively about the journey around my father to begin with.

Even though I have had to swallow my grief and try to digest it on my own with no outlet, I believe I have done as well as could possibly be expected under the circumstances. The problem is that no matter how hard I try to push the grief down, it always manages to resurface. And on days such as his birthday, with Father's Day right around the corner - the pain comes rushing to the surface all over again. And I am reminded again of the fact that there is really nobody in the world to share it with.

I know that I will be okay. Because I have to be. The pain will leak through my eyes as I put my head to sleep tonight, and by the morning I will be able to breathe once again. I will fall back into my routine and muster up the strength to continue with my days as best I can.

Until the next time.

I miss you Dad. Happy Birthday.

Merry Christmas!

As I continue to prepare a feast for my family, I wanted to make time to reach out to all of my family, friends and readers whether you have been with me for years or joining me for the first time. I hope that you are spending this precious day surrounded by those who you love. Keeping those who cannot be with you close to your heart. Remembering that the icing on the cake is just sugar in disguise. It is the decoration. Fluff. But the true substance of the cake is what is beneath the sugary covering.  Underneath the decorations and the presents beneath the tree, let us remember what this day is really all about; the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  And the immense and ever lasting love he has for you and I.

We must keep him in our thoughts and in our hearts, giving thanks that we are here on this day. That we are able to be with our loved ones today. That we are able to share in the spirit of this sacred time of the year.

And we must also remember to keep in our mind all of those who are not able to be with loved ones on this day. Those who are hurting, hungry, ill, grieving, sad, alone. Those who remain without power following the terrible ice storm. And all of the workers who travel from other places to lend a hand, leaving their family and own Christmas celebrations behind. Lift them in your thoughts and prayers on this day. Send them your love in energy that they may not be completely alone. And if you are able - reach out to someone who is alone on this day. Share your bounty with those who are less fortunate than yourself.

For if you are able to gather with loved ones and take part in a feast on this day - you are indeed blessed.

Don't keep the love all to yourself.

With that said, and as I return to my kitchen,
allow me to wish you and yours a
Blessed Merry Christmas.

-Laura

Happy 4th Birthday to Enchanted Essence!!!

It's hard to believe that the first page of this blog - the little blog that could - was written 4 years ago today. When I look back through all of the postings, and more importantly - at the broad reach of people that this blog has touched, it leaves me truly humbled.

Thank you for accompanying me on the first four years of my journey. Together we have shared so much; Births, Deaths, Joy, Sadness, Scripture, Seasons, Recipes, Hopes, Dreams .... LIFE!! What a ride!!

I look forward to sharing so much more with you over the years - fasten your seat belts!!

Please join me in shouting out a big HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY to Enchanted Essence!!!!

God Bless,

-Laura

Happy Birthday Deanna!!

Deanna,

Mom gave me two sisters,

Dad also gave me two,

God gave me a fifth sister, 

That sister is you. 

I won't get too mushy here, you know what you mean to me. 

Everything we've been through together. 

Everything we've shared.

Everything we've survived.

You are more than a friend to me. 

You are my sister and I love you dearly.

I hope that today is not only one of beauty, 

but that it also brings love, joy and laughter

to you heart.

Happy Birthday My SFF

(Sister-Friends-Forever!)

♥♥♥

Happy Birthday Dad!

March 30th, 1948...

God brought you into this world.

July 31st, 1968...

God brought me into this world

June 19th, 2011...

God brought our worlds together

He does nothing without a plan.

therefore we know our worlds

came together at this time for a reason.

I am thrilled to share in this day with you...

and pray that we will have many, many more

years of celebrations ahead of us!

I can't wait until May 5th!

Happy Birthday Dad!

I love you!!

Lori

~~~

Pictured above is the one and only Birthday card I ever got the chance to send my dad.  

His last birthday was spent in the hospital - one of the many times cancer brought him 

there. He passed away less than 5 months later.  Today is the first birthday since his 

passing.  And the year of firsts without him continues ... 

I love you dad!!  

Happy Birthday!!

-Lori

Happy Birthday to My Beautiful Baby Girl!

1:35AM on March 20th, 1990, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl,, who had the brightest big brown eyes.  And when she gazed up at me, wrapping her little fist around my finger, I fell in love.  From that moment on, I have carried her in my arms and in my heart. Even to this day – when I am often reminded that she is no longer a baby, but in fact my baby is turning twenty three years old today!  She is now older than I was when our eyes first met.  My sweet, gurgling, smiley baby has grown into a strikingly beautiful, intelligent, funny, warm, sensitive, caring, and charming young woman right before my very eyes!  How blessed I have been to witness the precious miracle that is my beautiful Natasha.

You are now blazing your own trails. Creating your own life. And although you may not be carried in my arms – you are forever carried in my heart.  I love you my baby girl and I pray you have a beautifully blessed day.  Happy Birthday my twinkling little star ♥ ♥ xoxo

Nine

I think about you every day - but especially today.  I imagined how you spent your special day. I bet your mom made it extra special for you!

Today I re-read our letters - and I smiled. You are such a smart little boy.. and I know that when you grow up you will do magnificent things!

I wish I could see you today ... and hear all about all of the fun things you did. Just know that I am always thinking of you - and you have a special place in my heart!

Happy Birthday Kai!

Love Aunt Laura

xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Betty White

I don't typically do celebrity birthdays here, however ... Betty is not a typical celebrity - and I happen to absolutely adore her!!

I'm not going to turn this into a biography - unless you've been living under a rock - no intro is necessary.

I just want to wish a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the beautiful, stunning, talented, vivacious Betty White!! Who turned 91 years young today!! May God continue to Bless you Betty!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Enchanted Essence !!!

Please join me in wishing Enchanted Essence a Happy 3rd Birthday !!!!

It feels like just yesterday that I started this blog.  And now it seems to have taken on a life of it's own.  We have surpassed 10,000 hits ... soon coming up on 15,000!!  I can hardly believe it!!!

I am deeply, deeply moved to know that my words and thoughts are reaching people all around the world.

This milestone is because of YOU.  Thank YOU!!  For reading.  For following.  For emailing.  For sharing your thoughts, prayers ... and most of all your love!!

Happy 3rd  Birthday EnchantedEssence.ca !!!  And many more to come!!!

God Bless!

-Laura

Happy Birthday Clio

Dear Clio,

Today is your birthday.  You are 5 years old!!! My, what a big girl you are growing into!  This is going to be such a special year for you.  You are half of a decade old!!  I know your mommy and daddy will make your birthday extra special like they always do.  I imagine you will be surrounded by all of your friends, and your big brother too!  Dancing and singing and doing crafts and eating cake!  And everyone will sing Happy Birthday to you ~~

I remember all of the fun we had when I saw you.  How we played and colored.  I still have the beautiful picture you made for me!!  I want you to know that even though I can't be with you  - I am thinking of you today - and always.  And I love you forever and ever and ever!!

Happy Birthday My Sweet

Love and Kisses and Lots of Cuddles,

Aunt Laura

xoxo

Happy Birthday - To Me!

I remember how I could not wait to hit my 40's.  They were to be my most fantastic decade yet!!  With age comes wisdom, so I was not naive in thinking that the 40's would be smooth sailing,  but I knew in my soul that they would be life-changing.

Lets recap.

I turned 40 on July 31st 2008.

     * November 18th/08 I was diagnosed with Cancer.  

     * December 18th/08 I had cancer surgery. 

     * To date I am 3 years - 7 months in remission.  Praise God!

October 2010
     * My daughter moved into her own place.

     This clearly was a difficult time for me.  I was an empty-nester.  

     But after a lifetime of either being my Mother's Daughter and my 

     Daughter's Mother. I was now given the gift of just being Lori -
     and discovering who Lori is. I have to say that so far, I like her! :)  

June 19/2011 - I found my Father!!!
     * A life-long search had come to an end.  I had a Dad!  Praise God!
       I had two Aunties, Two beautiful sisters, 3 handsome nephews and 3
       beautiful nieces. Praise God!
       Lord knows the road was anything but smooth.  I knew it wouldn't be.
       Some I am close with. Some I am not as close to as I would love
       to be and hope to be with time.
       But I am known by them  -  and I know them. That is more than I
       ever had.  I am so thankful for this blessing.

November 1st/2011 - My father began to take ill.
     * I still remember the first day I heard the word prostate -
        and I just knew. In my gut - In my soul - I knew this would be
        the beginning of the end. I had found my father - just in time
        to helplessly watch him die a long, agonizing death.
     * Although I am still working on my truest gratitude for finding him,
        before it was too late. It is so difficult and gut-wrenching to be
        on this ride.  I do thank God that I was blessed with time
        to know him before he was called back home.

December 2011
     * I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer, and pre-colon cancer,
        discovered through a colonoscopy I had done.
        One + One makes Two!!  Really?????
        I am now nearly 8 months in remission!  Praise God!

July 2012
     * Many member of my Father's family are positive for a mutation
        of the BRCA2 gene. Thus elevating their risk of developing
        breast, ovarian or prostate cancers.  My Aunt and cousin have
        had mastectomies, my grandmother who lost her battle with
        several cancers. My Dad is suffering in his battle with several cancers.

July 11th/2012
     * I took the Genetic Testing.  Two actually, 1 for the BRCA2
        and 1 for the P-53,
        which they threw in for good measure due to my personal two cancers.

July 24th/2012
     * BRCA2 came back NEGATIVE!!  Praise God!
     * This means my daughter will not need to be tested! Praise God!

July 31st 2012

So, here we are.  I am 44 years old today!  All in all it has been quite the interesting decade.  Froth with blessings and heartache.  As such is life.

Today I am with heavy heart as my Dad's time is drawing near.  I pray he knows my love for him and my extreme gratitude to have been able to hold him, hug him, kiss him,  look in to his eyes.  To call him Dad.

Today I will try to celebrate me.  I will count my blessings.  I will be thankful for family and  friends who take time out of their life to recognize me on this day.  Knowing each of them are a blessing in my life.

I will also remember a lesson that I was taught some time ago....

And so, I will live this lesson and also honour my Dad's wish for me;

"I want you to keep moving forward into your future, with the power of God, who gives us strength."


With the words of my Earthly Father and the lessons of my Heavenly father, I will journey forward under HIS light.

Birthday Card

An early Birthday Card from my mama!!
Awwwww ....
Love you Mom!!

xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Karen!

July 1st, 1976, my baby sister was born!  Oh how I would have loved to been there for that!! How I would have spoiled you, cuddled and kissed you!  I would have dressed you up in my dolly clothes and made plans for all of the things I would have taught you as I introduced you to Sesame Street!!

1986, you are 10 years old!!! No longer single digits!!  I think of all of the places we would have gone and all of the life experiences we would have shared together.  I probably would have had to inform you by now that all of the firecrackers going off were in fact not for your birthday - but for Canada Day!!  Nothing personal, it's just what older sisters do!  ;-)   Sisters also teach you how to swim, teach you how to ride a bike and catch you when you fall.  Then we giggle a bit.  But it is all in  L.O.V.E.

Sixteen Years Old!!!  How did that happen???  My baby sister is growing up. And what a beauty you were (and still are).  I'm sure all of the boys were falling over themselves trying to win your attentions and affections.  Alas, there would only be one who would capture your heart.  And what a lucky man he is!

Did I mention what a great job you did in choosing my brother-in-law??  Way to go sis!! It's like you knew!!

You are 21 years old!!  Where did the time go???  You are a young lady now.  Married and starting your life.  How I wish I could have been there to see you get married.  I know that my makeup would have been washed off of my face through the waterfall of tears of joy and pride.  (And a little bit of envy lol)   How exactly does my baby sister get married first?  How did that happen?? lol

Whoa!!! Hey sis!! You're getting old!!! ;-)  The beginning of a new decade .... welcome to my world!! I hated my thirties but like always, you thrived.  You are now a mommy!!  And by the way - thank you for making me an Auntie!! I love my nephew and niece oh so very much!  Hey! Here's a thought,  why not have a third child?  So I can be there during your pregnancy.  I can watch as your belly grows.  I can feel the baby kicking, and make fun of your cravings.  And just you try and stop me from being there for the delivery!!  

July 1st, 2012.  You are 36!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL SIS!!!!

How the time flies eh?  :-)

Even though we've missed a lifetime together.  I knew of you long before we were ever brought together.  The moment I heard about you - I loved you.  And although I am saddened by all of the time lost, I am joyful with the thoughts of the lifetime that lies ahead of us.  I am so proud to be your sister.  So blessed that you are mine.  I appreciate you.  I love you.  And I wish you the most beautiful Birthday - we can even pretend that the fireworks are for you.  Because you deserve them!

Love Always,

Your Beautiful (Slightly Older) Sister,

Lori
xoxoxo