R.I.P. Dr. Maya Angelou

This is indeed a sad, sad day. The world has forever changed. An angel has ascended the Heavens, leaving behind an indelible mark upon each of our souls. And hopefully leaving each of us just a little bit brighter in her light.

Below is a statement from the family of Dr. Maya Angelou.  May she Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Thursday, May 28, 2014
Statement from Dr. Maya Angelou’s Family:
Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.
Guy B. Johnson

Whenever a person passes away, whether they were someone from our own circle, or a person who is known on a larger stage, we are left speechless. This has never been more true for me than it is today. I really don't know what to say. My mind is racing and my heart is sad. What better words to honor this phenomenal woman, than her own?

~~~

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me. 

~~~

Maya Angelou

4/4/1928 - 5/28/2014

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.

James Avery - RIP

I learned the sad news today that James Avery has left us. He passed away last night at the age of 65 from complications following heart surgery.

This is such a sad loss for the world as another great man takes his place in the everlasting Kingdom.

Some actors do their job so well that they touch us and at times even impact our lives, Indeed James Avery was one of those men. 

Rest in Heavenly Peace Uncle Phil!!

Newtown CT - One Year Later

One year ago today the world came to a screeching halt as we learned of the horrific slaughter of innocence, which took place in Sandy Hook elementary school. 26 souls taken way too soon. A community shattered - forever changed.  Broken hearts rippled far beyond the borders of the sleepy little town of Newtown CT.

As the families and community as a whole attempt to breathe today. They have asked global media to respect their need for privacy and to stay away from their community.  I am happy to say that the media has honored this request.  It is reported that no official ceremonies will take place today - but the community will remember and honor the victims in their own private way.

What was asked, in honor of the 26 lives lost, is for each one of us to do a random act of kindness today.

I hope that you will join me as you move through your day. Keep in your mind the memory of the lives lost, and the request made by those who are left behind. Find a way to honor Newtown today by doing a random act of kindness.  Offer to carry someones bags for them. Shovel your neighbor's walkway. Buy a homeless person something to eat. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.  Be creative and lets do Newtown proud!

Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. 

The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, 

but he who conquers that fear."

~ Nelson Mandela ~

1918-2013

Strength. Courage. Leader. Legacy. 

Demonstrating that a single man can inspire the world. 

May his light continue to shine. 

May God be with all those whose lives he has touched. 

And may we all live the legacy of his profound love and 

example of humanity.

Rest In Heavenly Peace

~♥~

In Flanders Fields

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month ...

Stop - and remember.

Lest We Forget.

Rainbow Bridge

Too beautiful not to share....

I know that I will have many waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge.

♥♥♥

The 11th Day Of September - Twelfth Anniversary

Today is a beautiful day here in Toronto. The skies are blue. The temps are very warm. And people got up today to meet their daily commitments. Just like any other day. But today is not like any other day. Today is a special day - a day where as we move within the moments of our lives, there is a part of our mind that is drawn back in time. A part of our heart that hurts as we remember where we were on this day twelve years ago, the moment we heard the news .. the moment we saw those images that have been burned into our mind's eye. Burned into our souls.

Today is September 11. The twelfth anniversary of a tremendous loss, which took place on the homeland of the United States. But I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that it was a loss that rippled around the world. Indeed the entire world was American on that fateful day - and the days that followed.

We were glued to our TV's. We cried as we watched the horror taking place in Manhattan, and at the Pentagon, and in an unassuming field in Shanksville.

Our hearts broke as we watched the mighty towers fall. Attempting to wrap our collective minds around the immense loss of life. As we watched the hero's of that day rushing into the belly of the beast as everyone else were running for their lives.

As we watched the bucket brigade on the following days. As we heard the silence among the smoldering rubble when a life was recovered.

How mothers and fathers around the world hugged their loved ones a little tighter that day.

We do not understand God's plans. And in times of extreme tragedy many of us will question that plan. Indeed many will question the existence of God.  How could he let this happen??  Surely the Almighty could have stopped evil from wreaking havoc that day.

But God never promised that there would not be pain. That there would never be heartbreak. Loss. Suffering. That we would never stare into the face of evil.  Indeed it is how we meet those moments that determines our own fate. It is in those moments when we reach to God. When we cling to his mercy. That we pray for his love and strength to meet the heartache and to survive the pain of grave loss. It is in those moments when our own character is defined. How we come to the aide of each other. How we ban together, support one another, lift one another up in his name. How we heal together and become stronger. Stronger in our faith. Stronger in our belief. Stronger as a humanity.

Surely it is in his light that those who watched the suffering of the lives directly impacted, immediately called upon his name - in your name, and carried you in our hearts every moment of every day since.

Three years ago I wrote a poem marking the ninth anniversary of this day.  And would like to share it here again, for those who may have not yet read it.

May God bless and keep all who were impacted by the events of that day.

♥

Another year passes,

And the world stops to remember;

The day evil descended,

The 11th day of September.

The thunder above as the towers burned to the ground,

Prayers by the millions, God’s name cried aloud.

The innocent ran through the streets; for their lives,

Countless endings, with few goodbye’s.

The Pentagon, New York & Hero’s of 93

Thousands of souls, now resting at peace.

Ones left behind struggle for reason,

Pain never fades, only the seasons.

Bells toll as names are read,

To honour the memory of the dead.

Tears flow, and flowers are laid,

Beneath the lights of the Hallowed Grave.

Month by month; the calendar turns,

None will forget where they were.

When the planes soared through the skies so blue,

One thing will always remain true.

As another year passes,

The world will stop to remember

The day evil descended,

The 11th day of September.

~~~

Rest In Peace Jean Stapleton

The amazing Jean Stapleton passed away yesterday of natural causes. Jean is best known for her role in All In The Family, playing Edith Bunker. Jean Stapleton was 90 years of age.

Rest In Peace Beautiful Lady!

♥

R.I.P. Jeanne Cooper

"Wasn't sure how I would have to say these words so I opt for simplicity at least to begin...

My mother passed away this morning just a short time ago, peaceful with my sister by her side, in her sleep. I was going to visit this afternoon, thought I had time. Reminder to self - time is a precious thing. I too am at peace however. I said my goodbyes several times over during the last few weeks. I'll go one last time now for a gentle kiss a final farewell for this lifetime. She has been a blaze her entire life, that beacon, that boxer I spoke of earlier. She went the full twelve rounds and by unanimous decision... won! And while her light finally gave into the wind that gives flight to all our journeys, there will always be a glimmer left behind by what she stood for. I will speak about that more in coming days, months I suppose. I will certainly dedicate what remains of my life to continue her purpose of honesty, equality, humility, empathy and love. So many of you have said your prayers for her and right now, today, I can say the best way to honor her is to inhabit your lives with those things she stood for. I would ask that closer friends respectfully give us some time to find our family's path in this transition, and please limit calls, emails and the rest for a couple of days. As always, your outpouring of love here on this page, is not only welcomed to continue but truly appreciated and comforting. I asked my sister what time she passed exactly, and she told me (not to important for public record) but I was working out and just happened to pick out a song for my final moments on the treadmill - "Everlasting Light" by the Black Keys. Oh what a wonder it all is... what a magnificence!"

-Corbin Bernsen

The world learned today of the passing of the great Jeanne Cooper. Legend. Light. Mother. Friend. Actress. 

The above statement was released by her beloved son Corbin.

May Jeanne Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Twenty-Three Years ...

Twenty-three years ago today, one of the most beautiful, loving, caring, brave and selfless women I have ever known, left this place to join her beloved Lord and Savior in Heaven.

My memories of my Granny are endless and can only be matched by my love for her, as well as the ache that took residency in my heart since the day she passed away. Easter Sunday - April, 15th, 1990.

I miss you every minute, of every hour, of every day.  I am in such awe when I think of the incredible strength you possessed in order to survive all of the hardships life forced you to endure. I am so thankful for the time we spent together. I cherish all of the memories that we made. And my heart sings with the knowledge that I will see you again one day.

Rest in Heavenly Peace, Granny.

I love you dearly.
I miss you always.
I carry you forever.

xoxoxo

There is a silly little song I learned in camp when I was about 5 or 6 years old, and singing it brought such joy and laughter to my Granny. She would clap and dance, and giggle, as she sang with me. I can still see her doing this in my mind's eye.

This one's for you Granny!

Waddlie-aka, Waddlie-aka, Doodlie-do, Doodlie-do, 
Waddlie-aka, Waddlie-aka, Doodlie-do, Doodlie-do,
Just a little song, there isn't much to it, 
All you've got to do, is Doodlie-do it!
Waddlie-aka, Waddlie-aka, Doodlie-do, Doodlie-do

R.I.P. Bonnie Franklin

Today the world learned the sad news that Actress Bonnie Franklin passed away at age 69 from pancreatic cancer.

Bonnie Franklin is best known for her starring role in One Day At A Time, with Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips (daughter of John Phillips of the Mama's and the Papa's.)

As a child I fondly remember watching One Day at a Time and never missed an episode.  Honestly, one of my favorite shows of its time.  Most recently Bonnie appeared in several episodes on The Young and the Restless.

Another sad, sad loss for Hollywood and the World.

May she Rest in Heavenly Peace and may God be with those she has left behind.

Online Sympathy Card For Sandy Hook

An online sympathy card for Sandy Hook has been started and has already surpassed 1.7 million signatures from around the world.

If you would like to add your name and personal message for the victims, survivors, families and loved ones in Newtown, CT, please click in the link below.

God Bless.


http://www.causes.com/actions/1715318

The Voice Pays Tribute To Newtown

THE VOICE pays a beautiful and moving tribute to the victims of shootings in NEWTOWN.

To the coaches and artists; Thank you for this beautiful blessing.

Why We Watch

Like many around the world, I have been glued to the TV since Friday morning when evil descended on a quaint little town in Connecticut. Newtown will never be the same after the horrific events, which took place that morning.  When a twenty-year old shot his mother, and then shot his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School using an assault rifle. He then proceeded to steal the lives of 20 1st grade children and 6 adults including the principal of the school.

There are of course others who do not watch, whether it is just too difficult to do so, or whether they just do not want to give acknowledgment to the offender.  They do not wish to immortalize the sick mind who could perpetrate such evil acts.

I honestly do not believe that anyone wishes to glorify the offender.  I do understand that at times we need to talk about them ... to learn the lessons of what had taken place.  To hopefully gain answers to the "WHY?" when a tragedy takes place.

Sadly the perpetrators often are immortalized .... such as in the case of Paul Bernardo, or Bin Laden, or Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris.  And sadly there will be sick minds out there who will capitalize on tragic events, those who look up to the modern day villains ... and even those who will attempt to emulate them by way of copy-cat events.  Or even trying to out-do evil with greater acts of evil.  Some will say that a sick-minded person who watched the aftermath of Adam Lanza will go out and shoot up a pre-school,, or a hospital nursery.

The fact is that evil exists.  We know this.  We saw this the day the planes flew into the World Trade Center Towers.  We saw this on Friday when we learned of the tragic events as they unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut.  But we also know that goodness will triumph over evil.  God is stronger than any evil that may exist.  And we must be stronger.  We must be better.  We must have faith.

In the meantime we grieve.  We are sorrowful for the ones who are grieving the loss of loved ones.  We mourn with the community affected by the slaughter of innocence .... just days before Christmas.

And in doing so, we often times feel helpless.  The truth is - there is nothing we can do.  There are no magic words.  There are no fixes.  The only thing to take the pain away - to bring back the lost lives - is not within our power.  And so ... if we are able, we go to the prayer vigils.  We attend memorial services.  We stand outside churches while funeral services are taking place.  We lay down flowers and light candles, we place teddy bears, we pray.  We show up in the physical to be a part of the communal network of love and support.

But for those who are not able to drive to the next town ... to attend ... to share in the grief ... to BE present in a show of support.  We watch.  We watch from other Cities, States, Countries and sometimes Continents.

We watch and we pray and we cry.  Because we feel helpless. Because we feel their pain.  Because we are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles.  Because we are human.  Because we care.  Because we love.  Because we grieve with those who are suffering.

Ultimately we watch because we know that although we are often separated by geography, we are united, indeed connected by spirit.  We are one.  Therefore when a community mourns ... we all mourn.

Heaven's Newest Angels

May God Keep Them. 

May They Rest in Heavenly Peace

Sandy Hook Elementary, Newtown Connecticut

There are no words.  Only tears. Only prayers.

Actions and Consequences

I have been doing a lot of thinking about The Prank Call Heard Round The World ....

For those who have been living under a rock this past week .... let me recap. Prince William and Princess Catherine announced that they were expecting their first child.  The world rejoiced in the blessed news.  Unfortunately Kate, like most women, was experiencing morning sickness ... unlike most women, she was hospitalized as a result.

Flash forward to a pair of Australian radio Disc Jockeys who decided to do a prank phone call to King Edward VII hospital where the Duchess was being treated for hpyermesis gravidarum - extreme morning sickness  requiring replacement hydration and nutrients.

The Disc Jockeys, portraying the Queen and Prince Charles - with dreadful British accents, indeed made the call to the hospital in attempts of obtaining information about the Duchess. The call was answered by a nurse covering for the switchboard, believing the DJ's were indeed the Queen and the Prince, she patched the call through to the nurse caring for Princess Catherine, where upon personal information was given by the second nurse .... recorded for the world to hear.

Needless to say, the Palace was furious.  And I believe that although many were shocked that the call actually went through - given the ridiculous accents ... I'd say the entire event was regarded as a giant coo for the radio station.

Two days later, the world was stuck in disbelief  - collectively gutted, as the tragic news came down that the first nurse who originally answered the call, had been found dead and thought to have committed suicide.  Leaving behind a son and a daughter. How heavy her heart and head must have been to take such drastic actions. I can only imagine the guilt and shame she must have felt. How heavy her soul must have been to end her own life.

I need to make a confession, that when I heard the news of the nurse's death, I was furious with the DJ's.  I judged them.  And along with the majority of the world - I blamed them for her death.  I prayed to God that He would help me to disconnect - to not pass judgment. To know that only He can judge them.

It was very hard.

The two days following, I, along with the rest of the world learned that the DJ's had suspended their show, the radio station had to shut down their Facebook account due to the overwhelming amount of negative postings on the page.  That the DJ's had to shut down their Twitter accounts due to the death threats.

I believed it was well deserved.

Today I watched the interview of the DJ's ... I listened to them.  And I admit that they have good and valid points about prank calls being made by radio stations in every country around the world - since forever.  I truly believe that they, too, were devastated by the news of the nurse's death.

Although I do believe they are culpable. And I do believe that actions have consequences - even if they are not  foreseen.  I have to say that I do believe that the intent of the call was not malicious.  I do believe that things spun horribly out of control. I do believe they are regretful of the tragedy, which resulted from their harmless call.  And I do feel sorry for them.

I am thankful to God for showing me another side to this horrible, terrible, tragic series of events.  For showing me how to shift my shock and anger to compassion and understanding.  And I do know that the friends and family of Jacintha Saldanha need an abundance of love and support during these next weeks, months and years ahead.  And that nothing will ease their pain in loss of their beloved Jacintha.  I also recognize that the lives of the DJ's will forever be altered and no matter what law suits may follow ... or how much backlash they endure .... I truly believe there can be no greater punishment given, than the weight of the events of that day, which will reside forever on their souls.

Whitney

Watching "We Will Always Love You; A Grammy Salute To Whitney Houston"  I am moved to tears, hearing her music - listening to the tributes - the renditions ... but also reminded of how Whitney touched me as a young girl and as a young woman.  Just as she touched so many people around the world.

I am also reminded that God touches many.  But we must never - ever take His blessings for granted.  Whitney's story is a fantastic story with a tragic ending.   In truth it ended long before she died.  And that is the true tragedy.

This beautiful, talented, God-gifted woman with the voice of an angel, was given so much ... she had the ability to grip her audience in ways few can do.  Each and every time she opened her mouth in song, people were brought to their knees.  Whether she preformed on the Grammy stage or singing the Star Spangled Banner before millions - the hairs on your arms stood up ... your eyes welled ... your heart pounded ... and you were moved!

Who can forget Whitney's rolls in The Preacher's Wife, Waiting To Exhale and The Bodyguard?  With her final performance on the big screen in the movie Sparkle.  She not only preformed on stage but also recorded the soundtracks to our lives.

In life - in every life ... whether you live on the streets or you have a gold star on the streets - you are given choices .. many twists and turns ... fork roads, some of which you can some back from - have that do-over. And some of which you simply will never be able to come back from  Never again be the same.

Unfortunately Whitney found herself on the wrong path.  The path of drug abuse, which ultimately stole the golden voice we all grew up loving.  And after many, many years of self-abuse by the hands of drugs - by the time Whitney found the courage to attempt a return ...  it was too late.  Her voice - her beautiful - God given voice ... was gone.

In my opinion ... following her failed return to the success she had enjoyed for so many precious years ... decades really - when you consider that she sang as a child in the church - long before we ever had heard of her.  Before our ears were blessed by her song.  I believe it was truly soul crushing to Whitney.  I believe she knew - it was over.  And I think like many celebrities who grow accustomed to the limelight - and assume it will always be there.  Assume that actions in human life will not null and void the gifts of our Lord.  That you can take for granted what is given ... and it will be as though it never happened.

Sometimes that is true.  But I believe that the bigger the gift - the bigger the responsibility of guarding, protecting and cherishing that gift.  Whitney's gift was immense.  The truth is that when she attempted to return ... she still sang better than many could ever hope to.  But - she would never again be the "Whitney" she once was.  And in my heart I believe that her realized reality would ultimately lead to her demise.

We can take many lessons from Whitney's life.  To go after our dreams.  To sing like nobody is watching.  To love unconditionally.  To cherish our children.  But also not to take for granted the gifts we are given from God.

Whitney was a child, a mother, a sister, a singer, an actress ... and most of all a human being.  Making human judgments, susceptible to temptations ... and as we all know - all humans are capable of  grave errors in life.

I suppose the biggest lesson we can learn from the life of Whitney is as simple as this;  While we inhale blessings - we must not forget to exhale gratitude.

And I am thankful for the gift that Whitney Houston was to my life.

May she rest ... and may she know the peace in Heaven that she was unable to secure in life.

In Remembrance

This is my Grandfather, Robert Charles Crisp.  Who served in the Canadian Forces.  I believe he was about 18 in this picture, which would have placed his service during WWII.

Unfortunately, because I only just found my father a year before his own passing, there is little I know about my Grandfather.  But I AM researching him!  And hope to have more information of this brave man, who was my Grandfather!

In the meantime, I wanted to acknowledge his service on this Remembrance Day.

R.I.P.