You might wonder why I live and speak so openly. Why am I deeply passionate and committed to pointing out that we need to shed the weight of shame under which we have been unconsciously living for so long so that we can build healthy community together?

It is because that weight has been dragging us down and causing us to focus on masking so much that we have not been able to look up to fully see the light of hope to be found in inclusion, integrity, and innovation. We have been squinting at glimpses of light through a veil of difficulty.

The veil of difficulty which prevents us from accessing that light has definitely been drawn back for me a bit more in the last 4-5 years.

As I have worked in the community for the last two decades I have seen the difficulties and formed relationships to build bridges, hold space, and fill gaps where I could.

Being directly affected by a bit more of the factors that drive individuals and families to suicide, addiction, and other types of dysfunction has made the need for joint community innovation more poignant for me than ever.

It all hit home more than ever in the last year.

This month, February 2025, we are creating something new on February 19, to replace the horrible experience that began for us on February 19, 2024, as “Zamira”, was assaulted, abused, and held mentally and emotionally hostage by a predatory young man who took advantage of her desire to experience life beautifully in its fullness, as we all deserve to enjoy life. That date is burned into Zamira’s memory, and she has asked me to help her to make it into something new.

When something similar happened, in the fall of 2024, to the family described in the news item featured in the attached photos, I reached out to them to help them to get through that, and to give them tips that I had gathered through my experience, so that they could more effectively keep their daughter safe when the RCMP and other organizations would not respond as was needed. Our family has had very similar experiences with the RCMP and other organizations which are designated to support our most vulnerable adults, people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition to navigating generating income while living with Long COVID, I have been advocating tirelessly for my daughters more now than ever. I have been advocating passionately and sometimes furiously for them for all of their lives. I am firmly resolved to ensure that BOTH my daughters live in this world with a firm sense of belonging, fulfilling their intrinsic desire to shine brilliantly, to connect profitably, and to take up space as valuable assets to humanity.

The weight of all of this while struggling to pay rent, get groceries, parent, keep utilities on, and create memories of enjoyable moments with my daughters has been excruciating.

And because I know that there are many others who struggle similarly, many whom have given up and taken their lives, and many whom are on the verge of taking their lives I keep advocating and encouraging and providing space for people to feel supported, seen and heard as they navigate these very real storms, and make their way through.

I especially hold this space for women, single mothers, and Afro-descendant women with whom I can more closely relate, so that we can be light for each other through the dark nights of life and the dark nights of our souls, and we can celebrate every time we rise back up into the light.

I invite women from anywhere in the world to use the links below to join the group which is relevant to you.

Women For Community Love and Equity: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FpnQ6czXm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Single Moms For Community Love and Equity: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/161rMoFEmw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Afro-descendant Women For Community Love and Equity: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14qC9YhydT/?mibextid=wwXIfr