JustMOMsensations

I have had the most extraordinary month.  I have not worked this hard, this many hours since I was 30 years old – and yet I feel invigorated.  I was one of nearly 6,000 volunteers helping clothe Syrian refugees coming to the GTA.  While I participated as one of the drivers of the cause, I have never witnessed the level of empowerment all volunteers felt and acted on to drive this cause forward. In just four weeks, we went from zero to:   Over 30, 000 articles of clothing. Nearly 6,000 active volunteers from getting the word out, donating clothing, to sorting, cleaning, inventory and various business services – there was no ego in this giving. More than 20 media spots through TV, radio, print and internet news. All of the infrastructure required to support a cause of this magnitude. A free storefront open for business, where families can shop for their own clothing in privacy. Over 60 people with starting wardrobes, ready to integrate into their new communities. Thou

What do I know about racism?  I know I feel outrage for a Muslim woman who was attacked , reportedly by two Caucasian 20-something men in Toronto on November 16 th , following the ISIS attacks of the previous weekend in Europe and the Middle East.  It was reported she was picking up her children from school.  How must her kids have felt as they watched their Mother being taken to hospital?  How do her kids feel safe after that? I know my stomach churns with the knowledge that the Peterborough Mosque was set on fire that same weekend.  Over $100,000 was raised in just over 24 hours for the repairs – but that does not change the fact that hate lit a match of fear in a place of worship.    I don’t know what it is like to walk down the street tense, guarded, in fear someone could act on their hate for what my appearance represents to them.   Wolf calls from men as I walked by did not give me any idea what it’s like to be afraid for my safety because I look differen

As with 9/11, this last week weighs heavily on so many of us.  Obviously all of the ISIS attacks and the humans lost, families mourning are top of mind.  Each day my heart gets heavier when hate and rhetoric spew from people in my own circles, out of what I believe can only be mishandled fear. I have actively and passionately thrown facts and love in the face of each hurl of bigotry and ignorance I witness.  I believe we can neutralize negativity with extreme light and love.  Yet in the wake of these efforts remains a lingering disappointment for some of the people I have respected and cared about throughout my life.  I won’t be quiet to sidestep conflict any longer.  I won’t accept excuses of age, fear and statements like “people don’t change – no point in arguing”. There is a HUGE point to argue. Terrorists rely on fear, divisiveness and hate to facilitate their goals. Terror can’t live in a house of love.    I refuse to be afraid of ISIS.  They are radical e

“A silver SUV nearly hit my daughter – I pulled her out of the way just in time.” “Man hit by car at Bur Oak and Cornell Park.” “Speeding cars short-cutting down lane-ways - 5 feet from where kids walk out.  Accident waiting to happen.” “Driver ignored school bus sign and told me to &^#% off when I called out a reminder.” “Lady walked right out in traffic without looking at 9 th line and Hwy 7.” “Girl 4 dies, after being struck by vehicle in Markham.” All reports from social and traditional media within the last month.  One precious child died in Markham on October 22nd, 2015.  Her sister also hit, hospitalized with serious injuries.  Enough is enough.  A family tragedy.  A community outraged.  If I am honest with myself, I might have been a less careful driver before I had kids – when it seemed to make sense to drive faster rather than leaving 10 minutes earlier.  Now, with two kids I walk to and from school daily, the carelessness of the few

 My ancestors have been in Canada for generations.  I am 4 th generation Canadian on my Father’s side and perhaps even longer with my maternal family.  We come from England, Scotland and Ireland.  My people were not refugees.  They were not running for their lives when they had the opportunity to make Canada their home, where they could create a prosperous future for themselves and future generations. I am sure life in the UK would have been lovely.  But I KNOW that life in Canada is a blessing and I am so grateful to be here raising my children in this “true north – strong and free”.  As I sit in the comfort of my home, warm, with a full tummy, no fear of bombs falling on us – I watch news reports of Syrian refugees.  I have read news media reports, social media opinions, and heard family and friends discuss their thoughts – some very passionately.  As with most things in my life, my gut knew what my position was – and the more I research, listen and let my heart brew the info

“Cornell Community Soup” is more than just a metaphor for the melting pot of cultures, religions, beliefs and politics we embody.  The Village of Cornell is nestled in the eastern boarder of Markham, Ontario, surrounded by sister villages that continue the tradition of service and support throughout the community.  I have lived on my block in Cornell for 16 years.  Bigger houses with lower prices from the north continue to tempt, yet the warm hug of this community always keeps us home.  In anticipation of another exciting Blue Jay’s post season game, a pot of turkey soup is simmering on our stove.  Turkey from the Markham Butcher , and carrots and garlic from Reesor Farm .  Both local small business run by families who suffered losses this month.  The Markham Butcher and his wife lost their precious baby son earlier this month.  An unfathomable tragedy.  Reesor Farm was   targeted by trespassers and looters  on Thanksgiving Monday and yet met this intrusion with statements of empa

“I would live in a cabin in the woods with the right man, for the opportunity to have children and raise a family.”   I said this when I was 33, after spending 15 years launching a career and travelling the globe. My first child was born when I was 36.   My second and last birth slipped in before my 40 th birthday.   I had hoped being a ‘mature Mom’ would eliminate hurdles.     With my career already established and decades of learning packed into my personal toolbox – I had this covered.    After exceeding expectations throughout my first 30 years I could certainly balance a demanding career and parenting, along with our existing social and family life, without a hiccup.   If I read everything about effective parenting, absorbed all of the requested and uninvited advice, I would earn my supermom cape, right? W   R   O   N   G   !   !   Or more accurately, I wisely realized I no longer wanted that cape.   At 47 I look back with greater insight.     If only I could whisp

If you have more than one child, or have siblings, you know that kids who grow up together fight.  Mine certainly do.  No matter how much they love each other, they also get under each other’s skin like no other human on earth.  They are unique individuals with different ideas, intentions and their own package of experiences to draw from.  In my house, that means my confident, passionate kids often reach gridlock trying to lead the other through creative ideas for play. They might spend hours together playing quite happily until the fireworks start.  Mom or Dad then display the black and white referee uniform yelling “time out” or “stay away from each other” -  over and over again.  It is that day when it seems it is only our own kids who don’t get along and as we sink into our failure as a parent, begin to dream of a nanny, a sandy beach and a pina colada ( or 10). Today was that day for me.   After raising my voice a few times and separating them repeatedly, it occurred to

"Open minds and hearts have room for new ideas to make you grow and new loves to make you glow. "   ~ @SheriGammon ~

WHAT I NEED REMINDING OF WHAT KIDS SOMETIMES NEED REMINDING OF WHAT THOSE WHO ARE JUDGED NEED REMINDING OF REMINDERS OF STRENGTH    What do YOU need reminding of?

We are living longer than we ever imagined or planned for financially. The life expectancy of a female born in the 1920’s was 61 years of age – my Mom is now 90.  My own current life expectancy is 74.  If I live 29 years longer than expected, like my Mom – I may live to 103. Doesn’t really sound like a problem, does it.  It could become a significant problem for those who aren’t prepared. I didn't plan to live over a century – did you?                                                                                                                      We are the generation of “live for today” while planning for tomorrow.  We like to spend money on our kids to give them advantages we never had.  My parents, who grew up in the depression, spent sparingly, went without and saved for their retirement – never imagining they could live into their 90s.  I have lived for the moment, travelled, enjoyed fine wines and dining out, spent on my kids and saved some for retirement

Welcome to my first Guest Blogger - Jenn of Oh So Nourished .    I love her perspective.   And we all know I respect women who share truth to help lift each other up!      ~ Sheri Gammon Dewling ~ Dear Moms, Does this sound familiar to you?     “I will only use cloth diapers.”   “I will hand make all of my baby’s food.”    “I will exclusively breastfeed my baby.”   “I will always wear my baby.”   “I will never let my baby see me angry.”  Always, always, always.  Never, never, never. Only, only, only. Ah, the sweet haze of first time parenthood.  Scratch that—the sweet haze that preceded first time parenthood.  When I was pregnant, I was confident that I would be able to live up to my own expectations of crunchy motherhood . I was able to live up to my own standards before baby, so surely I could do it once she got here…right? Wrong.  For the first month of W’s life we used disposable diapers because, well, who the heck has time to w

My Bad!! I have been crafting other writing projects and neglecting my blog.  If you are still a fan - I thank you for your patience and will try to do better in 2015.   Here are some recent 'share-able' tidbits from me.  Stay tuned for more in future - along with tidbits from my manuscript.  What  Drives  Me   What  Grounds Me What Motivates  Me What Teaches  Me I'd like to know what works for you ..... will you share too?