Category: rants raves life & love

Life Without Justice: Hearing Hunter’s Voice

Today is our third attempt. The third time the sentencing hearing has been scheduled. The individual who set my sister-in-law’s house on fire and killed my nephew will receive his sentence. The first two attempts failed because the judge didn’t show up, and we were not notified until we arrived at the courthouse and got to the courtroom. So… the...

RANT: Justice – Or Lack Thereof

After my sister-in-law’s house was set on fire and burned down, killing my baby nephew, our family has been on long journey through the justice system. Before this event, I had never experienced any close encounters with our justice system. I led a very sheltered childhood, have always followed the rules, and my Asian genetics never even allowed me to...

LIFE: Facing Grief’s Gifts – Anniversary of Hunter’s Death

One year ago today, my family’s life was completely shattered. My sister-in-law and her 5-month-old baby boy were trapped in their house that was set on fire. She was brought to ICU in critical condition. My nephew died from smoke inhalation. Their 2 puppies were also killed in the fire. These are things we will never get over. As this...

LIFE: How to Remember the Ones We’ve Lost – Hunter’s First Birthday

Today my nephew Hunter would have been 1 year old. He was taken from us at just 5 months old, and it still boggles my mind how it happened. And how he could not be here with us, hitting those developmental milestones, taking a monthly photo with his huge grin. I imagine that Hunter would have been cruising by now,...

LIFE: A Victim’s State of Mind

We pulled up to the police station and saw a parking spot. There was a sign that said “Edmonton Police Service. Customer Parking Only.” My husband read it and muttered to himself, “Customer Parking Only. Yeah. I guess we’re customers.” I wrinkled my brow and said, “Customers? I guess – that’s better than saying Victims?” I never wanted to be...

LIFE: The Shadow Proves the Sunshine – Grief and Loss

It has been 2 months since my 5-month old baby nephew Hunter died in my sister-in-law’s house in a fire. It has been 2 months since the day I received the text messages from my husband that would turn my life upside down. 2 months since I waited to see my sister-in-law in the ICU because the police wouldn’t let...

Does Going Toxin Free Really Matter?

Well, it’s a new year, and with that comes new year’s resolutions. Perhaps you made a resolution about going toxin free, or maybe you thought about it but then felt overwhelmed / discouraged / unsure / insert your emotion here because you’re not fully convinced about the answer to the question: Does going toxin free really matter? Obviously I think...

LIFE: The Moment You Realize You Care Too Much

I’ve always been passionate about something. There have been several occasions in life when I have wished that I wasn’t, because it’d be easier. I recently had one of those moments. The moment you realize you care too much. When I was doing my undergrad, I took some courses with a social justice vein, and they got me involved in...

RAVE: 5 Ways INSIDE OUT Has Helped My Highly Sensitive Child

I know not everyone loves animated movies, but I do. Perhaps it comes with the territory of being married to a 3D artist, but I have often found that animated movies resonate more deeply with me than live-action movies. It may just be that people who get involved with animated movies have amazing imaginations and wonderful storytelling abilities. This is...

RANT: It’s Okay to Bottle Feed and Safe Baby Bottles

Okay. Breastfeeding vs bottle feeding babies always seems to be a hot topic. On one hand, we know that breastfeeding is ultimately better for your baby’s immune system and nutrition, and of course is much greener than bottle feeding, because you’re not generating and consuming so much waste. And then there’s the issues around what kind of bottles and nipples...