Gathering Sparks with Valerie Dolgin

Join me for this intimate and enlightening conversation about the one part of our lives that is just not optional.  It's inevitable -  all of us will die.  Most of us in old age, some of us will die earlier in our lives by disease, some by accident and others, tragically, by our own hands.   Glen Burkholder and Tracey Robertson have spent a lifetime considering death and what it means.  With over 30 years experience as a Funeral Director, Glen will touch your heart with his deep committment to his clients and his work.   His wife, Tracey is  CEO of the Home Hospice Association, a charity she and Glen along with another colleague began in 2016.  You'll hear her passion for dying with dignity and for rethinking how we interact with the bereaved and with people who are living and dying from terminal illness.  Death can be a scary topic but it's also a truth that we would do well not to hide from.  I loved this converstion with these loving and lovely guests.  I think  you will too. To learn more about the Home Hospice Association find them at their website:  www.homehospiceassociation.com

Lisa Romalis has a lot of roles in life.  Today we'll be hearing about one of the most important roles of all; her story about life with her daughter, Dahlia.  In addition to living with a genetic disorder, Dahlia loves to read, cook, spend time with her family and laugh at all the silly jokes.   In this episode Lisa talks about her journey as the mom of a child with extra needs.  She talks about the process of receiving Dahlia's diagnosis and what it was like to live with this information while pregnant with her second child.  We'll hear about how a community of friends and family  have helped to raise Dahlia, as well as how being Dahlia's sister has shaped Lisa's other daughter Aria into the person she is today.  Lisa will also talk about the importance of perseverence and seeking assistance in caring for her daughter as well as detailing the great help they have received throughout Dahlia's life. She'll also talk about the importance of respite, especially for parents of kids with special needs and give advice on how to be helpful for families that may be stretched with the additional work of supporting their children. 

These days it seems like we're all trying to stay young, and age gracefully at the same time.  Is there a middle ground?    I think you'll find all kinds of ideas to chew on in this episode dedicated to the truth about aging.   In this thoughtful and lively conversation I get to talk with John and Susan Swanson of Vancouver, Canada.  I've known them for over 40 years now, and at ages 78 and 76 they're busy and - not busy.  There's time to fall in love with trees and notice clouds, and there's time for new discoveries and to pick up hobbies that went by the wayside in youth.  We'll talk about what it feels like to age, about the acquisition of wisdom, thoughts on a personal identity that does not revolve around one's career, and of course we will touch on the topic of death and dying.  And I ask the most important question of all:  is it ok to get older?  Will we be ok in our older years?  Have a listen to find out.  Resources: Radical Acts of Love:  20 conversations to Inspire Hope at the End of Life by Janie Brownthis book is available wherever books are sold, but we reccomend you look for it at your local independent bookstore.Author Janie Brown is the founder of the Callanish Society, which serves those who are living with and/or dying of cancer.  https://www.callanish.org/the-storyMore on the meaning of cherry blossoms in Japan: https://notwithoutmypassport.com/cherry-blossom-meaning-in-japan/On Meditating on One's Own Death:  an article in Tricycle Magazine:  https://tricycle.org/magazine/death-awareness/Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin on Successful Aging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqbSg2HFAV8 

Registered Clinical Counsellor describes, advocates for and gives easy to follow instructions for looking after ourselves. When we are truly in connection with ourselves and listening we can do and be the person we want to be. Paying attention to what our body and mind and spirit need is a way to get to the juicy stuff of life. Ishtar talks about her own imperfect journey of self care and gives an easy to follow recipe for the rest of us. Pay attention to how she feels about the "override button" so many of us push in service of others. Ishtar can be reached at her private practice: www.counsellinghome.ca or at www.cielcommunitycounselling.com

My guest is Jane Wyllychuk who offers a rare and courageous window into the experience of infertility. Jane and her husband went thorugh 3.5 years of infertility before welcoming their son 8 years ago. Even though time has passed the experience is still very much alive. Jane went through 10 rounds of IUI before she learned that she, like her husband was also infertile and they would need both a sperm and an egg donor. She'll detail their journey as well as give some ideas on how to best support a friend or family member going thorugh infertility. Jane will also offer her wisdom to those who are going through infertility at this time. More than anything, this is an opportunity for those experiencing infertility to feel less alone. You are not alone. To offer feedback or be in touch with Jane please email gatheringsparks@gmail.com.

A short explanation of who your host is and about the origins of Gathering Sparks. The indulgent origin story of this podcast before the first episode drops.

Gathering Sparks is coming soon! Prepare to be wowed by the amazingness that is people like you and me.