Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I can’t even begin to express the sadness I feel for the victims of Robert Pickton and their families. As this tragedy unfolded from discovery of evidence through to the court process, it seem unfathomable that it could take so long for police to get and prosecute this man. Years go by and still we are hashing through the truths that emerge about the case and subsequent blunders/miscommunication between two police forces.

The voices grow for an inquiry as we seek more answers. We want to show our respect for the women who lost their lives; to act and speak on their behalf. To implement protocol and accountability to prevent future breakdowns.  To deal with the frustration and feelings of helplessness that comes from an injured system.

It goes without saying it is hard to find closure in this when we are talking about so many lives; whether we assign 26, 49 or 100 it was one death too many. There is no doubt in my mind he (and maybe others) were able to continue killing because of the way we as a society view these women. They are disposable, living a high risk life with multiple issues and we are simply not prepared to appreciate, empathize or look deep into their existence and our role.

They stayed under the radar of police and news worthiness because it wasn’t a series of women in my neighbourhood disappearing on their evening stroll. Thankfully, eventually the media played and plays a role in keeping this top of mind. Why am I thankful? Without that spotlight, featuring the families and organizations that aim to expose the inequities of justice, we the public would go on to the next tragedy and these women would fade even further from our view and consciousness.

Can an inquiry help? I believe it can. Providing, concrete steps are taken to ensure understanding and compliance with recommendations.

Inquiries can be time consuming and expensive but those are not good enough reasons to silence this particular issue. We have a responsibility to get to the bottom of this, we can not trust that this was only one bad situation that won’t be repeated. Yes, the Vancouver Police Department has some openness, maybe the RCMP will come around to examination of the facts but we the public must exercise our due dillegence! Many lives were lost on their watch, it was a mass murder of women.

These mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins may have lacked the self esteem and ability to advocate for a better life. Abandoned, abused, abusers or survivors it is important we do right by them once and for all. As I sat at one social gathering a few weeks back, the topic of Pickton came up.  One guy said, “He did us a favour.” Briefly proceeding to say “those women deserved it.” As he went to continue his venom I turned around and said “I don’t agree with you!” “They didn’t deserve it, I have met with women who have lived and worked on our streets, they don’t deserve this!” I chose not to continue dialogue with this man, it is a waste of breath. The use and abuse on women continues because of attitudes such as that.

I want justice for each of these women. If it can not be in the form of a voice in court or a sentence increase, then at least let us here the truth and implement change that addresses not only the systemic breakdown but gives rise to a new way of supporting women to not need or be lured into the survival sex trade. Prosecute Johns heavily and put a magnifiying glass on the street pimps and traffickers that make women vulnerable to people like Pickton. Give answers, tell me what went wrong and fix it!

What do you think? Should there be an inquiry and what would you hope comes from it?

Is it just me or is time speeding up? It is one summer in time, 2010 and I could have sworn I just started it; planning out my life according to a healthy balance of work and leisure. Today, I’m feeling more panic that the summer is leaving, it was less than a week ago when I was singing its praises, how quickly my mood changes.

There was the projects I just knew I would finally complete, the trips I was going to take and lots of visits with friends and family. I dreamed about the nothing at all days where I would kick back with no makeup, no need to do my hair, sluffy clothes and lounge with a book or magazine…for hours…stopping only to eat and drink. There were a handful of mornings or afternoons that looked like that, but not enough. I did have some wonderful visits with friends and family but I also feel like some were neglected.

Initially, by my calculations on the calendar I had a full three months at least to take advantage of the majority of each of those things. I was never good at math.

It appears I did not minus the days of work, the appointments, extended office organization, research and writing hours. I neglected to throw in the drudge jobs cleaning up the house and I mistakenly thought it may get done by the cleaning fairy if I was just a tad busy that week. In fact, I did a lot of miscalculation and at times squandered valuable time potentially doing something fun, adventurous or different for the mundane activities that could easily be done in the winter.

I’m thinking next year I will be a bit smarter. Yes, yet another grandiose plan (as if I never learn my lesson) to put into place an organization chart on a wall that lists out for me what my summer could potentially look like if I focused on pure fun. I’m going to work harder over the winter to set aside  some money so that my imaginary maid becomes a reality twice per month and my gardener does the spring and pre-winter clean up. I’m booking in advance my tickets to anywhere but here, so that I will have no excuse but to partake in a whole ton of summer fun and not feel like it got away from me.

Upon reflecting back on my youthful days, 24 hours, stretched over months, gave me plenty of time to have fun, get into trouble and flop on my couch at the end of the work day.  You know how that is though, it probably wasn’t as full as I think it was.  I have a tendency to forget what I did last week let alone days of summer…say like most of 1980’s.

It’s a little bit of selfishness rearing its head that I ask for more summer months. I am thankful for what came my way this year and of course thankful to be alive to reflect on it. It is also that ever present wishful thinking that I could control time better and make the warm summer I love so much just hang out a little longer with me, maybe squeeze out another three months. Don’t you just love that sun on your face and the warm summer breeze?

With all the gifts summer brings I can’t be the only one wishing time didn’t fly by. How was your summer?

Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze Live 1973

Here it is the birth of a new category, inspired by my need to let off steam with rants. Steam Rising was suggested by my friend and colleague Jill, it’s a nice companion to my alter ego which celebrates Esteem Rising… I love it! In the past I have added rants in my blog posts but now there will be a place for you and I to easily find them. So, look out here it goes…

In the news – something always gets me hot under the collar:

Bears about to be trapped on the North Shore of Vancouver. For those of you unfamiliar with that location it is a picturesque area of our city that climbs its way from shore to mountain peaks, heavily populated and apparently dealing with unwanted bears. More bears than normal, they say, are becoming a nuisance. Garbage diving and even a past report of a break in to a home whereby the bear raided the kitchen for food.

This makes me sooo mad every time I hear these stories. Here’s the solution “Go live somewhere in the concrete city!”

Let’s see, I will build my half million to million dollar plus home on a mountain side and complain that bears and other wildlife are encroaching on my land. Every time I write about this I get incensed by the stupidity! Where did you expect them to go? Further up the mountain? Move to a new neighbourhood? Learn to respect your digs? As developments are built so goes the food sources for these animals and the ability to become dependent.

There is always going to be nuisances in our neighbourhoods. Take for instance the human animal, it too can garbage dive, break in to your home and  raid your cupboards, it can maim you or attempt to hurt you in the pursuit of what it needs. Sometimes we trap them but then they are released right back into our community to chronically re-offend. It’s a by-product of living how and where we live…so live with it!

Sex Offender released with a high risk to re-offend. William Thomas Williamson (even his name is slightly crazy) gets out after six years in prison and gets to roam free. Of course, we don’t know as yet where exactly he is residing. That might be helpful. They need to tattoo something on the forehead of these guys just so we better identify the creep if he is in our neighbourhood. Maybe a device implanted that gives a shock and sends a signal to authorities if he comes within feet of areas he is not supposed to be in. Does that sound cruel? Sorry, I’m inclined not to care.

Smokers helping to fuel the fires around our Province. Yes, those unhealthy souls that ramp up medical costs/usage also like to flick their cigarettes causing fires to erupt in all sorts of dry areas. Roadways and parks particularly the dumping ground for spent butts.  As a former smoker, years past, I know how hard it is to quit but if you are going to continue to not be responsible for good health at least try to be responsible enough to not set stuff on fire!

Well, I feel better already. You may not, as I have taken you through my rants but I find it a healthy release. Amongst all the beautiful things in life we appreciate there is also the things that give us a furrowed brow. You listen or see it, process it, discover its absurd nature and then erupt. Steam rising from within and with one great exhale I spill forth, “Ahhh… I feel so much better.”

As we knew it in the past, now comes the end of innocence. Children can no longer be children. In fact, it is unacceptable to remain in those blissful years being, playing, dancing and having fun as children did for hundreds of years. Living for the most part with freedom from the pressure, guilt and anxiety that can come from the roles we play as adults.

Development – as our preoccupation for being better at everything exploded, so did our need to speed up the process of childhood. Babies development encouraged by new and improved “scientific” studies that lead us towards wanting super infants – educational marvels whose parents line up for their Einstein tools and mini-college enrollment.

Play – for many children is structured too but it comes with confusing and often opposing expectations. In one camp is the parents (and so called experts) pontificating “everyone is a winner” but in the other camp is the screaming competitive sideline coaches. Play has been redefined with a more adult take on its relevance.  “To just  have fun or just be the best?” … that is the question.

Fun - all on its own has been transformed from interacting with family and friends through indoor/outdoor games, to participating in the dark room with self and a screen. On that screen children can be exposed to many sides of life and make believe that have real adult themes but lack any responsibility to determine whether the fun is healthy, pacifying or just plain inappropriate for their age.

If we talk about the girl child, look out! Checking out toys and characters such as Bratz one would think our little girls are now just miniature women. Words to describe their Dolls “Flirty” “Glamorous” “Feminine” one character is also thankfully “not pretentious.”

“Mommy what does pretentious mean?”

Clothing and accessories – the available clothing, the makeup, polished nails and dyed hair have changed any reason to look forward to growing up. To hit milestones in terms of age, responsibility let alone understanding. In its worst form clothing demonstrates the hyper-sexualization of our children and teens.

You don’t have to look far to find the images and stories that prove innocence lost. There was one American retail company I was going to feature as an example; after viewing the slide show images they use of children/young girls I decided I couldn’t give them yet another forum in which to highlight their exploitation. (if you want the link email me directly)

Wrapped in misrepresented words such as “empowerment” or “freedom”, laced in “it’s cute” “work it” or “show it off”, embraced by a pornified culture comes the undoing of childhood.

What are we doing? Why are we taking away their right to have fun without adult influence? Why are we giving them so much to see and think about without the context? Why do we enjoy partnering with our children and teens in a way that does not define the differences between adult/child relationships and development? Why do we believe they are capable of doing many things so early in life but then step in to protect them when it results in a wrong decision that causes them harm or costs society? Why are we unable to see that these mini adults will not be any better prepared for adulthood? Why did we need to take away what was positive about innocence?

Dance – if there was ever a moment when I felt sickened by our move towards taking our little ones too far into adulthood it was with the following video. The debate opened up early regarding this; anger on one side, sadness for others and as you can see with some of the comments people who support it. Talent aside – given the song lyrics, costuming and moves I had to remind myself they are only 7 YEARS OLD! It is no surprise that some adults are viewing our young as prey, as we package them up for display and sell them in our online, public and retail markets.

7 year old girls dancing to Single Ladies

Living on the West coast also known as the Wet coast if anyone knows how to enjoy spring, summer, winter or fall it’s us! Summer just manages to ramp the pleasure up a few notches.

Today, we were having breakfast at a beautiful resort restaurant not too far from where we live. My mother, who had joined us for the weekend, commented on how nice it was to see this very large family gather together to dine. Their summer vacation, possibly a reunion but whatever the reason to gather there was lots of smiles and chatter. Dining out in general changes over these months as we have more evenings out on our patio at home and can often hear neighbours in their back yards doing the exact same thing.

There is also a multitude of bikes, kayaks and canoes strapped on to vehicles destined for the favourite spots. Boats being towed to lakes, rivers and oceans for launch or busy marinas with the vessels coming and going; bound for islands and coves. Hikers hit mountains and paths, runners and walkers out on the streets and tracks. Campers loading the car up and those with more of a need for the creature comforts of home outfit their travel trailers for destinations known or unknown.

It is an amazing time of year and though you get the occasional reminder mother nature still holds the cards as far as weather goes, it’s all good! There are times throughout the year we gather to celebrate for this or that but summer, to me, feels like one big party. You sprinkle in the hours of work with the sole purpose of getting to the next moment to kick the shoes off and place those feet in the sand, on the grass or paddling in the water.

There are projects to be done but at least at the end of the day you can’t beat what summer has to offer food, family and fun!

In the context of my work as a Career Development Practitioner it can often be hard to describe the different approaches I employ to support individuals. (Hence, why I don’t spend a lot of time blogging about it.) Depending on the needs of my clients or students, my role changes slightly to accommodate. Sometimes, I can find myself and my client floating somewhere between interventions and knowing that, I take a momentary step back to reevaluate our position and goals.

There is coaching, counselling, consulting and advising; to name a few. Each have their merits and serve to aid in the process of getting us from point A to B and so on.  If there is one thing that comes up often, when I first begin to work with anyone, it is establishing the differences between coaching and counselling.

So, I thought I would just do a quick and easy look at the differences between styles of working together as it pertains to career support services:

Coaching is like a safety net – If you are going through a transition but need some redefining or refining of your skills, values and/or interest, this style may be of help. It is quite goal oriented and doesn’t delve too much  into the feelings/emotional aspects that may be a barrier to your success. What you get is the support and brain storming that is often helpful to move forward in attaining your goal.

Counselling has a more holistic approach – If there are behaviours, past and present influences, beliefs, negative self talk, skill development, interests and values clarification, professional or personal reasons that hinder progress, this may be the style for you. It is intended to bring forth meaningful discussions necessary for personal growth. In turn, it allows for professional advancement, promotes positive movement, healthy decision making and goal setting. There is great care, ethics and safety used with counselling and it is incumbent on your practitioner to know when discussions have reached an area outside of their expertise. From that a referral would be made.

Consulting provides feedback and strategies – If you feel reasonably in control but need some assistance that allows you to accept or reject suggestions, this may be a fit. Consulting could be something that you tap into occasionally as a check in, but your level of confidence in your skills, education and abilities may be quite intact.

Advising (or Guiding) is really about monitoring your actions – If you don’t want someone to act on your behalf but instead encourage your independence; provide resources and advice to support that self- reliance, this may be just what you need.

No matter what the role I find myself in it is extremely rewarding. I have often said I am humbled and honored to be a part of my clients and students development. We all need someone to turn to and certainly understand what it means to be stuck. Sometimes we are far too close to the situation or unable to get out of the way of ourselves in order to make the next so called “logical” step.

Make sure you ask questions about the practitioners style and philosophy because how they work with you is deeply important. It is your time, money and energy that is being expended and that needs to be respected. Hopefully, after this quick post on the types of assistance that is available you can feel empowered to determine what your next step may be and who, if anyone, will help in that process.

Christopher Porter and the Free the Pod campaign.

As a follow up to my post earlier this week and my article that just ran in TimeFinders Magazine I wanted to share more about the issue of animal captivity and the differences in philosophies that keep this a hot button issue. Months have gone by since our original interview and through that time there have been many twists and turns. Porter knew he was in a race to get people to support his campaign and understands fully that aquariums, activists, governments and the public can’t get to common ground.

Like anything, each can find reasons to stand behind their cause but behind that, is what drives this world MONEY. We are talking huge amounts of money that come from our pockets directly to organizations and businesses that deal in animal captivity. How much of that investment positively impacts the wild animal species and their habitats is what we don’t know. I venture to guess, after talking with Porter, the dollars are not floating towards where it makes the most sense.

Christopher Porter’s switch from dolphin dealer to dolphin freer really made a stir and getting support has proved extremely difficult. One group that I contacted after speaking with Mr. Porter was Ric O’Barry’s organization Save Japan Dolphins, where I spoke to Mark Berman regarding their support of the Free the Pod campaign:

“We have congratulated Chris Porter on getting out of the dolphin trade and we want to see the project move ahead. We are getting all the details ironed out. Dolphin trading must stop and Chris has the first step in promoting dolphin protection; we are continuing to look at his proposals to move forward.”

“The Government of the Solomon Islands is in favour of the capture and trading of dolphins, we want to guarantee the safety of these dolphins. The Government has to guarantee the elimination of dolphin capture and trade.”

“It also takes others to cooperate, we can’t do this alone.”

As the clock ticks away towards the final release of the remaining dolphins, I can’t help but wonder how much cooperation went on and in the end who, if anyone, stepped up to help?

Ultimately though, I think public awareness is the key as Porter suggested in our interview. We, the public, either choose not to know or clearly don’t know, what goes on behind the scenes to provide us with the pleasure of viewing, touching or swimming with wild animals. (Well, lets just take the word “wild” out of that statement because we are not seeing a wild animal anymore we are seeing a captured, controlled, manufactured image of the species.) Attending shows, parks, zoos and aquariums believing (or hoping) they are happy. Believing they are well taken care of…we are doing these animals a favour. It is the conditions with capture and captivity that we would rather turn away from.

Porter says:

“We do have an effect on them in captivity and we would feel the same way. Separated at birth from parents, living a separated life because of breeding and security purposes, spending many hours a day in a small pool, in solitary confinement like Tillicum. Of course, if you are an intelligent being it’s going to have an effect. It does have an effect on these animals because they are so intelligent and because they are so intelligent we need to preserve them in the wild.”

Of course, the argument that animals could be intelligent or feeling in a way that may compare to humans really gets some people on their high horse. They can’t fathom that something less than a human would be traumatized being abducted from its pod, group, pride or family. In their minds an animal on land or in the sea that travels for miles in a day, communicating with its members and instinctively living as it’s species has for hundreds of years would eventually lose all of its instincts, memory and needs. It will just adapt to its new tiny, artificial home.

I agree with Chris Porter’s next point:

“If the argument is that we are displaying these animals to preserve their wild counterparts then we would be preserving these wild counterparts more. We wouldn’t have drift net fishing, we wouldn’t have thousands of dolphins captured still, we wouldn’t have killer whales who are getting hunted off of Chinook Salmon so that sports fisherman can get a photo and have something for their barbecue. We are not having that impact.”

Around the world they are still capturing animals for multiple purposes that serve the human need to be even closer to them. Unless, of course, you live up the top a mountain in some expensive development and one of these lovely wild animals happens into your garden or garbage then it is “We’ve done everything to keep these things out but they keep coming back…it even went after our cat!”  Now, that is some hypocrisy there, spend money to see them contained behind glass but complain when we actually really interact with them.

As for the dolphins and whales, (that thankfully can’t just show up at the door) aquariums and their paid scientists find new reasons to collect more.

Porter:

“They are talking about going to collect whales again and justifying it because the population assessments are done and determine “Yes, that population could support a removal” “It’s scientifically justifiable and so we are going to remove these animals.”

“What if one country has an over abundance of whales or dolphins? We are not talking millions; we are talking maybe thousands, maybe hundreds. Maybe in theory we could take six away but if the rest of the world has a depreciation of these animals then we need some places that have an over abundance so that we can start getting the balance back and start changing people’s opinions.

“Even in 2010 zoos and aquariums are still talking about catching whales and dolphins. That’s not helping the wild population.”

I’m not sure as a society we are prepared to give up our addiction to pleasing ourselves with show stopping performances, dolphin swim programs and animal displays. We are too self centered, bored, needy and entitled to explore the real business that feeds our obsession. Even Mr. Porter understands the public’s draw to aquariums, zoos and the like:

“There are people that have told me I go to zoos and aquariums and I know it’s not right but it makes the kids happy and I forget about them for two three hours and they have so much fun.”

“It’s our busy, stressful lives and sometimes we sacrifice the affects we are having on these wild animals. If they were people everyone would be sounding their alarms but when you have organizations from both sides recognizing that they are social animals then we have to accept that it is a bit like containing people.”

“We are imposing our views on how they should live in the wild and captivity.”

I will offer yet another unsolicited opinion…we have closed our minds. Public, aquariums, zoos and activists all covering their ears when hearing the truth about our actions. Not cooperating with each other, unable to sit at a table to discuss better management of species and habitats we have already impacted. We suck at managing anything that has been given to us by mother nature! No matter how great the intention, how masterful the brains, how much money or effort we throw at conservation we always screw it up.

Meanwhile, we take and take and take. Make excuses, point fingers, do studies, employ more people while the animals suffer worldwide. These dolphins that will get released have an unknown fate ahead but not because the ocean didn’t welcome them back to freedom but because humans just can’t let go of the controls.

Every picture tells a story and that can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you feel today.

Recently, a conversation with one of my dear friends made me think about how many of us can open up our photo albums and take a long walk down memory lane. We are transported back to special occasions; milestone birthdays, weddings, parties and travel. There is also the photos of people who have shared each of those experiences with us. Relationships immortalized on film including our intimate partners — but what happens when you no longer want to be reminded of that person?

My friends solution: a cleansing, a purge of any reminders, she just got rid of the pictures. Though, not quite sure how she will feel down the road about that decision, right now it feels pretty good. A way to alleviate some of the pain associated with viewing the photos.

She wouldn’t be the first to throw out what was once  precious mementos; each of us may have chosen at one time or another to do the same. It is quicker to trash the reminders than mend a broken heart. There is a sense of gratification too. If you have tried it, you know that initially there is a real feeling of power, a taking care of business and regaining  control.

It can be difficult  to talk about a person or situation but it can also be cathartic. To have the memories floating around inside our head is something we can’t change; short of having amnesia which I don’t think any of us are going to put on our wish list. 

Photos, however, are disposable. A simple toss in the garbage, a tear or cut around the offending person and we believe we have instantly helped our current situation. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced it works that well.

I regret the removal of pictures from my life, I only did it once with a handful but it was enough for me to have some regret. Pictures can be my link to days gone by that were fabulously great, moderately memorable or served as a reminder of challenges I have overcome. I don’t want to pull pictures out to relive the experience and people as if I’m missing something now. It is just that every picture tells a story and that story is about me. The photos chronicled all the people who shared with me an experience that can never be duplicated and most often they were the same people who taught me something I needed to learn.

Everyone has the right to do what they wish with their possessions; photos are no different. So, there is no final judgment here just a chance to explore how our feelings can collide with what was once a treasure. I just can’t help but wonder if the removal of a picture or pictures really has any real influence on closing that chapter of our life.

Great Song – One of my favorites!

Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart

Christopher Porter – Dolphin Dealer turned Free the Pod campaigner.

Last year I wrote a blog post that garnered a tremendous amount of attention Dolphin Dealer – Christopher Porter. Not only did blog readers notice but so did Christopher; after leaving a comment and an email I suggested we talk further.

We talked about his campaign to free the very pod of dolphins he helped to capture, among other important matters concerning captivity and the various roles humans play in this lucrative business. It was a fascinating discussion that took countless hours to transcribe just to figure out where to focus my article which is now out in TimeFinders Magazine called Christopher Porter: Politics of the Dolphins. He needs support for his campaign but first it is helpful to understand the goals he wants to reach:

1. Release the pod and secure partnerships that would allow for ongoing follow up.

2. Secure meaningful related work for the people of the Solomon Islands, that would reduce their dependence on the killing and capture of dolphins.

3. Research beyond the standard captivity studies and provide a template which others worldwide could adopt. (proving release is possible and research is valuable)

4. Facilitate dialogue between all interested parties including aquariums, activists, partners, governments and the public on better management of the oceans and its inhabitants.

Porter is a very vocal, often described as aggressive, opinionated and knowledgeable man. He covered multiple issues for this interview. With the expertise of Jill, who worked her magical editing wand, we managed to provide readers with what I hope is an interesting, thought provoking look at the world behind the show and tell life of dolphins and whales in captivity.

You will be able to make up your own mind up as to who Christopher Porter is, the value of the Free the Pod campaign and explore the political mess that surrounds the business. There is more to discuss which I will provide in another post next week which includes a quote from Mark Berman from the SaveJapanDolphins.org - Ric O’Barry’s campaign to save dolphins.

Meanwhile, Vancouver is currently raising the debate of the appropriateness of continuing to support our own Vancouver Aquarium. Line ups at the zoo show the public still can’t get enough of those animals in a pool perhaps understanding a bit more about what is really at stake here may change their mind? Or not.

Where do you stand on the issue of captivity?

The news has been saturated lately with stories about the victims of drowning. There has been 205 people who have died so far this year in Canada. My province of British Columbia has seen an increase, with four people last week alone losing their life in our waters. As some of my readers know I am a survivor but not without a loss that profoundly impacted my family. I posted that experience May 20th, 2010  for National Life Jacket Day.

I understand perfectly the trauma and fear associated with such an experience, how it feels and how much the body and mind remembers. I have a range of emotions with every passing story:

Hurt and Sadness as I know how far reaching the grief extends, as families and friends grapple with the loss for days, months and years to come.

Anger that despite measures put in place for protecting ones self and others we are still not able to take it seriously enough to make the right decisions.

Frustration that no matter how prepared others may be we can not beat the fate that lies ahead.

Hopeful that one or more of these stories, including mine, my cause a person or family this year to be extra vigilant with their personal safety on or near water.

There is speculation that our recent hot weather may have increased the amount of people in the water and therefore more accidents occur. However, to this day I see people not wearing life jackets that partake in water sports and activities.

There is a proposal being talked about to have swimming lessons built into the school system so that children may have a better chance for survival. As a child who had those lessons and had to tread water for a long time before being rescued I can assure you it may help but it is not a cure. Knowing how to swim and being a man who grew up and worked along side water all his life did not help my father.

In life I believe some things are meant to be, people come into this world and leave us. It is our time. I also believe that common sense and not tempting fate is important too. So, I again ask people to please look to what you can do to protect yourself and your family from this kind of tragic accident. Survivors, like myself, really don’t want you to have to live with the memories and go through what we did.

Be safe! Be smart!

CBC News Story