​This TorStar article (clearly written by a Liberal Supporter), does indeed tout the Wynne Government’s successes throughout the post-McGuinty period, and I’ll admit, those successes should be applauded given the disasters of her predecessor, however I have to ask myself time and time again about the lack of leadership for Ontarians that are not mentioned in this piece.
 
I supported the Liberals in the last election because I honestly believed that there would be some real change in the way government works, but I feel duped, and so does my wallet. The people of Ontario should also be more than concerned about the future of this province as a result of what wasn’t addressed, what has happened in the past budget from this government, and to start asking some serious questions so that their vote is appropriately placed this time around.
 
For instance the Liberals have:
 

• Produced a modest $600-million surplus in 2017-18, but it will be quickly replaced by a total of $31.9-billion in deficit spending over the next six years.
• Promised action on having the most expensive automobile insurance rates in the country despite our excellent driving records, yet nothing was done – a promise that has been broken time and time again by the Liberals, and I suspect they knew better than to play that card again this time around (but there’s a few weeks left.
• Sold our ownership of Hydro, and the rates continue to climb at record levels costing us more and more.
• Mildly reduced electricity costs in the short term only to hurt future generations who are expected to recover that money plus the interest to the unnecessary tune of billions of dollars.
• Introduced a timely election budget that pours billions of dollars into services for Ontarians that will reach them over the next 4-6 years that we’ve needed for the entire duration of this government. Specifically I think of support for Mental Health Services as an example. How many suicides could have been prevented if this was not placed on the back burner until an election year budget? Ask the families who have lost someone to mental illness.
• Introduced paid drugs for those who were already covered with private plans. I’m all for paid medication for those that need it, but this poorly planned “blanket” approach must have the insurance companies ecstatic over their savings now that the taxpayer will cover those millions in expenses.
• Once again propped up the failing horse racing industry with our money, and they’ve promised it from your pockets at a rate of $105 million per year for the next 19 years! You do the math on that nonsense.
• Continued to spend our money promoting their involvement in infrastructure projects across this province with self-serving partisan advertising. I don’t need to see expensive road signs patting any government on the back for providing the funds. Wake up people, it’s YOUR money that’s funding those projects, and your government is taking credit for it, and YOU are paying for them to tell you about it.
• Spent more time attacking their opponents rather than simply providing us with a logical, sensible and cost effective platform for another term in government. Kind of like Pepsi VS Coke. If the only way you can sell your product is to damage the reputation of your competitor, you don’t have a product worth a tinker’s damn in the first place.

 
Let’s be honest, I could be doing this all day my friends, and as for Doug Ford leading the PC Party? Well, he’s backtracked on opening up the Greenbelt, said he’d cut funding to the CBC when it’s federally funded, and continues on with his nonsense without a platform knowing that there are a good number of people out there heading to the polls that just don’t know how to place educated, informed support. He’s banking on it, and those who do support him will pay the price if they put him and his party into office.
 
I’m just asking the people of this province to get their facts straight, and stop with this “what’s in it for me right now” attitude. This, like every other election is about the successful future of this province, and we can’t afford any more of the types of government we’ve seen flipping back and forth as we have between the dumb and dumber of parties.
 
There. I’ve had my say.
 

Here he is. Sammy. "My" rescue, meaning I guess that I rescued him, but he sure rescued me!

We haven't been together yet a year, but it seems wonderfully longer than that. We fenced in the yard together this summer as you will see in the pictures, and he sure was my best bud when I sawed my left wrist during the process! lol

Sammy is missing his right hind leg, and his cruciate ligament was torn in an early springtime run, and without surgery he would have suffered a tremendous deal of arthritic issues putting him in such pain and a rather restricted and unpleasant future. Surgery was the obvious and ONLY answer. We've only just begun the rehabilitation process, but as I tell him "it's all downhill from here buddy".

Super team at Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital in Peterborough, Ontario Canada. Cannot express enough Kudos!

Our wee home now has the bed in the dining room. Sammy and Bobby are having a long-term campout!

I am blessed with the best of friends who have called and shown their support for Sammy during this pretty tough period for my little fella. I weill be forever grateful!

Bob and Sammy (aka: Sammy Sam Samurai Salmon Samerson)
​<3 xoxo

The Potential Benefits of Successful Restorative Art for the Bereaved
By Robert Brook


    All I wanted was to have my Dad back. Of course I knew that he couldn't miraculously be brought back to life, nor would I ever wish for him to return to a body that for a good six months had deteriorated around his mind, challenging everything he was, everything he believed in or ever could be.

    Death does that. In the case of a terminal illness, death can slowly strip away the physical and the mental familiarities of those we love. When it does, it implants those damaging images into our very souls. When the death is sudden or tragic, again the images of that moment can scar us for a seemingly endless period of time. It is those images of death that are far too easily recalled, either by choice, or too often without warning, and they serve to bury the memories of the good times we shared with our loved ones. It is not fair, but it doesn't have to be that way. From the past to the present, Restorative Arts have played an integral part in the grieving and consequently the healing process for families and loved ones. As we look to the future, Restorative Arts should continue to evolve to benefit the changing thoughts and needs for families and their decedents.

    We often speak of restorative art in the modern sense of the word, which claimed its title in the 1930’s[i], but clearly we can understand that funeralization, in and of itself, has always been about our restorative efforts. All world cultures have throughout time engaged in restorative efforts, whether it is to return the soul to the creator or gods, or to ensure the body is preserved for purposes of resurrection. For example, the ancient Egyptians were practicing a range of restorative techniques on the emaciated features of the dead. These restorative practices ranged from filling the inside of the mouths with sawdust to improve hollowed cheeks to stuffing linen under the eyelids or replacing eyes with stones. The practice of returning the body to its life state included, tending to any disability, injury or disfigurement until the face and the body were returned to as close to the original features and shape of the person they were preparing for their death ceremony.[ii] Funeral professionals help restore people’s faith in their beliefs, and we help them restore their memories and love for the departed, their families and their friends. By embalming, we have, since the American Civil War, restored the dead so that not only could the families mourn the death but the funerary ritual could involve the larger community beyond the family.[iii]  Thus, friends could now not only acknowledge and accept the death, but benefit from a more pleasant image of the deceased without the grieving imagination creating inaccurate and haunting images for them. Through this, our profession has recognized the importance of that image, and from that we began to extend our efforts into reconstructive restoration efforts for the benefit of the families we serve.

    I truly didn’t know what to expect when I approached my father’s casket that September afternoon. I was nervous. I was numb with grief. I was angry at the cancer that consumed him at just 67 years of age. I felt robbed of the future that should have been, and I was haunted by the image of him created by the disease with each and every passing day following his diagnosis. To me it wasn’t about the “temporary preservation and sanitation of the deceased body”. [iv]  To me it was simply about my needing to say goodbye to my dad as I remembered him from those many years before the cancer, and how much I needed to remember him that way as I went forward with my life.

    When a death is tragic, those grieving the loss will be even further traumatized by the images they will naturally have conjured up about the visual effects of the tragedy to their loved one. Not knowing what happened to the deceased can be more destructive for them because an imagination can run uncontrollably wild during the grieving process, and the need to see the decedent unharmed and at rest is even further enhanced. When funeral directors persuade families to forgo a viewing, or when we allow a family to make this decision in haste, we are effectively acknowledging that the picture is bad, and we are leading them down an emotional path of which there is little recovery. By doing this, we would be failing our families by not placing ourselves on their side of the arrangement table, and realizing that the information we have in regards to the benefits of a period of visitation with an open casket needs to be communicated to them. If there is ever a need for restorative efforts to be utilized, it’s when a death has been tragic, and we must answer that call for restoration to the best of our abilities.

    As funeral professionals we must recognize that with the increasing popularity of cremation, the opportunities to help our families cope with the emotional effects of death are being lost. Fewer traditional services with periods of visitation and open casket viewing mean fewer opportunities to both utilize and showcase our skills in restorative art, the result of which will ultimately benefit the emotional well-being of those who are grieving a loss. We cannot lose sight of the fact that our restorative skills also stand to remind people of our importance in helping people with far more than the basic formalities that arise when a death occurs. The formalities of which many aren’t even aware take place.

    There is an ever increasing mindset that all things are quick and efficient – microwave foods, text messaging. However this should not carry over to death.[v] With the advancement of technology, and the increasing rapid rate that everything seems to pass us by, it appears only inevitable that our decision processes will also be affected. Too often we see people accommodating others at the time of a death rather than their own needs. Or they capitulate to the ‘last requests’ of their loved one. “Let’s have the funeral on a weekend so no one will have to take time off work”, or “I’d like to get this over with as soon as possible” are just a couple of statements we have all likely heard which signify that people are dismissing their own needs during their time of loss. This mindset often results in fewer visitations with open caskets, so the benefit of restorative art is lost, and the grieving process can be lengthened and more difficult for family and friends of the deceased.

    "In order for us to get through the grieving process, we need to see the body, we need to know for a fact this person is gone… As soon as you see the body, you can now move forward."[vi]

    Since the beginning of modern day embalming, it was only inevitable that restorative techniques would be developed to mask evidence of trauma, or many of the natural indignities that could occur to a body pre or post mortem. When we think of the evolution of funeralization over many centuries, we can understand and appreciate that every aspect of the process plays a vital role in providing both a mental and visually dignified tribute to the deceased. To not make the effort to ensure the appearance of the body was familiar, restful and at peace would only serve to cause unnecessary discomfort to the bereaved. By eliminating this discomfort through our restorative efforts, we are granting them a direction to move forward in their healing. This is why, as funeral directors and embalmers, we should never underestimate the value of restorative art. We simply cannot allow an evolution towards cremation to deny us from offering our expertise in this important piece of the profession, and we must never allow ourselves to become so self-critical that we fear an imperfect result with any restorative effort. “The need and desire for viewing pushes the need for increasing our skill levels and accepting challenges that we know may not turn out perfect”. [vii]

    Improvements in restorative art and funeral director skills are multi-facetted. First, as chemical and product development occurs, advancements in restorative art are sure to follow. Second, networking with other funeral professionals is a vital piece to the restorative art practice because each professional brings their own unique experiences with restorative situations.  Further, this is a chance to share skills and techniques for the vast array of restorative requirements. These, of course, benefit all in the industry. By connecting with each other and sharing those stories we are forever improving our knowledge base and our families and the profession itself will benefit greatly. Third, professional journals, trade magazine articles and conferences are wonderful resources for restorative stories and practical applications from which we can all learn. With knowledge, comes a greater degree of assuredness as we are confronted with needs requiring these skills in the future.

    From the early records of death and restoration, we know there is value and health that goes along with seeing a loved one free of the ravages of illness, disease of mutation. It is paramount that we, as the funeral professional, create that semblance of normality and provide the opportunity for closure. For various reasons, the number of cremations and less traditional ways of disposition have increased – cheaper, quicker, unpleasant past viewing experience. This is having a detrimental impact on the future of the traditional services. However having this information and knowledge, we will be better able to balance the needs and risks of restorative efforts. Coupled with our ability to continue to educate ourselves, we can ensure that restorative art does not become a lost piece of our profession. We cannot allow people to believe that a viewing is not beneficial.  There continues to be value to seeing a body in a casket at a funeral home. It allows friends and family to properly say goodbye. We know of the emotional risks a family takes when they choose to forego a visitation for the wrong reasons, and we know they won’t be aware of the outcome of that decision until it is too late. By passing our knowledge along to our families, we are allowing them to make informed decisions and truly being honourable to our role.

    As I walked toward the casket, I was greeted by that very man and more. Before me, was the father with whom I joked, hugged, kissed, and shared special moments in conversation. This was the man who gave me the last five dollar bill from his wallet as he saw me board the bus to return to the city for another week at college. Before me was the man with the chubby face and crew cut who taught me to paddle a canoe, ride a bicycle, catch fish and so much more. The shades of his illness were replaced by the hearty colours of the man I loved. Gone was the cancer. Gone was the look of pain and stress, and gone was the control that the disease had over me and it was replaced with my being able to grieve losing my very best friend.


              Notes:

[i]           History of Embalming and Restorative Art (http://corp.elitecme.com/dynamic/pdf/FIL03ERI11.pdf), 9.
[ii]          M-Gillies, A Brief History of Restorative Art
[iii]          Jacqueline S. Thursby , Funeral Festivals in America: Rituals for the Living. (Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky,                        2006) 23.
[iv]          Robert G. Mayer (2012). The Theory and Practice of Embalming, Fifth Edition. New York: McGraw Hill.
[v]           CJ Carnacchio, “Oxford Man Restores Dead to Bring Peace to the Living” (http://www.clarkstonnews.com/Articles-                           News-i-2011-11-09-244438.113121-sub-Oxford-man-restores-dead-to-bring-peace-to-living.html)  November 9, 2011.
[vi]          CJ Carnacchio, “Oxford Man Restores Dead to Bring Peace to the Living”
[vii]         Jack Adams, CFSP 2012. “Surreal Restoration”. (Dodge Magazine. Winter 2012), 4-6.

   
When we read a message like this we think “No, I didn’t just read that”. We go through a gamut of emotions to convince ourselves first that what is trying to make it’s way into our head can’t be true, or if we shut it out it won’t come true, and we therefore won’t have to face it, and that such a process will somehow fill and seal up a void that we know will inevitably be there and need some time and attention to heal. I immediately messaged Stephen back for more information, and Googled Jim Hockings name expecting perhaps a death notice link or something that could either confirm or deny what I was trying to convince myself I had not just read. I found a link to Jim’s blog, and slowly I came to terms with the fact that this friend, this person who for many reasons I cannot go into here made me look at this world in such a different way than I was, had died. In his final blog posting on February 18, 2013 he spoke of having Stage IV cancer, and that the tumor compressing his airway and aorta was, well… I will let his words tell you.

Here is my friend’s final blog posting:

You know, I never took the time to tell Jim how much I appreciated him being a part of my life, or how to this day I remember the laughs, the time spent at his cool apartment at the horse farm north of London, where we ate cheese and crackers, drank wine and listened to some pretty damned fine music. I won’t be able to tell him how much I thought “how cool is it that a guy pees outside because peeing in a toilet in the country is a waste of water, and that real men pee outside”. I can’t tell him how much I have thought of the fact that he is the one single person I have ever met who never owned a television set since I have returned to college and have almost completely eliminated that appliance from my life. He was right. The television is a horrible appliance that should never have been invented. It broadcasts the worst of mankind, and it prevents us all from experiencing the real world because its safer to live in a fantasy world, or be entertained without truly being able (or willing) to comprehend the stuff that lights our living rooms up night, after night, after night.

I won’t be able to tell Jim what that original photo shoot did for my self-esteem, nor how I remember it in such great detail when I look at that younger version of myself as I hold the photos taken that day. I won’t be able to remind him and laugh at the fun he, Stephen and I had at my apartment, photographing my Christmas village to make it look real, and how I learned that a very small aperture and a shutter opened for over 1 hour, would produce one of the most realistic visions of that ceramic village and bring it to life. I won’t be able to tell him how I appreciate his introducing me to some fine Jazz, nor how much I enjoyed comparing stories of why it was that we each thought we had the most craziest mother in the world. He met mine, and said “damn, you may have me beat on some counts”. He photographed my mother and I, and the resulting image was… well… beautiful to say the least. I think it was the last picture taken of her prior to her death. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

During the past few years, Jim wrote several books of which I will now purchase and thoroughly enjoy reading. I remember his way with the written word, and his sense of humour that was like no other. I will read those books, and they will bring him to life for me once again.

Jim my dear friend, I come from a family of photographers, but I will always contest that you were the finest of all photographers I have ever known. I will also say that Stephen is in second place in that regard, not to mention a miracle man in the dark room.

Thank you Jim. Thank you for all of those times, and for the wonderful friendship we shared. I am so sorry that we lost touch like we did, but know that you have always shared a very special place in my head and my heart. You will live on in many ways through the many heads and hearts of those whose paths crossed yours throughout your life. I’m crying and smiling at the same time. Much like you were the day I had to fire myself.

To my friend Stephen, to Karen, and to Judy, let’s remind each other of our friendship and do something to avoid having to thank each other posthumously. That way just sucks. To you all, I raise a can of beer right now. I am blessed to have had each of you, and especially Jim in my life! Thank You! I love you!

  I LOVE POUTINE!

  I really do. In fact, like so many Canadians, I became hooked on this glorious meal while travelling through Quebec on the day that Poutine entered this very world. Normally I’m not a fan of travelling through our French province, basically because I simply don’t speak the language, but hey, they have beer in their corner stores, so that was enough for me, and this is why I was in Montreal on the day that put Poutine and Canada on the world culinary map.

  It was a rather tragic day actually. It was hot, humid, and the bustle of mid-week traffic in the city was almost too much for anyone to bear. I remember that day as if it were yesterday, but as we all know, the day that led to the invention of Poutine happened almost 4 decades ago.

  It wasn’t the sound that caught my attention at first, but rather something out of the corner of my eye that didn’t seem right, and there I saw it, a white and orange cheese truck completely out of control, its driver slumped over the steering wheel as it barreled into the oncoming lanes directly into the path of a delivery van. The collision was inevitable, and the face on the driver as he watched that cheese truck coming towards him haunts me to this day. I would later learn that it was the van driver’s first day on the job delivering for the Canadian Hot Beef Gravy Company. The poor fellow never had a chance. If I remember correctly, he left behind a wife, two children and a dog.

  The head-on crash threw the contents of the cheese truck forward just as the gravy van was rolling itself onto the cab of the truck. Boiling Beef gravy headed east, and a large container of fresh cheese curds were westward bound. People were screaming and running in every direction to escape the mayhem, some became trapped, especially those who were at the point of impact in front of the Chip wagon awaiting orders of French fries that were bubbling in the deep fryers inside.

  There truly was no time for anyone that close to react, and as the sounds of the disaster quickly subsided to the sobs and whimpers of those injured, there arose an odd calmness in the crowd. It was the smell - a smell of something new. The smell of something that drifted for blocks, and quietly, and in an almost paranormal orderly fashion people gravitated towards the scene of the crash and began scooping with their hands into the mess of French fries, cheese curds and gravy. In the distance the sirens of the oncoming emergency vehicles could be heard, but the crowds were too thick to allow them through. As more and more people arrived, Pierre, the dazed owner of the Chip Wagon could not believe his eyes, It took a good hour for his stock of potatoes to run out, and his hands were blistered and almost raw from scraping the curds and gravy onto orders of fresh cut fries for his customers.

  By morning, the wrecked vehicles and dead people were removed, and the streets were completely washed of their gooey mess. Promptly at 10:00, Pierre arrived with his chip wagon to begin another day to an unprecedented crowd of people, all hungry for orders of Pierre’s Poutine.

And that my friends, is the honest to goodness story of how Poutine came to be.

I kid you NOT!

I WAS there!