The day Jack Layton Died

A truly awsome human being graduated from this lifetime today.  This morning Canada's leader of the opposition died.  He was fighting cancer.  His last words, written in his own hand, to humanity were these:

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. 
Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful
and optimistic. And we'll change the world." - J.Layton 2011

Today was one of the best days of my life.  My house is a disaster, the lawn is unmowed, my hair looks like a tragic accident and I have bags like a raccoon.  But the thing is that today was absolutely amazing anyways.  Anaya and I both slept well last night and woke up refreshed.  I spent the morning getting things organized from my computer and on the phone and then I got Anaya ready and took her on a walk.  


Brent came outside and helped me get her down the stairs.  Her secretions were good enough today that she was able to sit up in her stroller without choking.  Our dog Buddha follwed close behind me at a safe but respectful distance.  I never have to worry about him running off any more.  He has really come along since we got him 4 years ago. I told Anaya about the houses we were passing.  I just kind of rambled on about each step of our journey outside.  I smiled and beamed love at Anaya as we walked.

How beautiful she was.  How awake she was.  How incredibly concious and aware she was.  I had to stop and take a picture of her.  She was just so beautiful.  This was the first time I got to take her out in her new pink stroller.  The manufacturer replaced the black and grey one on warranty because the wheels were no longer turning properly.  While it's still not a "special pediatric stroller" it certainly did the job today. We tied the oxygen bottle to the back, where it hung in it's blue bag.  The suction I hung from the pushing handle.  I used various things to support her head.


As we walked along with the dog, Anaya and I both marveled at the warmth of the sun on our faces and we rejoiced to be out in the fresh air.


 We stopped at OSO Negro coffee house where they have a jar for collecting donations for Anaya.  The barista's cooed and ahhh'd over her and she showed everyone her beautiful eyes.  Most of the time she had her gnaw-gnaw in her mouth, she wouldn't let it go!




 We walked over to Cowans office supplies and had some posters printed for the birthday party.  While we were waiting for them a man came up to me and talked to me about Anaya.  He said that every time he drives by our house with his kids they all point and say "Look!  It's Anaya's house!"  He asked how she was doing and I told him that today was our best day in a LONG time and that I couldn't be happier.  I only had to suction Anaya a handful of times and she didn't turn blue ONCE!!  I asked him if he worked at Cowans and he told me he was one of the owners.  I told him I was having some posters printed.  He said "I know, can I donate those to you?" I smiled and said that would certainly be appreciated.  The poster is a beautiful one.  It was designed by Paddy at Big Cranium designs.  It is so perfect.  So fitting. The hearts surrounding Anaya's sweet little angel face are so cute.  Thank you to Cowans and Big Cranium.


Continuing our journey we started up one side of Nelson's downtown street, Baker St., and then went up the other, handing out posters to store owners and sponsors.  Anaya was awake and happy the whole time.  I think I was radiating joy.  As I walked people would look at me and smile.  Maybe it's because I was smiling...

I got this shot of Anaya helping me put up posters.  Isn't she sweet.  The Poster is bigger than she is.  


I got to see an old friend today. We went to school together and learned about the environment together. I also got news that although my grandmother fell down the stairs and broke her arm she's going to be alright.  


It wasn't until I got home and sat down to blog that I found out that Jack Layton had died.  For a moment I was sad.  Then I felt a sense of happiness.  


I thought to myself "Good on You Jack.  You lived your life on purpose.  You created your dream.  You did it!  You've completed your life's work. "


 I hope that one day someone will look at my passing with happiness and say the same thing.


I'm sorry that I haven't gotten to answering my email in the past few days.  I'm trying - I really am.  I've been exhausted and today really needed to be all about Anaya.  If you are waiting for a reply from me please send another message if it's really important.  Your old one might be buried in the chaos.


Lots of LOVE!