One Action / Life Changing

My brother Rossi made a selfless choice and ended up on life support at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta on January 11, 2015. I am certain at the time he didn’t give it much thought as he stepped between an angry drunk man and his girlfriend as they were fighting. He just stepped in to protect a girl who was being beaten. In a busy Fort McMurray mall, where many people must have witnessed the confrontation, but no one else wanted to get involved.

My brother didn't have a chance.  He stands only 5 feet 10 and weighs maybe 135 pounds.  He was hit and went down to the floor hard. An ambulance and police arrived moments later. Just before he was taken to the Regional hospital, the police constable asked him if he wanted to press charges. He said, “no”.  Rossi was fully conscious at the time, seemingly with only a nose bleed.

As far as the RCMP knew Rossi would be checked at the hospital and released. No charges were laid against the man who assaulted him. Unfortunately, it turns out that Rossi suffered a severe concussion. After the RCMP were notified about the seriousness of his condition, they laid aggravated assault charges, January 14th, 2015 against the person that assaulted him. A court date has been set on  January 19th, in Fort McMurray. 

Thankfully, emergency triage diagnosed his concussion immediately, and he was flown to Edmonton where he underwent emergency brain surgery. He was put under a medically induced coma and life support. His condition remains the same 72 hours later.

Who gets involved in a domestic dispute?  Well, my brother, that's who. That is the kind of man he is, kind, compassionate, and a real gentleman. Old school. Chivalrous. Over the years whenever I have needed help, all I had to do was call him, and he would be on the next flight to me, even though I am three provinces and two time zones away.

He is a generous man, and would literally give you the shirt off his back. Last summer when I met him he had on a crazy sweatshirt, and right then and there, on the street, he took it off and gave it to me. He laughed because he knew I would be the last person who would wear a shirt like that. His laugh is so contagious it makes anyone smile just hearing it.

He is impulsive too. Rossi loves music, all kinds of music.  Music is his soul.  Once we went to a Philip Glass concert together. It was an amazing concert.  After the concert as we were leaving, he stuck his head behind the stage and yelled “Hey Philip!!!” To our amazement Philip Glass came out and Rossi got an autograph.

Everyone who reads this, please take a moment out of your day and say a silent prayer for his full recovery.

UPDATE - Feb.14, 2015
AFTER almost two weeks in a coma, and on life support, my brother, opened his eyes. A few days later he was moved out of ICU.  He has some deficits to his right arm and maybe some short term memory loss. But he recognizes people and one of the first things he asked for was his ipod to listen to his music.  His doctor is confident he will continue to recover.  They are amazed at the speed of his recovery!

Thank you all for your kind words of support and prayers. :) 

Cars, Comedians, and Coffee

The utmost indulgence is to stay in my pjs the entire weekend. Grab tea and go downstairs into the dark theatre, settle under a cozy covering and watch from start to finish, a series on Crackle or Netflix. 

Andrew, my son, joined my binge on this day. I think if you’re going to watch comedy all weekend, it should be with another person who shares your sense of humour. We watched the entire five seasons of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

While watching The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon said, he was on this show where Jerry Seinfeld invited him for coffee.  I said, “What is this?” Andrew says it's a series on Crackle. Jerry Seinfeld invites a comedian for coffee, picks the person up in an older model car he deems representative of that person. Of course a bit of hilarity ensues. The bits are short, approximately 15 minutes each. And being that we are both fans of Jerry Seinfeld, the next thing we did was a no brainer.

Although, Andrew had already watched the first two seasons, he was game to watch it again from the start with me.  Watching with my 17 year old is interesting because he knew most the comedians and he is really quick to pick up on the quirky references. There comes a time in a parent’s life when they realize that their children actually have a life apart from them, and they know things.

This series is beyond the usual pressed stiff white shirt that is indicative of nighttime talk shows.

First, how can you be pretentious when the car you’re being driven in stalls and has to be pushed to safety? It brings the guest a moment of humility.

Second, going for coffee is the least intimidating venue for an interview. What can happen over coffee, as it turns out, lots.

Third, the most significant element of the series is that Jerry Seinfeld is the host!!! 1,2, and 3, equals genius.

The result is a genuine and honest conversation between funny people, which is insightful and honest. Have you ever notice that it is funny because it has some truth to it? Cool classic cars, comedians, and coffee, makes this the perfect weekend binge. 

1993 Bentley

 Jerry, I can pick you up in this car and we can get some coffee, not for me but for you!  Only one thing, hubby has to be our chauffeur because it is quirky and needs a certain something to keep it from stalling and only he knows what it is.   :)

Fred C. Adam March 30, 1927- January 4, 2015

Uncle Fred and Aunty Roseanne 2014

Yesterday, in his 88th year, my uncle Fred's spirit was released from his body to join our relatives in the spirit world. His passing is attributed to complications resulting from a stroke. He had been struggling with his  health for the last several months.

My late grandparents, Fred's parents Christine and Chrysostome

Raised in Northern Saskatchewan, he was a true Denesuline and one of the last old timers. I am saddened by the loss of so many Dene elders. Each one takes with them their wisdom, experience, knowledge and traditional teaching when they pass on. It is up to us now, as the gatekeepers of this ancient knowledge, which is thousands of years old, to keep the stories of our ancestors alive by telling them to our children. This is how we honor our elders who have gone to the spirit world.

This is how I will remember uncle Fred, smiling

I will keep in my heart his sense of humour and caring disposition. He was an amazing person and he will be greatly missed by many family members and friends, in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. Rest in Peace uncle.

Alfred “Fred” Chris Adam

March 30, 1927 – January 4, 2015

Alfred “Fred” Chris Adam, late of La Ronge, SK passed away January 4, 2015 in Saskatoon, SK at the age of 87 years. Born in Fond Du Lac, SK , March 30, 1927. 

Fred loved his job driving taxi in La Ronge, which he did for over 30 years. He was one of the oldest taxi drivers in Canada, still driving when he was 85 years old. Prior to that, he worked in Uranium City, SK working in the Mines, where he met people from all over the world. He loved helping people however he could.  Most of all, Fred loved his grandkids very much and he showed it by having special nicknames for all of them. 

Fred will be remembered by his loving wife, Rose Anne; his sons: Allan, Alex, Freddie and Archie; his daughters: Yvonne, Shirley, Susan and Brenda; his sisters: Therese Deranger and Marie Adam; his brothers: Eli and Horace; his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous relatives, nieces and nephews.  Fred was predeceased by his parents: Chrysostome and Christine Adam; his brothers & sisters: Archie, Lucy, Red, Vitaline and Anne; his daughter: Lucy; his granddaughters: Beatrice and Joylyn; his grandson: Tyson Whitedeer; his great-grandson: Jared Bear; his in-laws: Lazare McDonald, John McDonald, Christine Mercredi, Martha Beavereye, Freda McDonald, Agnes and Gordon Douglas and Patrice and Lucy Robillard; as well as many other relatives.  

Welcome 2015

Another year slips seductively into oblivion. There is no stopping the passage of time; it is like trying to grasps water with your hands, it simply slips through your fingers.  Each day folds seamlessly into another day, and before you realize it, you find yourself cheering in a New Year! 

The remnants of my year are fragments of memories, impressions, and some unfulfilled hopes and dreams. I am an advocate of blogging because it makes reflecting over the year easier. Reading my past blog posts stirs in me various emotions. Some leave me with faded smiles, and faded echoes of laughter, while others bring to the surface sorrow.  On the whole, it was a decent year and I know that I am truly blessed.

This year, like last year, I’ve resolved not to commit to any New Year’s resolutions. 

Having said that, I am not lacking in ambition or a desire to make positive changes in my life. I have set a few goals that will come to pass by the end of the year, of this I am certain.  However, my objectives for this year will remain on a need to know basis. I do know that it is going to be an incredible year, which will be revealed in my blog as they occur. 

An interesting approach to a New Year's resolution by a blogger I follow , who describe in three words what defines her new year. I like that approach and will steal it here. I'm warning you it is more difficult than it seems.   My three words are breakthrough, celebrations, and impermanence. 

BREAKTHROUGH – I am currently working on several challenging projects, which have huge ramifications and will make a positive difference to many people. The key to its success will be information, involving others, timing, and follow through.

CELEBRATIONS – Everyday is a celebration and a gift.  Unwrapping it carefully and savoring all the moments with gratitude and mindfulness is the only way to live. 

IMPERMANENCE – Nothing remains the same. Knowing this makes the two proceeding words more fluid.  Therefore, being flexible and adjusting to the changing environment is a constant.    Breath in and breath out, I am ready for 2015.

Back to resolutions, after all people still do this, even if they don't admit it. Some people think that setting a New Year resolution is ridiculous.  But if we are honest, I believe that we all genuinely want to reach the goals we set on New Year’s Eve.  Whatever it is, perhaps it is to do more traveling, lose weight, increase business contracts, and or to create a healthier and a better you. Maybe even more thoughtful goals that involve making a difference in the world. These goals are attainable but they have a better chance of success if we follow a specific PLAN of ACTION.

• The operative word here is ACTION. 
• You must have a plan.
• Your plan must have a structure, a roadmap, if you will. 
• The roadmap must include a timeline.  
• Finally, keep your eyes on the goal.  No matter what obstacles materialize; tackle them one at a time. Each action will take you closer to your goals.  It is important to visit this roadmap frequently over the next twelve months.  

Be steadfast in your commitment, take a stand, and don’t give up on yourself.

What will your world look like on December 31, 2015?