Spring 2023

Hello, lovely patients!

It feels like it's been ages since I last wrote a personal blog. Time sure does fly by quickly. I want to take this opportunity to update you all on what I've been up to.

This past year was an incredibly emotional one for me. I lost both my father and my younger brother. My dad's heart had weakened over the years, and he took a fall that led to his passing a week later. My brother, who lived in the Philippines, had a rare autoimmune disease that left him susceptible to other illnesses. He got pneumonia and could not fight it. Grief is such a powerful emotion. My work and my furry friends helped me to stay grounded.

Shortly after this, I took a trip to Germany and had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. I went on vacation to the west coast of Ireland with my friends and on a family trip to Denmark with my cousin. Being surrounded by loved ones helped me cope with my grief.

This year, I took a trip to the Dominican Republic to visit my other brother and his wife. Along with my sister in Law and friend, I volunteered at a school. My friend Sharlene Styles, a holistic nutritionist, and my sister-in-law, a registered massage therapist, joined me on a wellness check at a local Montessori school. I did dental checks, heart and lung exams, and Sharlene was responsible for height and weight and nutrition. We prepared a vegetable tray for the kids to try, and I was amazed that they were willing to try and loved the veggies. We also did hearing and sight tests, and checked for scoliosis, and over 70 kids and staff benefited from our work. The experience was truly rewarding, and the kids were adorable and well-behaved.

The rest of my trip was spent doing this and that. I enjoyed beach walks, yoga, and a lot of reading. It was great not to have any responsibilities that I would have at home. I alway have a lot of chores at home. Most of my cats are seniors now, and I have several that are under palliative care. My days are busy at home, but they are also very rewarding.

As I sit here near the pool typing this, my friends are preparing dinner on the BBQ, and Spanish music is playing in the background. I am grateful for this vacation and all the wonderful things life has to offer. I'll be home in three days, and I'm looking forward to what the next year has in store for me.

Thank you all for being part of my life, and I can't wait to see you all again in the chair or around Niagara. Please say hi when you see me!