DRAGONFLY RADIO

In this episode I talk about having more time and waiting until tomorrow to do the things we want to do. I also talk about some amazing organizations in Sudbury.

In this episode, I discuss what we do at Dragonfly Advisory Services, how we're different from other services offered, why we do what we're doing, and why we support the other services offered locally in our city. If you're providing services that are helping others, that's what matters.

http://dragonflyadvisoryservices.ca/latest/

Social Media has become a part of who we are, an extension of ourselves, possibly a little too much at times. As I sit at a restaurant having dinner recently, look around and almost everyone is playing on a phone, it makes me wonder. We use social media as a way to stay contented to be part of: family, friends, peer groups, even some use it negatively and irresponsibly. Regardless there are very few if us that do not have a Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, or use it for business reasons like LinkedIn, myself included.

Social Media has itself received a lot of negativity in recent months, in respect to posting pictures – of life altering events, such as car crashes, accidents, hell even a recently deceased individual. Authorities are asking society as a whole to think before they “Post”. I question this one as really, they need to ask?

Condolences – Hey I am the first to offer my condolences, my sympathy, when a family member, friend, or associate has lost a loved one. But a recent conversation made me think. Is it the right thing to do? Would it actually be so difficult for me to pick up the phone or maybe a dessert, make a call or drop in? So question True or False….Have we possibly evolved in such a way that we forgot about human contact, emotions, where a hug goes a long way? Or a tear or two?

Please no judging, I am not judging social media, I am not stating never offer our condolences on social media, no need to ruffle our feathers. For myself, I took the conversation seriously, from someone whom, had the experience, got notification from an inappropriate source. Personally maybe the best advice yet, wait till public notification has been made, Obituary has been released, Funeral Home has made public knowledge, it may be the safer route. Better yet, make a call, drop a card, and a hug goes a long way.

Read the full episode here http://dragonflyadvisoryservices.ca/post/true-or-false-socially-acceptable-posting-condolences/

This episode features 'Living with Dying a caregivers guide' with Jahnna Beecham and Katie Ortlip. I had an opportunity to chat with these two amazing women

When I was asked to consider doing a Dragonfly Radio interview with them from DMPR, I did some research on the book. Jahnna Beecham and Katie Ortlip wrote a book "Death for Dummies" which I loved. I asked myself where was this book 10 years ago? when I was watching my own parents pass away. It has been made reference as "Death for Dummies". An excellent caregivers manual from start to finish. I would suggest this book to any caregiver, or individual whom may be at end-of-life planning.

Thank You Jahnna & Katie.

You can find out more on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/livingwithdyingbook/ or online livingwithdying.com

And on the Dragonfly Advisory Services Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dragonflyadvisoryservices/ and online www.dragonflyadvisoryservices.ca

Just recently I had a wonderful opportunity to sit down and meet Colleen. She is part of an organization here in Greater Sudbury called Butterfly Wings. A support group for parents and their families whose lives have been touched by the death of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, medical termination, stillbirth, and/or neonatal death. You can find them on facebook : Butterfly Wings Perinatal Bereavement Services or through their website www.butterflywings.ca

Watch the video here https://www.facebook.com/dragonflyadvisoryservices/videos/531469103863716/

Courtney Smith and Nathan Courtemanche experienced the loss of their baby, Greyson Lloyd Courtemanche, who passed away on June 9th, 2015.

In this episode Courtney and Nathan share their story of Greyson.

Nathan wrote 2 songs for Greyson and all babies who have passed.

The first song he wrote is called "Greyson's Song" which he wrote almost immediately after he passed.

The second song is titled "Growing up in Heaven" and he wrote that a few months after Greyson passed. Its for Greyson and all babies who have passed.

These songs can be heard in this episode and here

https://nathancourtemanche.bandcamp.com

Meet Kim, a mom whom, is bring awareness and education of grief and loss of a child. She is working at letting moms and dads know they are not alone, and what we can do to improve our resources within our community.

Dragonfly Radio recently sat down with Kimberley Dittburner, she and Troy welcomed me warmly into their home, I was honoured, to have her share her journey of loss and grief. Their story, is a powerhouse, be prepared, and keep in mind, this is their story. Meet Alister everyone, a child loved by many.

Watch the video here https://www.facebook.com/dragonflyadvisoryservices/videos/511704802506813/

This morning over my coffee, I had a wonderful opportunity to discuss with Gail Kavelman "Laughter Yoga" and her journey. What a wonderful way to start my day, and educate myself on Laughter Yoga. Dragonfly Radio was pleased to welcome her to our discuss on Grief, Loss and What to do next. Enjoy Listening.

Also please feel free to check out her at http://pathwaystolaughter.freeblog.site/ or on facebook for more information.

Thank You Gail, it was a pleasure.

http://gailkavelman.wixsite.com/life-with-laughter

You see for those that do not know this, I was adopted. The term used growing up loving by siblings was “the chosen one”. 50 years ago on August 1, 1967 I was born Darla Tina, my birthmother at that time had a grief of her own, one that she had to go through in silence and secrecy, but it was still a grief and loss. Often the professionals play it out as it is the solutions to everyone’s problems, and it suits all parties involved. I have to question, did my birthmother have to hide her grief for the loss of her child, that became another’s? I am positive her grief was very real, but well hidden. As the adopted child I can truthfully say that I also grieve for the loss of my birthmother, no doubt or question, that the identity of who I was prior to by adoption is now non-existent, and the value of my heritage. I was one of the very fortunate ones in life, I was loved from the moment of conception, named by my birthmother, was privileged of information. I was told that when my mom and dad seen me for the first time, I brought them unconditional joy and hence the name change. A lot of who I am and what I do, is because of my mom and dad, they were always very open about my adoption, and never let me forget that my mother loved me enough to give me a name, and they loved me enough to make me theirs. On August 1 of each year, I am positive that she grieves in her own manner, as I do.

Since the inception of Dragonfly Advisory Services, over the last year, we have had many conversations about loss, and grief in many forms, but yet to discuss adoption and the emotions of loss. My parents would be proud to know, that I have started a dialogue today of “The Hidden Grief” for all the parties involved, I have always been proud of my adoption, and have no shame. For all intent and purposes my birthparents, made a choice and I was the one which “won the draw”. Remember grief does come in all forms.

read more http://dragonflyadvisoryservices.ca/post/the-hidden-grief/

If there has been anything I have personally gained from my experiences is that there are many women (and men also) but my main focus is on the women today, that have all made a change in their lives may it have been a career change, volunteer, new venture, or role based on a personal choice or event that led them to take another path.

It never ceases to amaze me the women I speak with or meet via another introduction, where the individual has made a difference or working towards change. It may not always be on a professional level, it could be personal also. It may be a simple act of kindness helping mom or dad move into a better living environment knowing that it will make their lives much safer but your just became a little more challenging. I have family who have had an altering life change with a spouse having a stroke at a young age, but instead of sitting back and accepting as is focused on what was important and initiated change in our world with remarkable success, and is an inspiration to many.

There is a personal friend whom I do not see as much as I would love too as we did in our early hockey years, but today she is still active in a role what was for many years male set, she is achieved goals set out in our early years, and continues today to make hockey a better place in Northern Ontario and Ontario. With an accident years ago personally with a spouse, another family member seen a need in our community and she also has made a great impact in health care here in the North and has broaden her scope. And these women our just within my personal circle, if I look outside of this circle, I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing women in our community here alone, from women who have started their own companies and services, that are dedicated in making a change in the way business is perceived with women as a front runner.

Thank You to all the amazing women out there.

Read more http://dragonflyadvisoryservices.ca/post/strength-in-numbers/