Dear Southlake Hospital,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to the entire staff for taking such great care of my family and I after we suffered an unfortunate case of mushroom poisoning.

Although the waiting time in Canadian hospitals can be long, the doctors and nurses in the emergency room did their best to accommodate all of the patients. 

The staff in pediatric ward where I was places all had a friendly disposition and were ready to answer any question. They made both my sister and I at ease and were solicitous and thoughtful. Our day nurse brought us movies to watch and games to play as well as arranged for us to meet our parents who were kept in a different ward. Little gestures such as taking the time to chat with us and offering us juice made our days in the hospital much more bearable.

The fact that my family and I are still here is a miracle. It had been a very difficult time for my family and I, but it could have been much more worse if it were not for the dedication and competence of the doctors and nurses.

My family and I will never forget what you've done for us. Thank you.

Bus Ride

The robotic voice of a woman announces the next stop.

People desperately clamber onto the overcrowded bus overflowing with body odor and body heat. They wiggle their way in, yelling at those in the back to "f****** move". The bus door closes and lurches forward only to stop again at the next station. More people get on then get off; the already limited space decreasing even more.

Snippets of other people's lives, their schools, jobs, friends swirl around in cramped area, the dissonance merging together into a vicious mixture that leaves me both drowsy and annoyed. The indistinct chatter slips in and out of my ear yet sets my teeth on edge. The elbows, backpacks and heads looming around me, stifles the atmosphere and makes my back shiver with heat. In my head, I count, I count the number of stops left before I can step out into the cool fresh air.

Great, another crowd of people is waiting next stop.

How many more people can this bus fit?

Geez, the bus driver should just stop letting people on.

My inner monologue rants on and on.

Finally, the bus approaches my stop, anticipation of getting off the musky, groaning bus urges me to smash my finger against the Stop button. Time ticks ever slower as I curse under my breath, at every car that cuts in front of us, the malicious pedestrians who walk across the street and the bane of my existence, the accursed red light.

I put my hands on the handle of the back door, having already fought my way there and the moment the bus halt, I'm outside, in the fresh breeze, able to breath once again, my annoyance instantly evaporates. The wider space instantly puts a vigor in my step and I bound for home.

Mirror, Mirror

Under florescent lights, I am Mirror. I am forged reflections made of glass and silver. I am the perpetual infinity of dimensions leading into another universe. A different world, another life. I am as hard as steel and as cold as ice. The wall is my body and I am its eyes. People see what they want to see while I give them what they truly see. I am the truth and the fake, I am honesty and deception. I am realism and idealism, portraying images through windows of perception. I do not flatter, since I am unforgiving. I am Mirror.

Under scrutinizing eyes, I am Reflection. I am the troubled soul you bottle up behind doors of perfection. I am everything you aspire to be and everything you yearn to reach. I am brutal and cruel, I display what you seek. I am the hidden fears who haunt you in your dreams and and the icy hand who muffles your screams. I am the apprehensive voice silently screaming in your mind. I am the monsters that hide under your bed; I am the monsters stuck in your head. I am Reflection.

I am your Saviour. I am the cause and the result of your reckless behaviour. I am the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I am golden sunshine if you are brave enough to enter the meadow. I am the person you are, stripped of the person you seem. I am the one who laughs, who smiles, who hurts, who cries. I am your twin, staring mutely back at you from across the wall. We are opposites yet no different at all. I am the one who smiles back at you and I am the one who is always there. I am your Saviour.

Who am I? Am I Mirror, Reflection or your Saviour too?

None, it seems, for I am you.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Variation

Effects of Technological Advancement

In the last decade, we have seen a wave of innovation and technological development. We can easily speak to family and friends halfway across the world. Our lives are simplified with the use of electricity to power our lights, our stoves and our heating. With all this current technology, our lives are simpler than ever. However, as modern lifestyles become increasingly convenient, the earth is becoming increasingly polluted. Industrial development and consumer waste have set us on a course for disaster.

A US study found that air pollution in China kills approximately 4,000 people per day primarily due to the use of coal as an energy source in many industries and for heating in households. Over the course of three decades, industrialization and rapid growth of technology have taken its toll on the land, leading to deteriorating air, water and soil quality in the economic powerhouse. the poor quality of the air around the habitants contribute to stroke, heart disease and lung cancer and account for roughly 55 percent of all Chinese deaths.

Deforestation a large factor of climate change. As vast swatches of forests is being cleared for farms, industries and housing, deforestation contributes to habitat loss and subsequent extinction of many species as well as erosion, it also impacts the carbon cycle. Furthermore Hundred of billions of tons of carbon is stored in trees. Mass deforestation not only lessens the amount of carbon stored, but also releases carbon dioxide into the air.

The sinking of the state of California is well known as well as the cause. By draining the underwater aquifers, Californians transformed the vast desert into a flourishing cornucopia. Nonetheless, with all the water being sucked out to irrigate crops, large vasts of land are deflating like a leaky air mattress. To repair the sinking will cost millions as the sinking destroys bridges, canals and highways

Our advances and achievements in technology is a double-edged sword. Ironically, in order to maintain the health of humans, as well as the earth, developments and technological advances in other sources of energy is needed. Although initially costly, investing in cleaner and greener means of energy will preserve the globe.

Christmas Spirit

Holidays. What does that word mean to you? Winter comes around with its icy grip and along with it, comes the festive season. Christmas. To some, it means a dainty little tree clothed in the glittering ornaments. They think of the myriad of aromas filling their kitchens as people pile in for the many parties. Nonetheless, what was the purpose of being relieved from work to kick back during the holiday season? If a child was asked this question, would they respond with quality family time or the gifts under the tree? Probably the latter. The abundance of the garish extravaganza does not compare with the importance of familial rejoice.

When the Christmas trees are up standing proud and parents tell their children to stay on the “Good List”, the children are up at night, dreaming about the mountains of exquisitely wrapped presents. What would it be? The new action figure? A state-of-the-art train set? The greatest gift is yet suspended right in front of them: happiness, love, acceptance.

In spite of the glamorous lights dotting the contours of the warm bustling homes, not everyday is bursting with laughter and popping champagne. The extended celebration is a suitable time to simply get things done. It is the year’s end, paving the path into the new year. It’s the perfect time to reinstate the house impeccably (for the guests, if not otherwise), write out resolutions, and innovate dreams into reality. Why not reconcile with that relative whom you hold a grudge against?

Ultimately, comparing who has the most gifts nor who attended the most parties is not what holidays are for. It’s a time to come together in rejoice and fix any mishaps, smooth over any bumps. Of course, besides the food, be grateful for the most cherished treasure: family.

Les Ressources Naturelles