Absolutely heartbreaking. The unfathomable pain of Jennifer Neville Lake has been added to, with the death of her husband Edward. The price of drunk driving is never paid in full.
I'm marking 6 months' sobriety today. I'm not telling you this for the congrats, just to say that if losing your only child isn't a SOLID reason to be f--king blasted ALL the time, then sobriety isn't impossible. Write me at if you want to chat. ODAAT.
This is the poignant good-bye that
@LisaLaFlamme
was not given on-air by her now former employer,
@CTVNews
Lisa deserved better than this.
#bellletstalk
about dignity, shall we?
Gave Dad a gift today: a toque from his alma mater, University of Alberta! The same man who couldn't tell me what he had for breakfast, began & finished three verses of the U of A fight song - MUSIC is MAGIC for
#Dementia
and
#Alzheimers
patients. It was an incredible moment.
I'm so sorry to start your day with such sad news. I'll find the right words to say for Monday's vlog, but to hear CHFI's announcement of the passing of the man who took us to
#1
and opened all the doors for me as we journeyed to the top, go to
I can't imagine any celebrity handling a situation like this with more class, compassion and grace. Well done, Celine Dion. (Now, Caesar's security, how did that woman get on stage?!?)
We all have our favourite Gordon Lightfoot songs; mine was Carefree Highway - which I hope he is travelling now. Gordon Lightfoot, gone at 84. A true icon.
To the 2 delicate Twitter pearl-clutchers upset that I used an F word (albeit with DASHES) in describing grief, I can only say how truly lucky you are not to know what it's like. Words - even four-letter ones - can never suffice. But thanks for your judgment. SO appreciated. 🤗
What a 24 hours:
@nytimes
releases a lengthy interview with
@LisaLaFlamme_
same day she's nominated by Cdn Screen Awards for Best National Newscaster. Take that, Michael Melling &
@CTVNews
.
29 years ago today we welcomed Lauren, a baby girl who will forever be 24 years old. A gorgeous piece of music to lift your heart - and we all need that today. We are grateful, we mourn; we remember and we smile.
Don't know who needs to hear this, but your "rights" to congregate and contaminate do not supersede my right to live to an old age without lung complications in the aftermath of COVID-19. What is so hard to understand about that?
#IStandWithDrTam
#LiveFreeandDie
Just called my 88-yo dad to remind him that the
@BlueJays
are playing on TV for the 1st time this year. He's giddy. And I'm grateful he's here to see another season.
#GoJays
I know it's been a week (and now
#FireMichaelMelling
is trending today), but I've had to figure out what to say about CTV throwing out the Baby Boomer with the bath water. So here it is. Buckle up.
#wedontmattertothem
Today in '88 he surprised me with his Lennon-look tux; I rented a dress (no regrets), our moms started a small fire with a candle lighting moment. Then as now, lots of laughter, family, love, dreams and hope.
#33
#Anniversary
#AllYouNeedIsLove
An apparent heart attack has taken actor Matthew Perry age 54. It's truly heartbreaking after his struggles and victories; many of us feel they we've lost one of us. Born in US to a Cdn mom, he was raised in Ottawa (as well as TO & MTL at times). Our thoughts are with loved ones.
Just learned that our sweet cousin and late daughter's unofficial "big sis" gave her new baby girl the middle name Lauren. Had a big ol' cry. 2 hours later the alarms in our house went off without provocation. So, yeah, Lauren's happy about it, too.
#mygriefmybelief
#grief
#joy
Today at is the tale of two Morning Men: I despise that anachronistic title but here it works. A HERO...(seen here who's got a big birthday today) and a ZERO who's being exposed at last by a courageous former co-host, also seen here,
@JennValentyne
Happy 1st birthday to sweet Baby Jane - the granddaughter we never imagined we'd have through the miracle of love that transcends norms and grows magical new branches on the family tree!
She's gone through hell, but she just kept going. She's a gift to so many with heart, soul, sobriety and strength. I love this woman to her core. Happy Birthday
@jannarden
- and I'll never stop thanking you for being there when I asked.
Bursting with pride right now: my dad, who's 87 and just had the rent reduced 15% in his seniors' residence, turned that savings into cheques for
@SalvationArmyCA
and his Kelowna Food Bank. Thanks for letting me share that inspiration.
As a Canadian who didn’t need the CERB, I am glad my tax dollars went to help those who did. And those who complain about the CERB, can kindly piss off.
Oct 11 2014 Rob & I were made the happiest grandparents in the world. 7 months later (to the day), that same world trembled off its axis when this baby's mother died in her sleep, but today we celebrate new love, hope and
#reclaimingjoy
.
#FridayFeeling
Happy Birthday Colin!
Right now there are spouses, partners, parents and children all waiting to hear word about their loved ones in today's crash of a Canadian Forces Snowbird near Kamloops. Please wait for confirmation before tweeting news. Because they have to.
Already, this has been quite a day. I've too many people to thank but I'll start with Rob, Lauren,
@chficooper
,
@ianthegeneral
,
@julieadam
and Don Daynard...and just keep lengthening the list as the date approaches! Phew - so honoured.
This may be the dumbest thing I ever tweet, but someone PLEASE tell me I'm not the only one having trouble with the Leafs and Bolts wearing the same colo(u)rs. ARGH!
#LeafsForever
#GoLeafsGo
Game 7
Arrived safely in
#Amsterdam
and my two favourite fellas, husband Rob & radio "husband" Mike Cooper picked up where they left off: in love!
#travel
#friendship
#bff
How high did I feel this weekend? This is Colin and me on swings just a few metres from a bench with our Lauren's name on it - climbing to new heights in every way possible. Today's journal
Take a moment and read the reason Bell is trending. Then delve into the comments. Think about all of the people whose livelihoods are GONE. Sorry, Buggles, VIDEO didn't kill the radio star - a telecommunications company did. They don't care about YOU or your community. Just $$$$$
So my big sis Heather is getting married today for the fourth time. And because I am not a brat I will NOT ask her if she gets a card punched or something. 😇
#StarExclusive
: Bell Media wouldn’t nominate Lisa LaFlamme for an award — so she did it herself.
The Canadian Screen Awards has recognized LaFlamme as a finalist for best national news anchor, following her controversial ouster from CTV News.
Tonight we used my late mom's good china and the silver she only brought out on very special occasions. 2020 has taught us that every occasion is special if we say it is and no moment is more so than the one in which we are living right now.
#BoxingDay
Today Rob & I mark 33 years since our first date. I will forever be grateful that the gods saw fit to put us together to weather and, yes, revel in the chapters that would follow. I love you, Rob.
#TuesdayThoughts
#anniversary
#loveneverdies
Did you ever have such good news you were afraid to say it aloud in case it might not come true? Today's the day I say it aloud. A dream I didn't dare to have, is coming true.
@MichelleObama
@sesamestreet
"A loaf of bread...a container of milk...and a stick of butter. A loaf of bread...a container of milk...and a stick of butter." No idea why this is still with me 40+ years later, but every time I shop...!
#Sesame50
This amazing woman survived Nazi work camps, moved to Canada 40 yrs ago, after her husband (whom she met in the camps) died. TODAY Mira turns 97. She volunteers. She kills at bridge. She is the Mama we chose and is the light of our lives❣️
About
@DinaPugliese
who's announced she's leaving BT in TO. A more genuine and kind, lovely person I've not had the pressure of sharing a makeup room. Great things are in store - one of which is SLEEP. I only pray that unlike
@JennValentyne
&
@KevinFrankish
it was HER CHOICE.
I LOVE that
#soberlife
is trending on my
@twitter
feed today as I begin my 42nd month of sobriety -
#ODAAT
. If I can, I promise you can. Grief doesn't mean climbing into the metaphorical grave with the loved one who has died.
#MourningHasBroken
Incredibly brave of
@chrissyteigen
and
@johnlegend
to share the story of losing their baby Jack. They're giving voice to millions of parents who have suffered the same despair and felt so alone. May Jack's memory be a blessing, and I wish all who grieve, peace and healing love.
Today at : five years without a Christmas tree is enough. Why we're tearing off the band-aid (and the packing tape) to dig out ornaments that are heavy with memories, but all part of moving us forward, continuing to reclaim joy.
I'd just put down my computer, frustrated that words I need to find for my friend's funeral this week all seem to be stuck in my heart. Then I look outside...Debbie's hard at work, as usual. A double rainbow at that....
Went into the Emergency Dept. at St Joseph’s Hospital in
#Toronto
for a suspected broken finger. I was asked to wear a mask, which I refused to do. As a result, hospital staff asked me to leave and immediately called 3 security guards to escort me out.
#filmyourhospital
Thanking
@jannarden
for being a shining example of truth, love, humour and brutal honesty. You share your life (and opinions) freely and don't care what others think. You're brave, funny, talented and my north star. You give so much.
On this day in 1956, my parents tied the knot in a tiny church in Black Diamond, AB. This was taken 20 yrs later, and their marriage stayed strong 'til mom left us 8 years ago. I'm grateful for their example of laughter, loyalty and love never having an expiry date.
@JennValentyne
True story: meet this week with a cousin I hadn't seen in 30 yrs who was a listener to this guy. He asked me why he was so awful on air talking about me (a competitor) and I told him I honestly had no idea, as I'd never met John. I was luckier than you. ❤️
As you see over my shoulder, that chair wasn't empty at my birthday dinner - we just had to look a little further than we used to. Today's journal: struggling to write without an edge.
Tell me again why the marital status of a political figure matters in terms of their qualifications to do the job. Explain it to me like I'm six. And NOT just talking about
#JustinTrudeau
or any particular party. It's archaic.
This picture was a year ago, but today Mike Cooper and I sit down - across the miles instead of a table - to have a Christmas chat. Enjoy it - we sure did. About hope, dreams of Debbie, and the bittersweet season.
Video Journal at : A big change in the way I see things (and share memories) from now on: remembering the happiest day and celebrating a Big 3-0, thanks to Colin's sweet plea for a birthday party for Lauren.
I'm not even kidding you: just blocked a moron who tweeted that Terry Fox Marathon of Hope was to fight AIDS (wrong) which was created by Fauci and Big Pharma (also wrong). Might be the stupidest tweet of the day, but we've still got 8 hours here in the west.
My friend
@lisambrandt
lost her mom yesterday. To the person on social media who wrote "at least you had 80 years with her": a) Lisa wasn't 80 and b) the "at leasts" are for the bereaved to say. YOU saying it sounds like "c'mon, it's not so bad...". It is, OKAY?
Couldn't be happier - or prouder - to see
@jannarden
trending for being appointed to the Order of Canada. She's truly a national and natural treasure with a great ❤️ and sharp wit.
Today at our home fires burn less brightly: our Molly has gone to her next big adventure. And as sad as Rob and I are, perspective makes us grateful, more than anything. She was a good, good girl.
When trolls say "You're Canadian, what do u care?" I remember Gander. I remember Toronto's Gerhardts who lost their son Ralph at the WTC, a despair we shared. We've always cared; that's why are hearts are so heavy for you. Love Your Neighbors. Love, Your Neighbours.
#911
I really felt I needed a message like this today - maybe you do, too? 2021 feels like embarking on a pilgrimage in a blinding snowstorm, but we know that if we survive it, the journey will have been worth it. I wish you faith and strength and enough to float your boat!
Today our travels begin to wind down, but not before a quick overnight at YYZ where we'll share a few hours (and lots of laughs) with this guy: my longtime & fav radio partner and friend, Mike Cooper. I'll be back with a new vlog Monday - have a great weekend!
Getting my bivalent tomorrow and yes, expecting to collect the whole set - whatever it may be. Was on a puffer a month after I got covid, still masking in public, like you
@jannarden
. Not afraid - cautious. Smart. And blocking...
A LOT OF PEOPLE I KNOW ARE GOING THROUGH THIS! I will be wearing a mask in public places for the foreseeable future-and I’ll be getting every jab they offer. I’m ready to block any stupidity-
Last week he turned 87. I'm so grateful to be able to share a laugh (albeit long distance) with my dad on Father's Day and to thank him. 💕
#NotAllDonalds
Finding Spiderman underpants in our dryer and remembering that there's a little boy who stays over on occasion, is one of the happiest moments of my day (once I remind Rob that I don't have a thing for Tom Holland).
One year ago, this was me. Stepping out of rehab, starting anew, never EVER imagining the tremendous highs (and deep lows we all shared) that the next 12 months would bring. Today at , the answer to "how did you do it?" - sobriety style.
Okay, okay, so it's from nearly 9 months ago. But on this
#grandparentsday
we're reminded how these two little people gave Rob and me not only the title, but made our days like Christmas EVERY day. Thank you Colin and Jane!