Colleen Novecosky

I’m writing from Victoria at Royal Roads University today. It must certainly have one of the richest Canadian cultural histories, being on the Lekwungen, Songhees and Esquimalt lands, including Hatley Castle and its beautiful gardens and grounds. Every day has been an extraordinary experience. As...

Recently, I moved into a different position at work. One of the things that consistently presents itself, no matter the role, is communication challenges. I would say at home, there is an ebb and flow of poor, fair, and great communication as well. I don’t think this is specific to me; I think it’s...

I went for a walk the other night, the same walk I have done countless times with my family, but that night, I was alone. Something quietly called me to stop and sit on Stokie’s bench on the banks of the beautiful Elk River and simply contemplate life. A feeling of a presence came over me, with an...

Just like that, he was gone. I did not want it to happen, but it did, despite anything I did, said or tried, even as his personal nurse. There were parts of me that stayed in denial right up until those last few moments, and there were parts of me that knew what was coming all along. Nothing made...

It was the middle of the night, and I was due to fly out when I woke to frightening sounds coming from the room next to mine. A family member called me in. Someone I love had no pulse and no heartbeat. I panicked. I remember asking if I should start CPR. My insides were in turmoil; I felt nauseous...