“Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have titles until much later.” Bob Goff
As I write “about me”, I am aware of the many beautiful chapters of my life which now bear a title. Some very public and well known beyond the boundaries of my family and friends, others less so. Some remain a private journey of prayer and faith. I would never have composed the mixed story I see looking back but I am grateful for every moment of uncertainty that now proudly forms a headline. Today I choose to embrace uncertainty, leaving space for a few new chapters to unfold.
I’m a Canadian girl who grew up loved, cared for, and encouraged. I was given opportunity to try new challenges. I travelled the world, completed a business degree, and then entered into medical studies. It was a long academic journey – two degrees and 12 years of university. I’m noting the details because I believe they matter. My concerns are not casually spoken but come from a foundation of knowledge and practical experience.
Education
Residency in Family Physician (CCFP), McMaster University 1992 – 1994; Medical degree, University of Western Ontario 1988 – 1992; Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Queen’s University 1982 – 1986
Medical work
For twenty-two years I worked as a family physician providing a wide range of primary health care from the beginning to the end of life. It was a privilege to do so. During that time I saw many young women who were challenged with an unintended pregnancy, some of whom felt very overwhelmed and pressured by their circumstances and fears. What they needed was information and support, support that was not available from me or from any other service in our town. It was the support they needed to be empowered to make their own well-informed pregnancy decision because every decision before them; whether to parent, place for adoption, or have an abortion, was a life-impacting one. It was this awareness that led me to help establish a pregnancy care centre in our town. And through this experience, I saw the power of practical, compassionate, and non-judgmental support.
My purpose in creating this website
I never set out to speak about abortion. As one of the most charged and divisive issues of our age, it is a topic most go out of their way to avoid. Yet, there are some matters that need to be discussed, some realities that need to be spoken about, and some wounds that need to be cared for. I am a Christian and I believe that God’s grace and love have no limits. I believe that we have been given free will to make choices each day – choices that have consequences – good or bad. Discussing abortion and the consequences are not about limiting choice but about empowering well-informed choosing.
Caring well for women and men challenged by an unintended pregnancy is not a religious matter – it is a human matter.
My hope is that we can step back from the battlefield of ideology and return to a common-sense perspective that builds bridges rather than walls. The language of this debate can be harsh and angry. Let’s change the sound. Let’s speak words that allow diverse opinions without being disrespectful. Let’s speak words of grace and kindness.
I believe it is doable.
A bit more
I am married to a wonderful man, have been blessed by two amazing boys, and live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world – Muskoka, ON.
In 2016 I assumed the role of Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Canada. We are a Christ-centred national organization seeking to help establish, equip, and encourage local pregnancy care centres across Canada.
“..to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
The opinions expressed on this site are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions of any other organization.