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Over the past month, I’ve found myself reflecting on how grateful I am for life, health, family, and the safety of where I live. These thoughts often surface when something shakes our sense of security, especially when it relates to health. For me, the fear of not being there for my children is terrifying. It’s a reminder of how vulnerable we really are.

Parenting and perspective

As parents, we carry a quiet awareness of our fragility. But having children also helps us see what truly matters. While it’s natural to reflect on our fears, we can’t live in constant worry. What we can do is focus on what’s within our control—caring for ourselves, being present, and cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. For our children’s sake, we can try to soak in those magical moments and be fully present in both body and mind.

Recently, I’ve had heartfelt conversations with friends and family who’ve lost someone close. Their stories—filled with laughter, music, quiet moments and shared memories—had one thing in common: presence. Being together in those final days was a gift.

One friend spent her father’s last week in palliative care, surrounded by her children and family. As we spoke on the phone, I could hear her kids giggling in the background. She was talking to me and her father at once, weaving us all into one conversation. The warmth and joy in that room were palpable, even through the phone. I cried, moved by how beautifully they embraced that time together.

Children and the dying process

Some people feel uneasy about involving children in the dying process, and that’s okay. We all have our own comfort levels. But these moments can also be deeply enriching, helping children understand death as a natural part of life. My friend’s experience reminded me that even in grief, there can be connection, love and beauty. Being present—for each other and with each other—is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Talking with children about death

I received a fabulous training this past year from Deuil Jeunesse, a local non-profit organization that accompanies individuals dealing with a death. One thing that really struck me was how clear we need to be with children about death. Children need honesty and openness when it comes to death. The presenter stressed how important it is to use “real” language and vocabulary, such as using the word cancer or heart disease instead of sick or ill, or saying death or dead rather than passed away or gone to sleep.

Children seek the truth and can easily get confused or misunderstand the finality of death if we do not use plain language. To learn more, I encourage you to consult the toolbox available from Deuil Jeunesse. If you prefer something in English, I found that kidsgrief.ca had some wonderful resources, training and tools.

I hope this message encourages you to think critically about the language we use around death and how essential it is to talk to children about it. While it’s vital to have these conversations, it’s even more important to live each day to the fullest and truly enjoy one another. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and happy.

Sending you lots of love and positive vibes this month,

Jessica

I don’t know about you, but as September approaches, I often feel a sense of dread. The shift in routine, the return to school and activities, and the end of summer’s lightheartedness can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to focus on the looming changes—early mornings, packed schedules and the general hustle that seems to replace the slower, lighthearted pace of summer.

But when I take a step back, I start to wonder: are these changes really so bad, or am I just anticipating stress that may not even come? Maybe it’s all in my head. After all, there’s a lot to appreciate about this time of year. September weather is often beautiful, and getting back into a rhythm can be grounding. Routines—especially for children—offer stability, and it’s well known that they thrive when life has structure.

School, work, and extracurricular activities aren’t just obligations; they’re opportunities. They help us grow, learn and connect with others. They bring purpose to our days and can even spark joy and creativity. And while summer has its own kind of magic, there’s something comforting about the return to familiar patterns and the sense of renewal that a new season brings.

So instead of dreading September, I try to embrace it, remembering that there are many amazing things about this time of year.

The sweetness of September

September is the lovely sweet spot between summer and fall where we can enjoy the best of both of these seasons, gorgeous sunny days and cooler nights. Not to mention that when it starts to get darker earlier, it tends to be easier to encourage our little ones to fall asleep. According to the astrological calendar, fall starts with the Autumn equinox, which this year falls on September 22. That means that technically it is still summer until then! So enjoy the fun in the sun while you can. For many of us though, there are also many things about the change to cooler weather that are lovely and pleasant. Sweater weather is always cozy. And who doesn’t love a hot drink while cuddled up inside after a brisk outing or playdate? It is a great time for fall baking, stews and warm, delicious foods and one delicious treat that this in abundance this time of year, apples!

Apples, apples, apples! 

Apple picking is always a must in our household. Québec’s apple trees are brimming with juicy, ripe apples this time of year and apple picking is a wonderful and delicious family outing that I highly recommend. My children always have the best time running through the orchard fields and finding the perfect apple tree to pick their apples. Many apples also do get munched along the way.  Not only are apples good for you and a healthy snack but there is a kind of sweetness and joy in picking your own. In and around Québec City as well as on the Ile d’Orléans and on the south shore, there are a variety of orchards where you can “auto-cueillette” or pick your own. Have a look here for some local orchards.

Fall Fest

Lastly, a great way to wrap up the summer and ring in the start of fall is to join us at VEQ’s Fall Fest. This is wonderful, annual community event that has something for everyone. Stop by and say hi! I will be at our Jeffery Hale Community Partners’ table and my colleague Jarryd Smith, our Men’s Health Coordinator, will be running a soccer game in the field. We hope to see you there! 

Wishing you all a wonderful September, 

Jessica

My birthday falls in August, and every year as I get older, I feel that I understand and trust myself more. I don’t know about you, but as I age, I feel that I am much more in tune with things like: what energizes me, what drains me, what makes me smile, and which people I choose to spend my free time with. I suspect that having children inadvertently helps us prioritize. Because our time is very limited, we tend to cherish the free time that we have. I also find that I tend to appreciate the smaller things more, like the occasions I get to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace and that is still warm , or a few minutes to myself to indulge in a good book.

Identity change

I still remember the first time that I referred to myself as a mother and a parent. It felt very strange and an almost unnatural label at first, but over time, it became a part of me. Becoming a parent for many of us involves a kind of identity change. As parents, we tend to refer to ourselves more often as “we” rather than “I” since we usually have little ones trailing along with us.   

The first year of parenting is very intense, as I’m sure you know. During that time, I mourned aspects of my old life and what things were like before having a child. Can you relate? Things like the rhythm of my life, my schedule, independence, flexibility, sleep, free time and uninterrupted conversations. Not to mention the loss of my body (not literally, but rather how it had changed) and also how I was no longer the only one who seemed to have ownership over it. There was always someone attached to me, pulling on me, needing to be carried or joining me in every bathroom visit.  I can’t pinpoint the exact point when I stopped mourning my life before children, but I gradually became accustomed to the way my life has evolved, and now I embrace it.

Remember who you are

“Remember who you are” is something that my father used to always say to me and my siblings growing up. Now, when I reflect on it, I can see that it meant something different to me as a teenager and young adult than it does to me today as a parent. When I was younger and heading out with friends on the town, my father would always say, “Remember who you are” as I was leaving the house. At the time, I interpreted it as: remember your values, stay out of trouble and make wise judgements and decisions. Now, as a parent, I interpret “remember who you are” differently. I see it as: remember your identity and fill your bucket with things that energize you. In other words, remember what makes you feel alive.  

Raising little human beings is magical and life-changing, but it is also hard work. As parents, we often tend to doubt ourselves or self-criticize, especially in the early days. The good news is that we do grow and mature as parents. We build more confidence in ourselves and learn to trust ourselves. If you are not there yet, not to worry, your time will come when you feel more self-assured in your role. Just keep believing in yourself and remember that in your little one’s eyes, you can do no wrong and are the most amazing person in the world. ❤ Also, every day, they will grow a little more and need you just a little bit less.

Pause to celebrate you

My birthday has reminded me how important it is that we pause to celebrate ourselves in little ways. It can be on our birthdays or any day of the year, and it can be in big or small ways. What is important is to remember what makes us feel good personally, what makes us light up, and to make time, somehow, to allow ourselves these small moments of happiness.

I wish you all a wonderful August and a restful summer.

Jessica

Summer doesn’t have to mean grand vacations or expensive getaways. While social media may be full of beach resorts and plane tickets, the truth is that meaningful moments often come from the simplest things, close to home and close to heart. 

This time of year usually offers families a chance to slow down and spend time together. Some take to the skies or set out on road trips, but many choose—or need—to stay closer to home. And that’s more than okay.

Because the key to a memorable summer isn’t how far you go or how much you spend—it’s how present you are. A backyard picnic, a new playground adventure, dashing through fields, learning to throw a ball, movie night with popcorn on the floor, or chasing fireflies as the sun sets—these playful, shared moments can be just as lasting as any far-flung getaway.

Kids don’t need fancy plans; they need you

Your time, your attention and your presence matter most. So don’t stress over what summer “should” look like. Set your phone aside, soak in the moment with your little ones, and make it yours.

If you’re looking to give your little ones a chance to play while you connect with other parents, join us for Outdoor Parents and Petits in the garden at Saint Brigid’s Home on July 4, August 8 and September 5. It’s a relaxed and welcoming space, and the garden features an amazing play structure your kids will love.

Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses and enjoy some summer fun together. We’ll provide the coffee and snacks!

Wishing you a wonderful summer with your loved ones!

Jessica