Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Tim McLean's Mom

I just watched a video of Tim McLean's mom speaking out for the first time.

Tim McLean's Mom

I just watched a video of Tim McLean's mom, Carol deDelley, speaking out for the first time.

I am amazed at her strength. Just watching her speak - only a month after his gruesome murder on a Greyhound Bus - was enough to bring back all of the empathy and sadness I initially felt when I heard about this tragedy.

She was composed, strong and articulate during her interview with the Winnipeg Free Press. She has kind, dark brown eyes and a maternal warmth that makes her the kind of woman you want to hug when you see her.

She spoke of hearing of the murder on the news all day Thursday and thinking, "Oh my God, that's horrible. What state did that happen in? Because it just doesn't happen here.
"And then my thoughts were immediatly to the family." She is a cook in a seniors manor and that night Carol and the seniors watched the news together, commenting on how horrible the murder was. When she returned home that night, her ex-husband called and asked if she had seen the news. "Well, ya, I've heard," she replied.
"It was Tim."
She shook her head and said, "Don't say that. Don't say that."
"No, Carol, the RCMP phoned and they're on their way over here."

"Empathy - you're at an arm's length to feel sorry for a family's loss - and you can feel that sorrow. But not like this. This is like a kick in the gut. This is heart-wrenching. I feel like I've got a whole here now," she says, touching her heart.

She has had to watch her parents suffer throughout this tragedy and knows that her parents wish they could do something to ease her pain.

"My dad wants to reach into my heart and take away the pain.

"And he can't."

Not once during this interview did she break down. I lost track of the amount of times I cried, wishing for just one minute I could - like her dad - take away the pain.

Her strength amazes me. Seeing her speak about Tim and the events of his death made me want to reach out to this mom even more.

Carol had to read about all of the things that happened to Tim on that bus. She knew all of the gory details because they were played out in the media over and over again. She knew all of that even before she knew it was her son that it had happened to.

I encourage you to watch the video and see for yourself how courageous this mom is.

She will forever be in our hearts and prayers.

Tamara

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1494875036?bclid=1753282616&bctid=1753232394

Monday, August 25, 2008

Holy crap, I did it!

Despite losing my entire 64-page digital file of the mag, with no backup files or saved template, I managed to throw it together and STILL get it to the printer on time! I didn't sleep for 10 days or see my kids but what the hell! The mag will be out on time and they got to see their grandparents for a "surprise" last-minute vacay.

If you haven't seen the Alberta Magazine Publisher's Association feature on MOM Mag, check this out: http://www.albertamagazines.com/newsletter/issue53/issue_53.html

I think I am going to take tomorrow off. Maybe spend the day with the kids.... cook supper for Ron.... perhaps even do some laundry!

I am really looking forward to your feedback on this issue. The website will be updated next week when I am a little more relaxed and rejuvenated. I see a spa date in my future!

As usual, Daina really stepped up and helped out during this mini crisis. Despite losing the mag last week, we did manage to fit in Cruefest (yeh BABY!!) and had a blast!

Also, if you haven't already, download the Scavenger Hunt form from the website and get your team together! It can be just you and a girlfriend or teams of up to five people.

If you register before Sept. 19 you get a MOM magazine bracelet that says, "Life as a MOM doesn't mean your life as a woman has to end!"

Get on it ladies!!!

See ya at 3 a.m.!

T.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Is the universe trying to tell me something?

I'm 9 days away from press time and my digital copy of the magazine is DEAD! Are you freakin' kidding me????




Is the universe trying to tell me something?

I'm 9 days away from press time and my digital copy of the magazine is DEAD! Are you freakin' kidding me????

Sunday, August 10, 2008

What do you do at 3 a.m. when you're kid's got the stomache flu and your 13 days away from deadline?

Watch late-night TV, that's what! And you know what's on at 3:30 am? Not much unless you like shopping for useless gadgets.

My kids have had the stomache flu all week and my daughter, in particular, has been stuck to me ... clinging and weepy and smelly. It has been a LONG week.

So last night after another session of tossing cookies all over our bed, she insisted on laying across my lap. We went to the living room where I proceeded to go through all 600 channels looking for something decent to pass the time. TV Shopping was on 599 channels. And finally I came across ... IT'S JUST FOOD! Intrigued, and also desperate for something other than Suzanne Sommers hawking anti-aging cream, I clicked onto the channel.

Lo and behold our VERY OWN FOOD WRITER Julie Van Rosendaal was hosting a food show. I love her! Love her recipes, love her charisma and love, love, LOVE her kick ass attititude! She has an amazing weight-loss story, unBELEIVEABLE recipes and a resume that rivals anyone I've ever met (and I have met some amazing people during my career!)

Anyway, the point is that if you are up at some gawd-awful hour, look for this show. Or check out Julie's website: www.dinnerwithjulie.com OR check out the show's website: www.itsjustfood.net There were some amazing salad recipes on the show last night which I plan on making. When I start my diet ... tomorrow... seriously this time!

Later,
t.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Prairie

Doesn't that word look weird? Maybe it's because it's 4:52 am on a Sunday morning and I've looked at that word too much but it just looks odd.

Damn press deadlines. I wonder if I can really do this every two months? I guess if I am going to, I had better start taking care of myself. Note to self: sleep until 6 am, exercise daily, eat right. Maybe I should close my eyes for JUST a minute....... ah, screw it, I've got too much to.

What's that old saying... no rest for the wicked... I must be the most badass mother out there because I NEVER sleep!!!

I still think Prairie looks weird.

Tamara

Friday, August 1, 2008

Murder on a Greyhound Bus

I don't ususally comment on current events but yesterday's news of the kid who was beheaded on a Greyhound Bus in Manitoba has given me no choice but to post something.

As a mom, I am heartbroken for that kid's family. I can't imagine what his mom must be going through. The events that took place and the description of what happened on various news reports are graphic, disturbing and vivid. She has to read about what happened to her son.

My thoughts and prayers are with that mom who's son won't be coming home.