I grew up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as a navigator. In the first years of service I received a Bachelor of Science in Honours Physics from the University of British Columbia. Later postings included Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec before settling in Nova Scotia. Throughout the postings serious but mysterious health issues developed, eventually revealed as caused by chronic stress.
Counselling and alternative healthcare helped me learn how to begin to recover. I earned a diploma in natural nutrition, then entered seminary fueled by theological questions. It was at this point I became aware of my denomination, church and seminary’s stance on gender hierarchy. The way this played out worsened my already struggling physical and mental health. It takes enormous energy to wrestle against authoritative voices which value women less. Years passed before I recognized the impact. With a severely depressed immune system, enter long COVID and triple the health issues.
Changing geographic locations, seminaries and denominations provided the safety to process and learn how to recover from the traumas. Creativity is a major part of trauma recovery, so I write not just to heal but also to engage my community in the process. Thank you for your presence.
Presence ‘n Process 