Taking It Viral

Steve Grand

Country music has always been an American staple. History has shown that, when it comes to fans, those that love country music are fiercely loyal to the brand.

In July, 2013, Steve Grand posted a music video entitled 'All American Boy' on You Tube.  It immediately went viral and country music had acquired the first openly gay performer to garner so much attention; though this performer would spread his sound over more than one genre.

CNN and Good Morning America were talking about Grand. His video made it on the list of '24 Most Brilliant Music Videos of 2013' put out by Buzzfeed. Grand also made it onto the OUT100 list published in OUT magazine, making him one of the most compelling LGBT people.

Grand “Still can't believe how successful it (the video) was.”  Emotionally, he says “I'm still and always will be grateful for that.”

While wading through the intricacies of the music business, a journey that is both strenuous and challenging, Steve relates, “It's hard to stay positive and keep your momentum.” However, judging from his success, he continues to find his way through the labyrinth.

From a young age growing up in Lemont, Illinois, Grand recalls his father would often be taken back to another place in time when he heard certain songs. His dad would tell him about what kind of car he had been driving or who he had been with when he first heard a specific song on the radio. Grand came to the realization that music possesses power great enough to permanently embed itself into someone's psyche and he knew he wanted to be a part of that process.

After first pursuing a profitable, albeit short, modelling career and spending time performing music in venues throughout the Chicago area, Grand maxed out his credit card to produce 'All American Boy' in his parent's basement. After posting to You Tube, eight days and over one million views later, a new star was born.

Many media outlets have labeled Grand the 'first openly gay country singer' but Grand is quick to point out that there are others who have blazed the trail before him. Shane McAnally is one of the most successful songwriters in the industry. There's also Mark Weigle, Jimbeau Hinson, Drake Jensen, and Chely Wright.

When, at age 13, Grand realized that he was gay, he started 'coming out to friends' and, eventually, to his parents. Grand had to endure five years of therapy where, essentially, the Christian therapist tried to convince him that he would be miserable if he continued to insist he was gay and would only be happy living life as a straight male.

Thankfully, Grand was able to persevere and publically 'came out at age 19.'

Since coming out, he has remained active in the LGBT equality movement. He is able to use his talent to draw people together and has performed at numerous gay events, including World Pride 2014 in Toronto and he taught a master's class in June, 2015, when he visited the Europride Festival in Riga, Latvia.

In addition, he has partnered with Bailey House, Out and Equal Workplace Advocates, March on Springfield for Marriage Equality, The Human Rights Campaign, and The Anti Violence Project, among others.

After the release of 'All American Boy', people were quick to label Grand a country artist. Grand, himself, disputes this title, “There's a lot of talk about me being a country artist, and that was the headline from the start: Gay Country Artist. I never really identified with that. I certainly didn't put that out there for myself, and I've never done anything to affirm that label.”

Allowing that the All American Boy video definitely has a county theme, the words and the melody of the song itself do not really deserve to be limited to any one genre.

When you delve into the lines from the song like 'But his eyes are holdin' me, just a captive to his wonder' and 'I want to take this in now, we don't need no photo of it', it is easily apparent that All American Boy could definitely fit just as easily onto a pop or rock playlist. Songs about love, more than any other topic, supersede most labels.

In fact, Grand would like not to be painted into a corner with only one label to identify with. He is quite content being a singer/songwriter with “various American influences”.

While listening with his dad to classic lyrics from groups like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, Grand experienced, first hand, how those songs conjure up an array of emotions. A piano player himself, Grand liked listening to Billy Joel and Elton John, “I thought it was cool that they incorporated the piano into the music.”

After high school, when artists like Fall Out Boy and Blink 182 were popular, Grand “fell in love” with Lady Gaga. To this day, he keeps current on what is happening in popular music culture.

His ever growing fans are loyal to him and his music, labelling him only as one hell of a great artist. There are those, however, who accuse him of promoting himself as a gay country artist who wants to represent the entire gay community. Grand states, “It's easy for people just to say whatever they want with no consequences due to the anonymity of the Internet.” Grand simply wants to be a successful artist.

A search of Google images will find several shots of Grand from years past in his undies. Instead of shying away from the photographs that were taken when he was trying to build a portfolio at age 19, Grand owns them. He is not ashamed of his body or what he has done in the past and those pictures have no bearing on who he really is or what he is doing today.

People coming out as being gay is becoming more mainstream and acceptance is growing, but some anti-gays are still digging in their claws and holding on. Grand feels there is one very important reason to continue to come out publicly and that is so that “young people will know that it is okay to be gay.”

“There are kids who are still really struggling with this. Those who feel like they would still rather be dead than live life as a gay person. I'm thinking about them all the time when I'm doing these things because deep down all we really want and need is to be loved.  We want to experience love. We want to give love and we want to feel valued and understood.”

Fans continue to eagerly await Grand's latest recordings and always hope that he will pick a venue near them for his next concert stop so they can experience for themselves the electricity in the air when he performs.

Steve Grand is well positioned as an artist on his way to legendary status and his fans are grateful to be along for the ride.

 

 

Are you a senior woman living alone?

Stay safe and maintain your independence with this advice

 

Combined statistics from the Internet find that up to 43% of single or widowed women over the age of 65 live alone. Being the victim of a crime can end the freedom that is a fundamental part of your life. Whether affected physically, mentally or both, such as having someone break into your home or assault you in a parking lot can leave you fearful of being on your own and interrupt the lifestyle you have come to cherish.

Though home burglaries are in a downward trend, you should still consider these suggestions to keep your home safe:

§  Keep a pair of men’s boots outside your door to indicate that a male lives in the home.

§  Wear an emergency response button around your neck that has a ‘fall detection’ feature.  If you open your door to a stranger, ask them what they want. If they are looking for a phone, tell them you will call 911. If it is a sales person, tell them you are not interested and neither is your husband. In any case, close and quickly lock the door with your emergency button at the ready.

§  Having a dog comes with a built-in alarm system – barking when anyone is close to your house. They also come with a huge bonus – A loyal companion.

§  If you are in bed reading, leave the TV on in another room – signaling there is more than one person home.

§  Have a male relative or friend record the voicemail message on your home and cell phone.

§  Do not plant shrubs beside doors or windows as it is good cover when someone wants to hide. If you do want to plant something, make it a thorny bush such as roses.

§  Never put plans to be away from home on any social media site. This is akin to telling criminals when your home will be empty.

§  When taking a bath or shower, call or text a family member or friend and tell them you will get back to them when you are safely out of the tub. If you fall and are unable to call for help, you have the security that someone will be checking on you.

§  Keep a flashlight in every room in your house. If the power goes out, you will not be in the dark looking for a torch.

§  Even if you have a locked mailbox, order a couple of free catalogs mailed to you in a male’s name.

§  If you get a new electronic such as a laptop computer, do not put the whole box into your recycling. This is an advertisement that there is something worth stealing in your home. Instead, rip the box into small pieces and divide it into a couple of bags.

§  Always double check to be sure you did not leave your keys in the lock on your door.

§  As you get older and have health issues, be proactive when it comes to changes you may need to make to your house. Have a ramp installed before mobility issues make it difficult to get up your steps. Change your tub to a walk-in model that makes it easier to get in and out of.

 

When running errands, use this guidance:

§  Never leave an outside light on when you are out during the day. This tells everyone that you do not plan to return until after dark. Instead, install motion sensor lights.

§  When shopping, if you feel that someone if following you, go to customer service after you pay for your items and ask to be escorted to your car.

§  While sitting in your parked vehicle, always keep the doors locked.

Set up the emergency contact information in your cell phone in case the authorities ever need in. Additionally, you should include a list of your medications and any medical issues someone giving you treatment should be aware of, such as if you are diabetic or have a heart condition.

Do not have a weapon unless you are willing to use it on an intruder. If you point a gun at someone, you have to be prepared to pull the trigger or the person will take it away and use it against you. Bear spray can stop someone who is trying to hurt you, but you have to be sure to aim it towards them and not you. In addition, there are times when someone has been sprayed and it increases their fury, meaning they may keep coming toward you.

In today’s world, one of the best pieces of advice that will keep you and your money safe is to NEVER give any information to anyone who calls or emails you – no matter who they say they are or where they are from. Technology is always expanding and fraudsters can now copy a family member or friend’s voice. When a stranger calls, simply hang up the phone.

Living alone may not be something women choose to do, but it can become a preferred way of life. It can be gratifying to be self-sufficient in their senior years.

 

 

  

 

Enrich Your Financial Status with These Smart Routines

 

            In today’s volatile economy, 54% of Canadians are living paycheck to paycheck and 38% could not access $1000 in savings when confronted with a financial emergency.

            In addition to improving your monetary situation, the following contains sound advice that will put you in a more secure place financially.

            “One of the best ways for long-term success is to save money by ‘paying yourself first’”, says Blair Corkum, CPA who is a Registered Financial Planner and Certified Financial Planner professional in PEI.

            Corkum advises, “Ideally, people should save 15% to 20% of their wages for future needs, including retirement. You should set up an automatic transfer from your bank account where your pay is deposited” Even if you can only save 5% at the present time, you need to start saving. “For someone in Atlantic Canada earning less than $53,000 in taxable income per year,” Corkum says, “my recommendation would be to use a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) as a priority before a Registered Retirement Savings Account (RRSP).” Having the funds for your savings transferred directly from your account ensures you do not use the money for something else.

            It is important to remember the government provides grants and/or income tax benefits for adults, to save for your children’s future education or to fund your new home purchase if you open a First Home Savings Account, Registered Education Savings Plan and/or Registered Disability Savings Plan.

            “You should start saving for retirement regardless of your age”, says J. Brent Kinney, CHS of J Brent Kinney Insurance & Financial Services in Saint John, New Brunswick.

            Before contributing to a retirement fund, however, you need to put aside at least 3 months worth of your paychecks for use in a financial emergency. Once you have secured that amount in a savings account, you can start building for your retirement. You may choose to invest those funds into a GIC (Guaranteed Income Certificate) which roll over at a predetermined amount of time and will pay you a set amount of interest.

Kinney also advises that you should create a comprehensive budget covering all of your income and expenses, no matter their amount. When you start adding up small expenses you may find out you are spending more than you can afford or need to. For example, it is very easy to subscribe to online services and then forget about the subscription or not use it often enough to make it worth the expense. Paying $5.99 a month to access a website you no longer visit and also paying for an app you never use are expenses that need to be reviewed. Print the last and current statements for the bank accounts you use and review all of the automatic withdrawals. In addition, this would be a good time to contact all of your utility providers, such as cell phones and Internet services to see if a different can accommodate your needs at a cheaper price.

Looking at each one of your expenses will show you ways where you might be able to save more money. Sit down with your insurance agent and go over your automobile and property policies to ensure you are getting all of the discounts you are entitled to. This is one place where you may find savings by, for example, putting your policies with one company and getting a multi-line discount instead of having them with separate companies. Also take advantage of other ways to save such as utilizing store flyers. When you find non-perishable items or food that can be frozen, purchase more of those items when they are on sale.

When you need money for any purchase, it is always tempting to get a high interest loan. These loans are easily accessible and you can usually get approval instantly or within 24 hours. If you currently have any of these loans, you should talk to you bank about consolidating them which will give you a lower interest rate and get them paid off faster. Also, if you have credit card debt you can look at consolidating their balances with the same loan. Corkum says, “Avoid any purchases on your credit card or using consumer financing programs if you cannot pay for them within a month.”

“If you have dependents, you need to purchase life and disability insurance”, advised Kinney. Your spouse and children depend on your income and a lot of worry comes if you do not have the means to support them if you become disabled or pass away. Both life and disability insurance should not be considered as simply expenses, they are necessities.

In addition to having insurance, you need to have a will. You can have one drawn up for a reasonable amount of money by a lawyer or use an online ‘last will and testament’ package. Having a will brings you peace of mind because you know how your estate will be handled and that your direction, in regards to your estate, will be followed.

With today’s digital world, Corkum offers, “Protect your bank accounts and computer assets with difficult passwords, updated anti-virus and virtual private network software, avoidance of public web sites, refusal to give any personal information to unsolicited telephone callers and the discipline not to click on email links.” Keeping your financial information safe will avoid the hassle of your accounts being hacked by intruders.

If you are a business owner, you have many other risks and should work with “qualified professional advisors such as a CPA, human resource, cyber security and other advisers, depending on your line of work”, says Corkum.

Even when you find ways to save, reduce your expenses and live on a budget, you may be missing an important factor. Corkum offers this advice, “You need to have a career that you enjoy, whether it requires you to obtain more education or just to do more searching. Work is a substantial part of your life and I have met happy people making $30,000 per year and unhappy people making $150,000 per year.” If you are not satisfied with your current job, finding something you love to do will improve your mental health, a part of your life that is often overlooked when your only priority is to support yourself and your family.

When you apply this financial guidance and advice to your own situation, it will lessen your stress level and give your life more security.

 

Pull-Cords and Push Shovels

Get Your Snow Clearing Implements Ready for Winter Now

 

            Whether you enjoy the exhilarating cardiovascular work-out or dread the chore of clearing freshly fallen snow from your driveway and walkways, the days on the calendar are counting down and you will soon need to pull your snow blowers and shovels from their summer storage places.

            One thing sure to put a crinkle in your day is hearing silence when you pull the cord on your snow blower or have your shovel snap when you are already ten minutes late for work.

            If you commit to doing some preemptive maintenance now, you can avoid the non-working pull cord misery and having to sheepishly ask your neighbour to borrow a shovel. Snow blowers require annual tune-ups to keep them in top working condition.

            Being proactive means you will get to work on time while the line-up of non-working snow-blowers grows at your local small engine repair shop and you will not have to join the grumbling consumers looking for the type of snow pusher they need while the stock dwindles.

            There are common parts you should have on hand before annual routine maintenance is performed. They include a paddle and scraper ball kit, primer bulb, spark plug and a carburetor kit.

            Preston Williams of G.C. Small Engine Repair in St. John’s, Newfoundland says he, “could write a book” about the mistakes snow-blower owners make every year. As a small engine mechanic for over 35 years, Williams’ guidance can save you both money and frustration.

            He says, “The most important thing is to try your machine now and not wait for the first snowstorm to be announced. Small engine repair businesses are at their busiest at that time and there may be a delay in getting your machine serviced.”

            Williams emphasizes that, “our winters are changing and most times when we get snow, it is followed by rain which is heavy and puts a lot of strain on snow-blowers. Another important factor is to buy a unit sufficient in power and size to accomplish their driveway as many people purchase small snow-blowers not realizing, until it’s too late, that it is not powerful enough to get rid of heavy wet snow.”

            If you are mechanically inclined and a DIYer, you can do the single stage snow-blower and two and three stage snow-blowers tune-up yourself.

            For a single stage snow-blower, follow this checklist:

·         Power wash the entire unit

·         Flush the fuel system

·         Test/inspect all safety components

·         Install a new spark plug (should be done every 100 hours of use or once a season)

·         Check scraper bar, belts and paddles for wear

·         Adjust and lubricate the bail cable (if applicable)

·         Rebuild the carburetor

·         Adjust the RPM (if needed)

·         Check compression

For two and three stage snow-blowers, also do the following:

·         Change the engine oil

·         Test the ignition system

·         Check transmission fluid levels

·         Adjust and lubricate all cables

For electric snow-blowers, inspect and replace or repair:

·         Extension cord (for corded snow-blowers)

·         Battery (for cordless snow-blowers)

·         Drive blade

·         Scraper blade

When you have completed all maintenance checks, test the overall operation of the unit.

            Don’t neglect the tires! Measure the tire pressure, adding air when needed and replace them if they are visibly worn.

            When doing annual maintenance, remember to include your snow-blower accessories such as heated hand grips, cab attachments, covers and tire chains.

            At the end of the season, either run the snow-blower engine until it is dry or siphon out the remaining fuel. Gas can start to degrade within 30 days. If you are not draining your fuel prior to storage, you definitely need to use a fuel stabilizer to prevent your engine’s fuel system from clogging and breaking-down of other components.

            Before you load up your snow-blower for a trip to the repair shop, run through this checklist:

·         Consult the trouble-shooting guide section of your owner’s manual

·         Be sure your machine is fueled with fresh gasoline

·         Put in a new spark plug

·         Check that the safety key is in place

·         Remove snow or ice from the gas cap

·         Check the oil levels

·         Primed the engine in accordance with the manual’s directions

No matter what kind of snow-blower you have, following some standard practices can extend the life of the machine and save on maintenance costs:

·         Store your snow-blower on a mat with grooves that keeps melting snow away from your machine which can lead to rusted components

·         Use a wet cloth to wipe salt and dirt off your snow-blower after every use

·         Put a cover over your machine when stored

·         Use a non-stick spray to coat the inside of the machine’s snow-blower chute and auger

Before you put your snow-blower away for the season, follow these universal routines in addition to any specific procedures in your owner’s manual:

·         Allow the machine to cool and wash all exterior parts, letting them dry before storing

·         Use a silicone or light oil in order to rust-proof the machine if it will be stored in an unventilated area

·         If you choose to leave fuel in the tank, be sure it is stored away from any ignition source such as a spark or flame and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions in regards to fuel

Even if you have a snow-blower, you will still need a dependable shovel to clear some walkways and steps.

Sometimes, shovel handles break at the most inconvenient times so be sure you always have a back-up. Also, always carry a shovel in your vehicle as part of your emergency supplies. You can purchase folding shovels which take up less space, but check the customer ratings on durability. If you find your vehicle stuck in the snow without a shovel, a hubcap can make a satisfactory substitute.

Purchase a shovel with a lifetime warranty. Of course, it won’t help if the handle snaps after a big snow storm, but at least you can get a free replacement.

Fiberglass handles are more durable than wood and they will not crack or split when exposed to different weather elements. They also have a softer grip and are flexible. However, unlike wood handles, they cannot be replaced when broken.

Spraying your shovel with cooking oil makes the snow easily slide off.

Even though they are more expensive, a shovel with an ergonomic design will make the job easier and can help keep the body pain from shoveling away.

If you don’t consider yourself a DIYer, you can get great advice about snow blowers, shovels and a lot more by searching for what you need on YouTube or at the manufacturers website.

      When you take the time to keep your snow-blower in good working order and purchase reliable shovels, you can take some of the bite out of the inevitable winter snow storms.

     

           

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would like to share with you the chronicles that happened to me over the last couple of days – now that I have my emotions in check. If you are missing loved ones who have passed away, I hope this detailed accounting will boost your faith that your loved ones can get through to you from Heaven.1.1.   Late this past Monday afternoon after putting in a 12 hour day, I was exhausted so I did what I have been doing since David passed, swiping reels while relaxing. It passes the time as the evenings are lonely without my husband. A singer on Britain’s Got Talent, Stacey Leadbeatter, hit me with a ton of bricks. I didn’t even know I was crying until the song was over. No other song, ever, has had that type of effect on me. I set her performance on ‘replay’ and watched it for over 2 ½ hours. Every single time I listened, I got chills – the good ones. My iPhone seemed to ramp up the performance – the volume was louder than usual, even though it was on max and it sounded like I was watching her live. A very emotional experience.

2.   I finally went to bed, but woke up at 2 AM. Just as I came to, I heard these lyrics from the song (Run, by Leona Lewis) in my mind – ‘Even if you cannot hear my voice, I’ll be right beside you dear, light up, light up, as if you have a choice’ Do you know what David always called me? “Dear”. Sure, he called me by name to get my attention, or when we were doing business with clients – but 99.99% of the time it was “Dear”. In the line ‘light up, light up as if you have a choice’ – David would say that to me, “as if you have a choice” when I wound up talking to a bunch of people rather than fading into the background – which is what I prefer – David would say, “I know, but you don’t have a choice, it’s instinct that makes people want to chat with you and you can’t change that.” Those lyrics resonate incredibly high with me. Yesterday, while working, I had it on replay again as I was cleaning up a few chores on my laptop. I am thrilled that she is releasing ‘Run’ on December 7^th.

3.   Mid-afternoon yesterday, I decided I needed a rest. I was thinking about what to have for supper and this popped into my head – go to Smitty’s and order breakfast for dinner. Huh? Aside from my daily Ensure, the only time I eat breakfast is when we are on vacation. I know I have NEVER ordered breakfast for dinner – but David did, all the time. Upon waking after a short nap, I ran with it and went to Smitty’s for breakfast. I sat leisurely eating my meal and scrolling. When I was finished eating, my lovely server told me that my bill had been taken care of – someone had paid for it. She didn’t know the person, but, said, “They just asked me to tell you to pay it forward.” They even left a tip! Well guess what! Paying for someone’s meal was always our thing. Our kids loved surveying the restaurant and picking out the table that we should pick up the bill for and would tell our server “Please tell them that we don’t know them and to simply pay it forward.” We picked up a tab in December of last year for a family of 4 at Swiss Chalet. We were sitting adjacent to a family and heard a young boy say, “This is so good. I wish we could eat this more.” I don’t remember the dad’s response but he made it clear, in a gentle way, that eating out was something they could only do once in a while. We had just gotten to the car when David told me he would just be a moment as he went back into Swiss Chalet. He returned a short time later and I asked him if he forgot his phone. He said, “No. I got the family three $50 gift cards so they can get out a little more often. It was such a sweet thing to do.

Here is the link to Stacey’s cover of ‘Run’ by Leona Lewis. You will NEVER forget her singing that song.

https://youtu.be/szoM2gwNt5Q?si=ZyY5nii6lREom05s

Well, there you have it and thanks for reading. After a visit from David’s spirit (the most mind blowing thing I have ever experienced) then the sign he sends for Hannah, Misty, Sharon and myself when we are together have made me 100% sure, absolutely positive, with no doubt that David can get to me from another dimension.

These occurrences have left me awestruck (cannot describe how I feel in words) and I know David is there – just beyond the veil nudging me forward – until we meet again…..

Postscript:

I did have a visit from David’s Spirit a couple of weeks after he crossed over. Just like Stephanie Leadbetter’s voice, I can’t find a word to describe that either, even with a prolific vocabulary. I have shared my encounter on a group site and found that many other spouses have had very similar experiences.

In my spare time - humph – not much of that – I need more of me to get the work done and I am fighting three antibiotic resistant bacteria – again. I am writing a paper detailing – the best way I can – my happenstances in order to show other spouses what to look for as signs their partner is trying to get through in nondescript ways. I will share it when I am finished. It will also demonstrate how my faith told me that David was in Heaven. But, after actually being enveloped in his spirit, it left not one smidgen of a doubt. Posting this when completed will, hopefully, give people the reassurance they need to be sure there is a Heaven and their loved ones are there.

 

 

 

SAMPLE PIECES for

Eulogies/Obituaries

Professionally penned and available at this link

https://ko-fi.com/paulinemilner/commissions 

Extended Obituary Example:

 

After a beautiful life lived, Harold Angus Petrie passed on to Heaven peacefully on the evening of March 31^st, 2021.

Harold was born on April 25^th, 1949 to John and Annie Petrie. He grew up in Marlin, Oklahoma and moved to Barton, Illinois when he and Susan married then to Lisbon, Florida after his retirement in 2014. His favorite recreation time was spent at their family’s cottage and cruising the lake in their catamaran in Palm Lake, Illinois where Harold and his family vacationed every summer.

 His career as an independent accountant afforded him the opportunity to give his clients exceptional service and they admired his dedication and his attention to the smallest details.

He spent time as a coach of the Ramblers little league baseball team in the 1980s and 1990s. One night, on a dark highway near Bains, Illinois, Harold learned that the ‘E’ on the gas tank gauge did not mean ‘enough’ leading to a prolonged trip where the other van they were traveling with had to set out in search of gas.

 Harold was very involved with his children’s activities as they were growing up. He faithfully kept the statistics for their basketball teams, drove players along hours of road trips to play in tournaments, and went along as a chaperone on their school trips to New York and California in addition to assisting them with endless school projects throughout their education.

 A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and with his children being unwavering Yankees fans  it made it interesting for Harold and he took much ribbing about cheering for the Cubs, though he did have a kindred spirit in his sister, Hazel.

Together, Harold and Susan raised two children, Shawn and Samantha. Annual vacations were fun-filled times, always with new adventures. In addition to time spent at the family cottage in the summer, they traveled to the U.K and Italy. Their children were always thrilled when they took a week each year to travel to theme parks around the country. During their travels, they did many activities together which included horseback riding, an air boat ride in the Florida Everglades, roadside picnics and exploring many national parks.

Like his father, Shawn became an accountant. He left his long term employment with a large firm to take over Harold’s clients when he retired. Samantha is an accomplished writer with many works credited to her. Shawn’s two sons, Gregory and Carter, love all things sports with soccer being by far their favorite. Samantha’s daughter, Amelia, loves ballet and has had lead roles in several local productions.

Harold’s last six-and-a-half weeks were challenging after a shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 Liver cancer that had spread to his bones. This was complicated by his severe Osteoarthritis. Through the truly appreciated help from incredible caregivers, nurses, doctors, family and friends, he was able to remain at home until his last day – which was his wish – duly fulfilled. Both Harold and Susan credit the dedication of those amazing people who gave him the best quality of life possible and they could not have asked for anything more.

 Harold is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susan, children Shawn (Marianna) Petrie and Samantha (Randall) Court as well as his grandchildren, Gregory and Carter Petrie and Amelia Court.  Also mourning his passing are his sister, Karen Wainwright and his sister-in-law, Christina Petrie. In addition, he will be missed and forever remembered by an extended network of family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Annie Petrie, his brother, Henry Petrie and his brother-in-law, Alex Wainwright.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to McLellan’s Funeral Home, Lisbon, Florida where visitation will take place on Friday, April 2^nd from 2 PM to 4 PM. Harold’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 3^rd at 1 PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Illinois at a later date.

Donations in memory of Harold to the Lisbon Museum Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

 

 

Portrait of a Life

Karen Smith

 

If you knew Karen Smith, then you will not be surprised that we have already celebrated her life.

When Karen found out that the cancer ravaging her pancreas was terminal, she spent her remaining time planning and throwing a memorable party where she could enjoy the company of her family and friends one more time. Her philosophy was – ‘Why come to my funeral? Make time to visit with me when I am alive!’

So it came to fruition that three short weeks ago, everyone gathered to share joyful reminisces, look through photos of days gone past and sat down to a delicious dinner - with Karen at the center of it all.

Tuesday, May 6^th, was Karen’s last day with us. She passed quietly just at twilight but the welcoming she received when she crossed over was surely celebratory beyond imagination with the harmony of choruses sung by the Angels.

Our broken hearts at her loss will be mended knowing that she is free of the pain that kept her from doing the many things she loved and that her soul lives on for an eternity. We will all continue moving forward with Karen watching over us.

Karen graduated from Mount Garrauount High School and went on to earn a degree in business administration. She spent the entirety of her working life with BLK Communications where her career led her from a receptionist to head of human resources. 

She championed the importance of respect between co-workers and made it a priority to settle workplace conflicts expeditiously which often required accommodations for those involved.

Outside of her employment, she continued her talent for dispute resolution whenever an issue arose. Her advice was always appreciated and she used ‘common ground’ to develop her many personal relationships. Karen carried no prejudices and always went by the adage, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.’

Karen’s life was chronicled by her many adventures shared with family and friends. From her senior high school year class trip to New York City to the many vacations with her husband and children, Karen loved to travel. Visits to places nearby her home as well as overseas gave her a chance to experience how the locals live.

Her and her traveling companions would usually forgo the organized excursions and set off on their own to explore the area. She said the locals always knew where to find the best restaurants and the phenomenal hidden gems.

Both her family and friends were the building blocks she used to create an extended support system that was important as she faced her last few months in excruciating pain and the weakening of her physical and mental abilities.

Karen leaves behind a memory of her in the heart of everyone she loved. These remembrances will get them through the tough times ahead.

We thank each person who made Karen’s final days comfortable. We will not post a list identifying you all as we would surely forget to include someone.

Left here to carry on her legacy is her husband of 48 years, Kevin, and her children, Amanda (Gregory Townsend) and Alexander (Orillia) Smith. She also leaves her sister, Maryann (the late Shawn Cavet), her brother, Curtis (Susanna) and their children, Rory and Lacy Townsend and Sara Cavet.

Karen’s family that went on before her was her parents, George and Mabel Garnett, her infant sister Diana along with several aunts, uncles and extended family members.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held June 6^th at 2:00 PM at Fairfield Cemetery with a time of fellowship to follow at The Gathering Place on Rosewood Avenue.

 

Basic Obituary Example

 

Louise (Creighton) Johnson, 82, of Connelly Creek in Dover, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 14^th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Louise was born in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Bert and Sara Creighton.

After graduating high school, Louise went on to teach elementary school until her retirement in 2008. Her and her beloved husband, Terence, made their home in Dover where they raised their three children. Louise loved to make homemade crafts as gifts at Christmas. She was a member of the Dover Senior’s Group where everyone looked forward to her delicious pies when they had pot-luck suppers.

Louise is survived by her son, Christopher (Lauren) Johnson and daughters, Anna (Bruce) Boyce and Emily (Sean) Seaver and grandchildren Margaret-Ann Johnson, Michael Johnson, Caleb Boyce and Carson Seaver along with her fur-baby Duke.

Besides her parents, Louise was predeceased by her husband, Terence, and her sisters Laveena Gregory (the late Robert) and Laura Huntley (the late John).

Following Louise’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial informal gathering at Cassidy Hall, Dover, Mass. on Monday, May 19^th from 2 PM to 4 PM. All are invited to attend.

Internment will take place at Grace Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in memory of Louise may be made to your local SPCA or the charity of your choice.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

 

Adieu

Katherine Watson

 

        If my beloved granddaughter, Grace, is reading this memoir aloud then I have seen my last tomorrow. This is my final journal entry, my own eulogy, saving everyone the anxiety of figuring out what to say now that I have passed on to whatever comes next.

        My promise to every one of you, given at different times – I could not vow that I would be here for the rest of your life, but I pledged to be here for the rest of mine – now duly fulfilled.

        I knew five months ago that the diagnosis of Glioblastoma would ensure I would not live to comb grey hair. Please understand that I did not share this with you earlier as I wanted the time I had left to be normal and without my loved ones starting to grieve prior to my passing. Before my symptoms became most troubling, we had time to say our last words before I knew I would slip into a coma then gently drift away. I know as my next journey approaches, those last days will likely find me sometimes incoherent with my responsiveness fading in and out. It was the disease that ravaged my brain, but my soul still remembered your friendship and your love.

        It was July 22^nd, 2015 and we were all enjoying our family reunion. Planning that special weekend was made all the more sweet because everyone who wanted to be there were able to attend. Those five days filled with BBQs, playing washers and horseshoes along with the entertainment of you all belting out your favorite tunes via karaoke made memories, well documented with photos and videos, that will last all of you a lifetime.

        On September 1^st, 2019, we were able to pull off another reunion where our family and friends spent a magical 10 days at Disney World. We put on a lot of miles park-hopping, enjoying shows and were even able to score two nights where all of us could dine together. It has warmed my heart to look at all of the photos taken by Disney photographers. They truly documented our Disney adventures so we didn’t have to see one another from behind a camera lens. I am sure you all remember and smile, or even giggle, when you think about the epic water blaster competition that took us in and out of the resort. It was great that the staff enjoyed the battle as much as we did – They had a super time pointing out which corner someone was hiding around.

        Over my years as a resident on this planet, I have learned a lot about our species when it comes to being a happy and productive citizen. As well, I have taken advice, given in kind, that has made life easier and more enjoyable. Here, I give you bits I have used that made me a better person in addition to helping me become acclimatized to the challenges we face during our time on earth. Here, I will pass on words of wisdom and advice that were present throughout my life and this is a more fitting way, I think, to say my farewell.

Please do not practice what John Steinbeck described as ‘inactive kindness’. When you tell someone you will be there if they need you or that you will visit more often, make good on those commitments. Many times, people already have an excuse ready, in regards to why they can’t help, before someone even calls on them. Consider your priorities carefully and reorder them if needed. Being there when someone calls on you trumps the errands you were planning to do that day or the two hours you were going to spend reading.

Always engage your brain before you speak – in any situation. You can apologize for saying words, but they can never be unsaid. Also, note that the phrase ‘forgive and forget’ is inaccurate. You can always forgive someone but you can’t forget what happened.

Be careful of what makes its’ way into your brain. You cannot ‘unsee’ an atrocity shown in an online video as much as you can’t ‘unhear’ the howls of an injured animal. Don’t ignore the bad that is in this world – it needs to be addressed – but take the time to look for the good. When you have more positivity in your life than negativity, both your mental and physical health will benefit.

Give your loved ones ‘unconditional love’ and guard their secrets. Everyone needs someone in their life that they can trust who will not turn their confidences into gossip. Be that person.

I will conclude with a bible verse and poem that you can use to help you through your grief – yes THROUGH your grief. There is no way around allowing yourself to grieve. You cannot outrun it as it will be nipping at your ankles no matter how fast you run away. Let yourself heal, cry when you need to – letting that emotion out is a good thing – think about me, but keep putting one foot in front of the other. Grief can drain you of energy and rob you of sleep – Please get counseling if sorrow is dragging you down so you can live a full and happy life.

My faith is strong and I am there, just beyond the veil – nudging you forward when life gets tough, perched on your shoulder and stroking your cheek when tears flow and being your best cheerleader from the other side.

Until we meet again…

From the Bible, Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

A beautifully written poem by Mary Lee Hall:

 

Turn Again to Life

 

If I should die and leave you here a while

be not like others – sore, undone – who keep

long vigils by the silent dust and weep.

For my sake – turn again to life and smile,

Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do

something to comfort weaker hearts than thine.

Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine

and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.