I was married to the love of my life for over 55 years. My husband was a very talented singer and songwriter from Canada’s North who traveled extensively in Canada, sharing his music, developing festivals, and mentoring young aspiring musicians.

He was inaugurated into the newly formed NWT Music Hall of Fame shortly after his death. We spread his ashes into the great Mackenzie River and sent him on his musical journey.

Right after his death, I plunged into great despair and could not sleep for days. That was until one day when my son said to me, “Mom, Dad suffered from heart issues for many years, he had major bypass surgery at the young age of 41, and then underwent several operations and procedures for the next three decades. We actually had him for 36 and a half years longer than we should have. I couldn’t sleep either until one day I turned my grief to gratitude, and then I slept soundly.”

So we celebrated his life and his music, and we all got a good night’s sleep.

I will always be grateful to my son for his insight and eternally grateful to Rhonda Byrne for teaching me the power and the magic of gratitude.