 photographer, Jason Prupas | LETTER TO THE READERS |
Dear Good News Toronto Reader,
February is significant in many ways for us at Good News Toronto. It is our third anniversary. Yes, it is unbelievable, but our first daring issue came out three years ago. Defying all odds, we have not only survived, we have blossomed. Thanks to your support we have grown in size and content. You have contributed your stories, your ideas, and this has ensured that Good News Toronto is a community newspaper. You have contributed financially. This is crucial and remains to be so in order for us to enable you to keep reading Good News Toronto just as you are doing right now. Please continue to reach out to your network for possible donors so that we can continue to be the advocate for the true colours of Toronto — the heart-enriched colours of a caring, generous community.
We have exciting news going into our fourth year: a new website! Please check it out. True Essence Media (http://www.trueessencemedia.com ) has a mission completely aligned with ours and has created a website that reflects that. It simply and powerfully delivers our good news and allows us to share all our wonderful content with a wider audience, as well as enabling us to receive your comments and submissions. I am so excited about our ability to connect and respond to you even more efficiently, thoroughly, and immediately.
I am grateful that Roslyn Patrick will continue to manage our website. She volunteers every month to ensure that the cold virtual world gets their warm Good News Toronto. Her loving attention to make sure every nuance projects the right message is confirmation that Good News Toronto has been gifted with the perfect person for us. She is my Hero!
February is associated with the heart; therefore, we are paying tribute to the people who look after our hearts physically and emotionally — the healing professionals. I know we have all been touched in some way by someone who looked after us or our loved ones when we were touched by illness. I certainly have been. The doctors and nurses at North York General Hospital who cared for me during my months of treatment for breast cancer made me feel like we were journeying through this together. Their compassion went beyond mere training — it was humanity reaching out to humanity.
When my dear father was rushed into critical care it was the doctors and nurses who were by our sides trying to bring peace and comfort in his last few days and last few breaths. It is hard to imagine that these people have chosen to help us when we are the most fragile, and have then taken on the task of making us feel whole again.
PHOTO LEFT: Jackson, 15 years old
Photo by Becky Milton
I would like to pay tribute to some other caregivers that have touched our lives. Our dog, Jackson, is now 15 years old and has been loved by the staff at Smith Veterinarian Hospital since he first set paws in their place at 5 months. The fanfare when he comes, the gentle care while he is there, and the sad goodbyes when he leaves is fantastic. It makes me so happy (and jealous). And none of this is reciprocated by him as he can’t wait to go home. In this case their love is unconditional. We are grateful for this genuine affection throughout the years for a pet who means so much to us.
These caregivers have been heroes of mine and heroes of the writers in this issue. Martin Winer and Jeff Robertson [features page] have both beautifully expressed their gratitude from their own personal experience. There are many ways to heal the heart. Danny Beaton (front page story) shows us that we have to heal the earth in order to truly heal ourselves. Fatima Omar Khamissa [features page] shows us ways to find inner strength to heal ourselves. Mel Thompson and Lindsay [features page] have bicycled across Canada to mend their hearts and help others to do the same. Brian Baumal and Zahra Bardai [columns page] offer their perspectives as professional healers. I welcome your feedback and your own outlook on this important discussion, as always.
Fondly,
Eva Karpati
Publisher/Editor
evakarpati@goodnewstoronto.ca
Dear Eva,
My best wishes to the staff of Good News Toronto at the beginning of a fresh new year! It is inspiring and refreshing to read of all the wonderful contributions of kindness throughout our community.
I shall continue to promote your excellent publication as I wear proudly the Good News Toronto t-shirt. I encourage others to concentrate on helping and spreading kindness to those around them. It is amazing how one small work of kindness, even a smile, can bring some joy into another person’s daily life.
Thank you for all your dedication. I look forward to reading more inspirational articles throughout the coming year.
Sincerely,
Patricia Hemming