Family Day: Near or Far, Always in My Heart

Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about love, connection, and the people who lift us up. Today, as we celebrate Family Day, my heart stretches across North America and Europe to my family, both given and chosen.

While distance keeps me from my children and grandchildren, they are never far from my thoughts. From the moment I first laid eyes on my sons and daughter, I understood the depth of love that family brings. That love only grows, even across miles.

I’m also grateful for the family we choose—the friends, partners, and communities who stand by us through life’s ups and downs. Annette and I have built a life full of love, and the people who surround us, near and far, make that even richer.

Today is a reminder that family isn’t defined by proximity—it’s defined by love, support, and the connections that make life meaningful. However you define family, I hope today brings you moments of joy, reflection, and gratitude.

Happy Family Day to all my loved ones

Finding My Why: A Journey of Connection, Advocacy, and Transformation

As we celebrate Black History Month at work, I had the privilege of hearing from a guest speaker who spoke about our “why”—our purpose and what drives us. It got me thinking deeply about my own why.

For me, my why is rooted in connection, advocacy, and transformation.

I lead with heart in everything I do—whether in my career, my community, or my personal life. Over nearly three decades in the insurance industry, I’ve been more than an underwriter; I’ve been a mentor, a problem-solver, and a leader in change. Through Proud of You, our employee resource group, and my work in mental health advocacy, I’ve sought to uplift others, create safe spaces, and ensure people feel seen and valued.

My journey of unlearning and relearning through Indigenous workshops, my dedication to truth and reconciliation, and my commitment to diversity and inclusion all stem from a deep responsibility: to make things better for those who come after me.

And at the heart of it all, is love.

Love for Annette, my children, my grandchildren ,my co-op family, and the communities I serve. My why is about making a meaningful impact—ensuring people are heard, respected, and supported, and leaving behind something that truly matters.

My purpose is to lead with empathy, create meaningful change, and uplift those around me. Through my career, my advocacy, and my personal journey, I’ve consistently been a voice for others—supporting colleagues, championing mental health, fostering inclusion, and engaging in truth and reconciliation work.

I am here to build bridges, challenge outdated perspectives, and create spaces where people feel valued and understood.

At my core, I am here to create, heal, and transform—both systems and hearts.

Embracing Love in All Its Forms!

The love I have for my children, grandchildren, family, and my wife, Annette, is at the heart of who I am. Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a deep recognition of what moves you. It’s in the moments that make you pause and say, “I love this.” It’s in the way you care for yourself, for those close to you, and for the communities that matter.

Love is expansive. It’s found in friendships, family bonds, the unconditional loyalty of a pet, or the shared strength of a community. It’s in the small, everyday acts of kindness and the grand gestures that shape our lives.

To celebrate love is to welcome it in all its forms and let it be a guiding force in how we live. Let love be present, let it be felt, and let it lead.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!