Thank you to the amazing cab driver, bar patrons and staff, and anyone else who saw my brother on his big night in downtown Halifax. He was visiting from TO and had too much to drink while out partying with his friends. Shout-out to the amazing night owls out there who may have met him along the way and helped him to get home safely.
—Nikki

I worked the advance polls before the election, and not only was I surprised at the amazing turnout, I was happy to see it as well. What really made my long days better was seeing parents bring their children with them to vote and encouraging them to be part of the process—letting them put the ballot into the ballot box, for one thing. Making kids see the voting process shows them how easy it is to change things. It was gratifying to see a whole new generation of voters getting excited about voting, even it if it way off in their future. I often don't have a lot of hope for the younger generations but this experience gave a little back. Thank you parents and first-time voters as well!
—Thankful Poll Worker

I was in line behind you to see that Miyazaki film at the Oxford while you were talking yourself out of buying an ice cream bar, and I bought you that damn bar. I just needed to see someone enjoy the little things in life. You asked to sit with me but I said no. I didn't tell you it was because my father was in the hospital and I didn't want a stranger to see me cry. He was fine, but when he went back last week I thought of you, and wondered whether you're enjoying this brief candle.
—It Was Such A Great Film

You were on the bus with six—count em, six —children under the age of five. All so cute, all so well behaved, and it's obvious why: Their attentive, patient, sweet mother with ocean blue hair and glasses. I have never seen anyone manage so many children so flawlessly and with so much grace and compassion. All six children were so sweet and sat back in their chairs just like their momma had asked. And momma was always listening, smiling and talking with them. You could tell how much she loves them and how much they love her. Coming from a broken family, nothing is more beautiful to me and I couldn't stop smiling at your beautiful family and your beautiful soul. Thank you for being so awesome.
—Sad girl with mommy issues

You changed my life when we met a dozen years ago, in a very different part of the planet. You changed it again when we had a document signing ceremony in the arctic and again when we repeated this maneuver over pancakes with our people. We have an amazing daughter with the greatest giggle. Parenting her together provides me one more reason to love you. You're a little bit magic. You grow food and community. You have a political and social analysis. You're gorgeous. You produce amazing meals with whatever you uncover in the pantry. You write to me in French. You even dance. You chose me. Thank you, I wouldn't want it any other way. —Home is where we are

You make me pull my hair out of my head, but only because you are just like me. Keep being the funny, goofy, smart girl you are. Don't let teenage years corrupt who you are. Keep laughing, caring and helping others. Keep telling stories and let your imagination grow. Love, mom!
—Birth Giver

You approached me, told me you needed to talk. Then you said it, "I like girls, not guys." I embraced you with all the love I have, told you I always knew, I was just waiting for you to discover it. Your home is your safe place, your family is your safe place, and I will protect you and love you with every cell in my body, until my last breath. I love you my daughter. —Proud Mama

You've been gone for decades.  Now you return, after partying your way through TO for the last few weeks.  Bring us you—tired, bleary and with your cross-eyed kitty—and we'll give you our beaches, a vibrant North End, new musicals and theatrical horizons and a family thrilled to see you home. Donairs after you unpack! —Two little kids and the fabulous O-girls

It's only been one month since you left us. We were going to celebrate my birthday together but the universe had other plans. I keep seeing things I want to show you. I want to talk about my day and hear about yours. I call you, to hear your voice on your voicemail. I start to write messages that have no where to go. I miss you so much, Mom. I wish I had taken more time to call you. I wish I told you that I loved you more often. I want to hear you laugh at your own jokes. I want to sit and watch TV with you. I won't complain about the show you pick. I want to give you a hug. I'll love you forever. —Missing a Piece Of My Heart