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This year is the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. And as I'm typing this I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I always do when I think about that horrible day. I vividly remember hearing about the massacre on the evening news and being shocked and sickened and terrified that someone would kill a woman simply because she was a woman. I literally had to sit down. When I was in university I took Women's Studies courses and attended Take Back the Night marches and December 6th vigils. I got angry.

I have a few pet peeves in life. Nothing too major, nothing too out of the ordinary. I dislike rude people. The sound of folks slurping their food drives me insane. And I loathe the sight of clutter. In my world the first two are easily manageable; I avoid boorish individuals as best as possible and I remind my husband not to make sounds while eating. But dealing with the clutter eludes me. I am losing a battle that has only just begun.

This spring, the McGuinty Government appointed Dr. Charles Pascal to present a report recommending the implementation of a full day learning programme for 4 and 5 year olds in the province of Ontario. The report (http://www.ontario.ca/en/initiatives/early_learning/ONT06_018876) is thoughtful, creative and based on the premise that adults should work together in new ways to make the best possible environment for children in a way that best helps families.

I was asked to write some thoughts about being a great grandmother. Initially I have to say that my body and mind do not equate with the reality. I truly count my blessings and have so much for which I am thankful. At this stage in my life, I do not see myself as a mother to my children. They seem more to be my friends. My grandchildren and now my great grandchild bring youth, vitality and a new kind of love to my life.