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From womb to world; forceps were involved. Michael is born early; perhaps feeling unprepared, he just wants to sleep all the time, even during feeding.
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"What about me?" Welcomes new playmates, but home videos show Michael feels pushed aside, and craves the attention he previously received.
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Mom goes back to work, so Michael is cared for by a family friend whose anxiety and anger frighten him.
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Enjoys learning, but misses the ease, comfort, and companionship of staying at home.
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Michael fears his dad's frequent angry outbursts and emotional abuse of his family. He learns to placate, but sacrifices his authenticity and voice; his sense of safety and trust are eroded.
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Michael is assaulted by a family friend; his parents blame him.
Loss of trust in parents, loss of innocence, & lost sense of being "good" and understood. -
Feels acute loss of child self, including freedom and joy. Distance created between Michael and his brothers, who grew closer to each other in his absence.
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Following struggle with Alzheimer's. Family avoids talking about grief and seems to suppress emotions, using "spiritual" language. -
Suicide. Uncomfortable atmosphere within family: lack of discussion and little emotion displayed.
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Limits ability to play sports for years. Michael is devastated and wonders if he'll ever return to normal.
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Michael's social world expands and confounds. Loses sense of belonging to a core friend group; he tries to be a social chameleon with little success.
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No official diagnosis or treatment, but clear signs emerge and persist to varying degrees, to present day. Feels shame and keeps experience very private, managing alone.
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Leaves hometown, friends, and family behind to move to Hamilton.
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Forced to stop playing hockey, Michael's most-loved activity. He also misses prom as a result, with lingering regrets.
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Freedom! Yet Michael is also plunged into confusion, lacking clear structure, community, meaning, and truth.
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Beloved family dog is hit by a car and euthanized. Michael is not told until after the fact, and he doesn't get to say goodbye; he feels betrayed by his parents.
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Core friend group scatters across the province and beyond; Michael lacks direction.
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Seeking purpose and direction along different spiritual and philosophical avenues; fostering a connection with nature
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Death follows difficult years of worsening dementia. Michael has ambivalent feelings: relief, sadness, spiritual disillusionment. -
Cancer. Uncle Pete lived in B.C., but was an admired, respected figure. Each member of family grieves privately.
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Traumatic experience during Holotropic Breathing workshop, with physical repercussions. Loss of bodily sense of safety, as well as mobility.
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Difficult to leave "work family" behind and step into the unknown.
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Excitement and uncertainty abound; Michael is fully invested, but a steep learning curve presents itself in losing independence and being pushed to share more of himself.
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Despair and confusion abound. Michael's sense of self-worth, identity, and hope for the future are assaulted.
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Leaves Hamilton, home for 10+ years, leaving behind friends and roles within community.
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Following 3 years of voluntary unemployment. Michael leaves what is familiar but stagnant, in search of growth and challenge.
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Michael moves to new dwellings 4 times in 16 months, 3 times not by choice. He experiences a loss of stability, security, and control.
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Michael feels isolated and discouraged by losing several burgeoning academic and community connections, as well as having the adventure of exploring a new city and school environment cut short.
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Michael is overwhelmed with guilt, regret, and heartache. However, he is able to reach out to a few loved ones for support.
