What's in a name?

Mary-Anne.. Bobby-Lynn.. Mary-Kate.. Tommy-Lee.. Amy-Leigh.. Mary-Lou.. Mary-Margret.. Anna-Beth..
These are some examples of Two-word names, also known as double-barrelled names, are names that consist of two separate words, often BUT NOT ALWAYS hyphenated, used together as a single name.

And the newest addition?

NicholasLiam

Many have been wondering the story behind our Pear Bear's name..

Nicholas is Jeremy's middle name (surprise!)
Liam is one of the funniest, tallest, and first [male] friends I made working at GT in Kingston. He is a very valued friend to me and we went through thick n thin together! He has never judged me, never misunderstood me and always taken my side when work was hard. Some friends gravitate towards you naturally and you couldn't see your life without their friendship in it. Liam and I have never lost touch and we check up on each other frequently. He truly is a valued friend and I wish him all the best in his rising careers and life! We also took the same SLC IMC program years apart. Small world!
(Also who doesn't like the name Liam?)

Anderson is for one of the greatest men to touch my heart in my time in Kingston. Another GT coworker, he has gone through alot with me and taught me so much more. You cant always pick your family but Harry will always be family to me through hell or high water. When times were tough and work was hard to was always an ear to listen, a good judge and a wise friend. I couldn't get through a shift without him or Liam with me. I'm always thankful for the time we worked together and the shenanigans we had. I'm always happy to hear how he is doing and am so proud to have named my son after him and Liam.

Brown is Jeremy's Family Last name. To put it simpler it is the Western version of their name. The real family name is Mishakaameyashinoonini. The best translation of this is "people of (or who come from) water" from what my husband could learn. For those who do not know Jeremy is First Nations Anishinaabe and in Wapekeka First Nation they speak OjiCree.

And of course he has other last names known from My Side of the family. His Polish/Ukraine/German side and my Grenadian side (don't forget everyone I was adopted haha!) Pommer is from my German grandfather's side of my family and Haleshewski is from my Polish/Ukraine Nana's side of my family. 

Maybe one day my son will want to visit the Caribbean and see Grenada where his mom comes from..
Or visit the Ukraine or Poland to see where his Great Nana and great Aunts came from..
My son could wish to learn German like his Great grandpa..
Perhaps he will one day be fluent in OjiCree like his dad..
NicholasLiam has a big varied family any many options in life, and i am very glad.

But for now I can't wait for my son to meet his namesakes one day soon. All three of these men are so dear to me and I want my son to grow up to know his name, the men behind it and be proud of it. Your name is unique to you and your personality, your character and your heart. And my son definitely is one of a kind with a one of a kind name. I love him.

Please help Rez Dogs get a Vet Clinic in Wapekeka

Our amazing Nursing staff have orchestrated our first ever vet clinic for this year but it's going to take a lot to make happen! We are trying to raise as much money as we can to cover the veterinary staff, airfare, accommodations and everything else needed for these amazing caring people to come help our rez dogs!

But not only that I want to help make a surplus to help families who don't have the funds to get their dogs the help or spay/neuter they need once the vets come. Not every family has the means to always help their pets so I am asking for your help.

A bag of 8kg pet food can cost around $150.00CAD up North. A round trip plane ticket from Wasaya airways from Wapekeka to Sioux Lookout costs UP to $1,912.00 if you need to bring your pet out to find a veterinarian. Not every family has that much disposable income to use for their animals. Most dogs end up spending their whole lives outside, with their owners or strangers giving them food, having their puppies outside, their puppies have to survive and grow up outside and when a dog is in heat there are too many dogs to keep from fighting. Not to mention other methods of "population control" that have circulated the news recently..

Our nursing staff, other volunteers around the community and locals have been amazing helping to care for dogs and ship them out to vets and adoption agencies. But they need help and they need funds. ANY and all donations would be greatly appreciated! With your help we can aid alot of good pets. Please consider helping Wapekeka-Angling Lake First Nations and our pets at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rez-dogs-get-a-vet-clinic-in-wapekeka

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT REZ DOGS by Isaac Murdoch [https://saverezdogs.com/resources/rezdogmedicine]

1. They are not mutts and have been apart of our communities for thousands of years. They are 100% Indigenous and deserve our utmost respect. Just because they dont have papers, doesnt mean they are not amazing. Indian dogs are a very speacial breed that need our protection.
2. They can gaurd our lodges and eat any bad medicine or evil that may be lurking in our villages. Tie a tobacco tie onto the back of its neck and ask it to seek out any danger in this manner. Many tribes believe their job is protect our lodge doorways from a distance. This is why when one comes into our ceremonies, its known as a bad omen. Something bad has come to the village. Pay attention to them, they are messengers.
3. They are star gazers and know the celestrial map that hangs over our heads. Because of this, they also know the future and can tell us the dangers that lie ahead. They know where the bad ice is and when storms are coming. Watch them celebrate when good things happen too. Oh, they also know what medicines to eat when they are sick. They can teach us stuff.
4. They know our languages. For thousands of years they heard our language. They know it inside and out. Make offerings to them and pray that the languages come back strong. Never underestimate the spiritual power of a rez dog. Like never ever. Some believe our ancestors will come visit us as a dog. You will notice them. They will have human eyes and act like old souls. Cherish them always and seek their council.
5. When we treat them well, they give us back ten times the love and respect. They are so loyal and solid they will die to save our life. Also, when they are lil puppies, find one you admire and spit in its mouth. Through this ceremonial act, a sacred bond will be made and you will have a new best friend who will always be there for you. #RezDogMedicine

SUPER MOM TO THE RESCUE!

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. We’re searching for one extraordinary mama to win $20,000, be featured in Woman's World magazine, and jet off to Palm Springs, CA, for a well-deserved weekend getaway. Colossal has raised over $2.6 million through the Super Mom Competition benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals®. We take great pride in our collaboration with this incredible organization and share in their vision to Change Kids Health, Change the Future.

So I entered the SUPER MOM contest; to continue sharing my story with my son Nicholas-Liam and the importance of work safety - as it does wear & tear on your body immediately as well as years later. My neck and my baby will tell you so!

So my entry?

What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

That I get to teach and raise my son to become the best he can, and wants to be - together with my husband, equally. And witness everything new & exciting again in Nicholas-Liam's eyes.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

His first anishinaabe (mini) smudging ceremony for good luck to him and I while we were healing in the hospital. Coincidentally on his "supposed to be birthday" as he came early from his due date.

What would you do with $20,000?

- His RESP that I contribute to monthly 

- Cultural aspects of his mixed ethnicity and heritage - modern Polish/Ukraine and Grenadian as well as traditional Anishinaabe 

- And starting funds for a house of our very own!

My husband, firstborn son, stepdaughter and I would love a beautiful fresh start in a first home from winning this prize. Being able to speak on behalf of mixed intercultural relationships (as well as ours started as long distance successfully) as well as being a non-status civilian living on reserve in Woman's World Magazine would be an honor beyond appreciation. And showing my son when he is older how our contest entry raised donations for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® would be such a great memory for him. I owe my family alot and this contest is a chance to show them just how hard I am willing to work and care for them. I love them.

I'd appreciate if everyone could give a VOTE! All it takes is a free click or a donation. Pear Bear and I would greatly appreciate it! COPY & PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER TO USE https://thesupermom.org/2024/jessica-brown-12

Sometimes in Life..

Events happen that you don't or can't completely plan for. Sometimes in Life you meet people that keep you going in hard times. Or circumstances that are completely unfair have to be struggled through. Sometimes in Life you have to let others know about your life experiences; if not to thank them or humble them but to warn or educate them.

It's funny how something so small as shoulder pain can be perceived as so many different things. In mid August I thought all we needed were new pillows (granted we DO need new pillows.) and so I ignored it knowing we were due for our family vacation soon - which included the Fall Fair and lots of shopping.

Aug 24th 2023

I developed pain not only in both my shoulders but a "pins & needles" kind of numbness down to my elbows. The feeling when one of your limbs fall asleep? Imagine it consistently not going away for almost 36hrs..

Aug 25th 2023

By 1:30pm not only was I struggling to walk straight or keep my own weight up but the "pins & needles" feeling had started in my legs down to my feet - along with my shoulders and hands still.

I'd like to apologize to the employees of Dryden Walmart that got concerned thinking my water was about to break and the kind Greeter who offered me her chair

By 3:00pm my legs gave out. I stood up from a bed and went back down onto it and was thankful Jeremy was there to catch me.

By 4:00pm I couldn't even hold a pen properly to sign my name on the paperwork at Dryden Regional Health Center.

Aug 26th 2023

Both my sides were numb up to my arms (thankfully I could still feel the little pear sized bear) adding onto the list including my legs, feet, arms and hands.

Aug 27th 2023

I was transferred to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in my first helicopter ride. Not the way I wanted my first to go... but I must admit it was still incredible wicked! Next time I hope not to be strapped down and numb though.

Thank you SO much to the nurses at Dryden Regional and the Ornge helicopter ambulance drivers. You all showed me great care and concern - and shared confusion. And I hope if ever any of you read this that you know we figured it out, Nicholas-Liam is fine and I am working towards being okay.

Sometimes in Life.. the hardest working people get screwed over.. the people who smile the most struggle to stay strong.. and unfortunately events happen that will hopefully open someone's eyes to the necessity of health and safety, for one's personal present and future self.

Around the same time as having my wisdom teeth removed a few years ago I pinched a nerve in my neck. Doctor's said it was caused by my labor intensive jobs. Fast forward to now and that pinched nerve developed into 4 spinal disks crushing in on each other (for those needs who are curious my C4 and 5 and my C6 and 7) there was also some bone fragments and tissue needing to be removed.

This was NOT because of any weight gain or pregnancy weight gain (before you bother trying to trigger me with your opinion about it.) Medical professionals have assessed me and told me themselves that it was very bad luck & bad timing. Or in this case maybe bad luck but good timing.. Or what I get for being such a hard worker.. It could have been I agitated it by trying to stretch when I first had my shoulder pain. It could have happened while I gave birth or shortly after. It could have not happened until years from now.

Aug 29th 2023

For those who actually paid attention to his due date, yes Nicholas-Liam came early by c-section so that I could prepare for spinal chord surgery two days later. 

To the 1CU and doctors at Thunder Bay Regional I owe you so much! Thank you for keeping me positive and being the most supportive amazing people I've ever met! I tried my hardest to give you all the respect and positivity you deserve because its not your fault that a scared confused expecting mother showed up on your doorstep to deal with. Nicholas and I will forever be grateful to the care you gave us!

Aug 31st 2023

Ever wonder what's in your neck? A doorway to your spine apparently! Bye bye old bones and loose bits and hello to another addition to my bionic body collection! For those who forget my left foot is half metal now a chunk of my spine is too! Thank you SO much Neurosurgeons of Thunder Bay Regional!

Unfortunately my left arm did not come out of surgery unscathed - which sucks being left handed. I have (hopefully temporary) neuropathy in both my hands and feet and my left arm is very weak. BUT I can feel all my ligaments again!

My new home is a neck brace for 3 months and full recover 1 year on top of recovering from the c section simultaneously. My neck muscles will also need rehab physiotherapy once the brace is off because I won't have turned or tilted it for realistically almost 4 months. 

Before you grab your devices to contact me.. Nicholas-Liam is fine and I am on track to recovering fine.

I wanted to explain this so that one other person in the world will question when they have shoulder or neck pain. I wanted to explain this so that one other person decides to lift heavy objects properly with their knees, back, a cart or stool or with a partner at their workplace. I wanted to explain this so that one other person that gets injured either at work or in their personal life does not get scared or bullied into not getting it checked out - that they don't just shrug it off because they need to work hard and make money to survive.

If I could go back in time every injury I got while working over the past 3 years I would have taken the courage, time and money to have checked out. I wouldn't of just touched out my pinched nerve hoping it healed right on its own. I wouldn't of just paid for a knee brace out of my own pocket when I popped out my knee. I would tell myself to get these things looked at so it doesn't come back to mess with me in the future. And I hope this is a wake up call to someone else as well.

Don't worry I will post a more happy "welcome to the world" for Nicholas-Liam later! It's the least he deserves for his early womb evacuation. And for the choice few that I did give news to I'd like to thank you for all of your love, concern and support.