Heather Down
I am an observer of life through the lens of middle age. Owner of an independent publishing house and a published author, I spend my time obsessing about all things communication. Follow me at Wintertickle Press.
Love Letters from Heather
To my friend, Zoe, It was just a few short years ago when I accompanied my friend Natalie Harris to Orillia High School, where she was sharing her story with a couple of classes. In some ways, it feels like yesterday, but in terms of life changes, pandemics, and the journey of life, it feels like eons ago.
Heather DownPublished a day ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
To my sister-in-law, Sandra. As long as I can remember, you have always been there. I think having a brother 14 years my senior makes such a feat possible.
Heather DownPublished 6 days ago in Families
Love Letters from Heather
To my grandson, Jaymison. Both your mom and dad were over the moon about your eventual arrival. Experiencing a couple of previous early losses, they crossed every finger and toe. I could see the happiness in your dad (my son) and revelled in watching your parents choose the nursery theme—baby elephants.
Heather DownPublished 9 days ago in Families
Love Letters from Heather
Dear Lyndsay, I have never met anyone with a sense of direction like you. And thank goodness for that. I didn’t think it was humanly possible to get lost as often as you have!
Heather DownPublished 10 days ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
Dear Karen, I have thrown up in your car, I have puked in your toilet, I have vomited at your parents’ house, and I have even lost my cookies in the bushes when you lived in Innisfil. Unfortunately, I was neither ill nor drunk.
Heather DownPublished 10 days ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
Dear Steve, I was 11 years into my career when I put in for a transfer from a tiny rural school just outside Alliston to join forces at the brand-new educational establishment in Alcona. The idea of being part of something fresh and exciting piqued my interest.
Heather DownPublished 12 days ago in Humans
Love Letters from Heather
To my darling granddaughter, Nora Belle. You almost didn’t arrive safely. Your mom couldn’t feel you move a couple of days before your birth. She went in to get checked but was sent back home a while later.
Heather DownPublished 12 days ago in Families
Love Letters from Heather
To my grade 9 and 10 English teacher, Mrs. Cheeseman. You are small in stature but large on impact. I can still hear the commanding click of your high heels as your tiny frame scurried about the classroom with short, quick steps turning over: clack, clack, clack in rapid succession. You were originally from Hawaii, I believe. Japanese descent.
Heather DownPublished 14 days ago in Education
