Author Archives: Al Zylstra

I know that my anniversary is a ways off, but, I stumbled across some of my wedding photos.  These photos were originally posted on Facebook page.  When I deleted my Facebook account, I was able to download my history.  So, below are some of the photos from one of the happiest days of my life.Continue reading “Wedding Memories”

It has been a few weeks since I wrote last and while a lot has been going on the world, I have tried to insulate myself from the majority of it. My own life has been hectic enough. Alex, my amazing husband has been diagnosed with Tinnitus – according to everyone’s favour psychosomatic website:  webmdContinue reading “General Musings”

So, another whirlwind trip to visit my mom. As always, I am a bit apprehensive about these visits. One can never be sure of my mom’s state. Fortunately, this has been a good visit. She is relatively lucid and calm. Mom loves to talk about her family and I encourage it. Those memories, while distantContinue reading “Hello Edmonton”

So, after my parents were married, their lives began to move forward very rapidly.  The Second World War had been over for about 5 years and the vast majority of Europe was still dealing with recovery, rebuilding and renovating. The Netherlands was hit especially hard and the economy was faltering.  Employment opportunities were few, especiallyContinue reading “My family history”

Every year, my company does what they call, a “Road Show”. This is an opportunity for staff from various locations across the region to get together. We do this to learn how the company fared in the previous year. More importantly, we get the chance to bond, to renew old acquaintances, friends and form newContinue reading “IRIS the Roadshow”

So, I know that I have been writing a bunch of posts in the last while that are… well, not dark in tone, but, maybe dusk-like.  I have been remembering (and mourning) my father’s passing, my sister’s passing and my mother’s descent into dementia.  The posts have had their bright spots but, the tone isContinue reading “My Family – Part 1”

I have begun recording more of my mom’s memories during my visits to see her in the nursing home in Edmonton.  These memories are my small attempt at keeping her mind active and focused. The Dementia prevents her for focusing on the immediate events in her life.  As a result, she finds herself feeling lost,Continue reading “Memories from my mother”

Here at the 2018 Zoomer Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre representing IRIS. I love my job.

It is just after 8 am, the condo we are in is quiet, serene and yet surrounded by activity. Somehow, the hustle and bustle of the gulls as they swoop in and around the beach looking for those unlucky crustaceans who were foolhardy enough to venture close to the shore just adds to the calm.Continue reading “Tofino – part three”