Albert William John Hudson was a long name for an unassuming man that preferred to be called Ab. Albert Hudson was the fourth child of Elsie and Bill Hudson, born on a cold December day in Peterborough, Ontario. Dad spoke of the long walk to school with his older brother and sisters. The family moved to Lakefield, while he was in grade school. During that time, three sets of twins and four other siblings were born to share their three-bedroom house. Dad grew up with six brothers and six sisters! One of the twins didn't live past his first year. I used to love hearing the aunts and uncles gather and share stories of their childhood in a time before television, computers and the internet. There were stories of the boys avoiding the trip to the outhouse by opening the second-story window and peeing onto the porch roof. Winter snow gave them away. Apparently, they went through a phase of knife throwing to see if they could get the knife to stick in the bedroom door. And we thought lawn darts were a little risky growing up!
Dad did well in school and was offered to skip ahead a grade, but he knew he had to quit school at sixteen to move out and work. Dad worked at bookkeeping for a few years while living with his sisters, Sylvia and Mary. He enlisted in the Canadian Air Force to gain further training as an electronics technician. He spent two years on the ‘dewline’ - the highest northern base that monitored and handled communications in the Canadian arctic.
It was shortly after this trek north that my Uncle Carl and Aunt Ruth introduced my parents on a double date. Dad was twenty-eight when he bought his first car. He married my mom when she was just twenty-one in 1965. We joked that he robbed the cradle, but Mom had been teaching for several years already. She completed teacher’s college at eighteen years old.
Dad and Mom lived in Belleville for the first few years of their marriage. Dad worked at Trenton Airforce Base. Stephen was born in 1967 and was proudly shared with neighbours and family. Dad loved to share stories and snuggles and to make silly faces and sounds to gain a smile from his new baby boy!
Dad took a job in Brantford in 1969 and moved ahead of Mom to find a place to live. Mom and Steve moved to Stinson Street just a few weeks before I was born - I surprised them by coming 4 weeks early!
I loved growing up in that neighbourhood in West Brant. We had kid’s carnivals in our backyard and a tribe of children that played outside every day. Dad taught us to ride a bike. I remember the confidence I had as he held the back of my seat and ran with me while I got a feel for the pedals. When I could soar on my own, he let go and I didn’t even notice until I heard his voice from far behind me saying: “Keep going, Peg! You’re doing it!” Of course, when I looked back to find him, I wiped out. But it was a good beginning.
Mom and Dad were delighted when Kathy joined our family six years after me in 1975. She was our Christmas gift that year as she was finally released from the hospital in time to celebrate with us. We also had a foster brother join our home for several years since Mom and Dad always had enough love to share.
Dad’s faith was shown in action. Kindness was his code. We would go out shopping and he would always talk to the clerks and other shoppers around us. As a shy girl who hated talking to strangers, I thought these kind movements toward others were super brave. I looked up to my dad.
Dad was patient with fixing things. I would have a delicate chain that got all tangled up and it was Dad who would sit and unknot the snarls. When things didn’t work as they should, we all learned to go to my dad. Other people in the church learned of his skills and he was often fixing a television or radio for a friend.
Dad did a lot of renovating in each house we lived in. He instinctively knew what to do and worked hard to make home a safe, inviting space. Mom warmed up the spaces with her artistic touches and then they both filled our home with love.
We were always welcome to have friends over. In fact, many of my friends called my parents Mom and Dad. My parents were gracious hosts, and our home was often filled with music, laughter, great conversations and faith.
From my earliest memories, we would have family devotions together at night cuddled in on the bed. We were taught to let faith rule over fear, and I remember Dad logically explaining why the darkness didn’t have to shake us. We knew Jesus, the light of the world was with us always.
Dad was a gracious soul. He gave people the benefit of the doubt and held the philosophy that “without the grace of God, that could be me.” It was Dad who first held the conviction that we should give first from our income to God and live on the other 90%. My parents started the tradition of setting aside 10% of their earnings in a church envelope each payday. They wanted to honour God with all they had. We never lacked for anything. And my parents' generosity made a deep impression on me.
Dad taught each of us how to drive. That was a good idea since he was a peaceful presence to have beside us as we learned. I remember one time Dad took me to a gravel road with an 80 km/h speed limit. I started to get too close to the edge then spooked and overcompensated. Dad just reached over and grabbed the wheel to steady us and made a soothing sound as you would to a spooked horse. “Whoa, there… we’re okay,’ as he coached me to lift my foot off the gas pedal.
I remember long car rides with Dad as he’d drive me back to school at Laurier. He was a man of few words but was happy to listen as I talked about things I was learning and experiencing. It was easiest to get Dad talking about his memories of his siblings, his life with Mom and our shared vacations and family adventures.
Dad loved to laugh and enjoyed making silly faces or goofy limericks. He always had a song in his head and would tap out rhythms on the dining table or glassware. He played piano for a few years and loved to sing when Kath or I would play.
In the last few years, his body was becoming a burden to him. It was becoming a struggle to get out of a chair or climb stairs. He had a growth on his prostate that created repeated bladder and kidney infections. His COPD made it necessary to monitor oxygen and blood pressure levels repeatedly each day. He made light of the indignities of needing a trip to the bathroom every twenty minutes, He made it one more opportunity to make someone smile when he made up a little ditty to accompany his shuffle with his walker: “Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to pee I go…” He had two more brilliant lines that I should have written down.
In the last few years, Mom has been a marvellous caregiver to my dad making it possible for him to live at home. We are so grateful that he came home from hospital just before COVID lockdown. He was a constant companion to Mom through that challenging time. He loved looking out the big picture windows in the living room at the birds and squirrels from the forest next to their home. They kept the feeders full all winter long to enjoy the colourful antics of wildlife. He shared movie nights with mom and they had their favourite programs they watched together. We were happy to resume family visits and some sense of normalcy together while Dad was still with us. He went on one last trip with my family in late August. We will treasure our memories.
Dad has said many times over the last few years that he was ready to go home. It was like he was in the waiting room, doing his best to enjoy the people and activities offered there, but with his mind on the next great adventure.
Since Dad passed away peacefully in the hospital at 5 am on October 31st, this scripture has been in my heart and mind:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Dad, we feel relief that you got to slip from this world gently in your sleep just as you hoped. We delight in knowing you are free from hardship and pain - and that your best self has risen up to the heights of your love and imagination into the glory of your Heavenly King. We love you!
We all go through seasons when stresses are high.
My husband had a day off on Monday and really needed to let his body gear down. Instead of numbing with mindless activities, I suggested an at-home spa day! He was game!
I started with making him a nourishing smoothie with 1/2 scoop of Chlorella protein powder, 10 mg Collagen, 1/4 Avocado, 1/4 cup of Oat milk, 1 tbsp Coconut milk, 1/4 cup of Strawberries, topped up to the 2-cup mark with water. I try to make one of these for him most mornings since I already make one for myself. I handed him a Ningxia Red pouch, Super B for adrenals, Vit D/K, and mineral supplement to round out his nutrient care!
After a leisurely breakfast, I had him prep for a detox bath with some dry brushing. This stimulates the lymph system to circulate and drain as it is meant to. You just use a boar bristle brush to brush up from the feet to the groin area where the lymph drains. Then brush up the hands, arms, and torso to the armpits where the lymph can drain.
While he was brushing, I filled the tub with very warm water, Epsom salts and 4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil. He soaked in the tub for 15 minutes to allow his muscles to soak in the minerals and let the Rosemary go to work on helping cleanse his body of toxins. It is normal to sweat after this. I have been doing this bath every 3 days for the last few weeks and found it really restful and helpful.
I learned about this routine during our YL team's summer lymphatic challenge. I really enjoy the benefits of the dry brushing and detox baths. At first, these actions stirred up headaches that eased in the bath.
I showed him my YL Satin Mint Facial Scrub and three-step Bloom skincare routine, and he loved how it made his skin feel smooth and hydrated.
Then I showed him how to apply essential oils for hormone balance, immune support and digestive care to help his body feel nourished and supported to function well. Supplements and essential oils are part of my daily routine - though I also include emotional oils.
For lunch, we included a large salad with balsamic vinaigrette to enjoy the benefits of olive oil and greens alongside his normal easy picks for self-serve meals. He remarked that he isn't usually so intentional about self-care. I mentioned that it is to have a resilient body that can handle neglect. My system is so sensitive that these are habits that are necessary for me to feel well every day.
After lunch, Lance and I enjoyed some reading time and then he had a restful nap on the couch for 30 minutes.
Some physical activity and creative time are great ways to nourish our body and spirit to reset. I was pleased when Lance mentioned how much more relaxed he already felt. A massage before bed will be the perfect finish to our spa day!
What would you include in your spa day?
I was reminded this morning how vital it is to know we are seen, heard, known and loved! I love the bible story of the lamb that was missed, sought and found by the shepherd! It is lovely to remember that the One who made us is always aware of our needs and steps in before we even know how to ask.
As a young teen struggling with trauma, I'd go out into the woods and feel a peace and calm settle over me as I recognized God's care and understanding even though I didn't even know what I needed. I knew I wasn't alone in the best possible way - not the creepy way.
Whatever this day is like for you, take a second to breathe deeply and know that you are seen, known and loved!
Many perfumes and candles cause me to have headaches and an asthma reaction. So I love using beautiful natural scents from essential oils to make my own personal scent that also offers some stress relief!
DIY VANILLA MINT PERFUME
I love vanilla and mint scents! They are calming and fresh, and remind me of peppermint patties and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Wearing some stress-relieving self-care as you get ready for your day can be such a wonderful way to set the tone and move into healthy spaces!
This DIY Vanilla Mint perfume is the perfect spring perfume and it is so simple!
DIY VANILLA MINT PERFUME
10-15 drops of Lavender
10 drops Stress Away
3 drops of Peppermint
Add to a roller bottle and top with your favourite carrier oil.
OR
Add to a 30 ml Pretty Spray Bottle and add a splash of witch hazel to spritz it on! It can be a great linen spray, too!
And BONUS: Lavender and Peppermint are great seasonal supports too, so as you're smelling delicious you're also fighting off the spring sniffles!
My favourite roller bottles can be found at this link:
Find some fancy bottles for gifting or pick up a few vintage perfume spray bottles. I like these but you can use half the number of essential oil drops for this size.:
You might also like:
Outdoor Blend
From our Essential Collective Customer Central!
We will all too soon be plagued by mosquitoes, gnats, and flies when all we want to do is enjoy a bonfire or walk along the beach.
.
It’s tempting to reach for the classic insect repellant, but before you do that, flip over the bottle to see if DEET is an active ingredient.
.
DEET is a registered pesticide. It is a member of the toluene chemical family. Toluene is an organic solvent used in rubber, plastic cements, and paint removers. DEET is absorbed through the skin and can pass into the blood.
.
It can cause allergic skin reactions and eye irritation. A 2013 analysis of about 4,000 DEET-related calls to poison control centers found that 450 people needed medical treatment after applying DEET, and two were fatal.
.
Most cases of seizures, slurred speech, coma, and other serious side effects have occurred in people who ingested DEET or applied it for three or more days in a row or used products with 95 percent DEET or more.
.
Feeling hopeless due to lack of EFFECTIVE DEET-free alternatives?
.
Young Living came out with an Outdoor Blend that has been tested to keep away those outdoor annoyances using 100 percent naturally derived, plant-based ingredients.
.
Pure sesame oil and a carefully selected blend of essential oils traditionally used for their bug-repellent properties come together to make up all 99 percent of the active ingredients in this formula. The other 1 percent? Vitamin E. That means you can use it on your little ones and not worry about the synthetic chemicals used in many other repellents. You’ll also love the pleasant, citrusy aroma and smooth, non-sticky application.
Want to turn our pump into a spray?
Grab the Insect Repellent bottle and make it into a spray for easy use:
- Bottle of YL Insect Repellant
- 3 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil
- 20 drops of Citronella essential oil
- Add all items to the spray bottle, but add the insect repellent last (it will not all fit!)
.
If you forget to apply your outdoor spray, don’t worry. We have your back! This soothing stick/roll-on DIY is perfect for adults and kids!
.
.
DIY Soothing Stick
.
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops *Purification Essential Oil
3 drops *Peppermint Essential Oil
.
*Leave the Peppermint and Purification out of this recipe if using on children 2 years old or younger.
.
Combine these soothing essential oils in a 10 ml roller and fill the rest with V6 complex oil or your favourite carrier oil. Apply this calming stick roll-on to any irritated skin areas you need as often as you need it.
.
What is your favourite activity outside that usually results in lots of mosquito bites?
