We had so many memorable times at Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood, Canada. Jessica started skiing at 2-1/2 years old and today she is the most powerful skier and snowboarder! She flies down the hill with no fear! We met a lot of great friends, for example, Lizzy and Rebecca, around the fireplace at the lodge.

We attended all sorts of social functions and Jessica took Spencer in the pet parade. He was a hit and came in second place in the competition. Spencer and Jessica grew up together. He lived to be almost 16 years old. Spencer slept with Jessica every night!

jessican with spencer

Well, accidents happen and at 3 years old Jessica broke her leg; her femur. It was a tree trunk break, very critical. She was in a body cast for six weeks. “Pink”. A body cast like this is a huge challenge. To transport Jess to appointments it was loading a torpedo into the car. We put her in a femur study and they set her leg one centimeter long like a tree break. After six months the students could not tell which leg she broke.

Jessica in the wagon

Here is a picture of Jessica and my wife, Janet, at the piano. Jessica is in the body cast here.

jessica at piano with body cast

Afterward, Jessica has become a great athlete. She plays basketball, soccer, swims, hikes and does all sporting activities.

She was a great trouper through those difficult times.

I thank the wonderful staff at The Hospital for Sick Children of Toronto for her full recovery.

Janet and Jess at the piano