Thunder Bay is No Sleeping Giant

Keeping it lively in Thunder Bay!
Photo Credit: Matt Goertz

The only previous experience I had with Thunder Bay, Ontario was sending my daughter Kiersten out there for tree planting.  This is a job many summer students enjoy doing because they are outdoors and they make good money.  I was headed to this northern Ontario city to conduct a seminar.  My sister, Martina, accompanied me on the journey.  As we flew over Lake Superior in the early morning we could see a monstrous lake - Lake Superior is the biggest freshwater lake in the world containing 20% of the worlds' fresh water supply - we could see the lights of the city sparkling below us and a massive land mass jutting out into the water, something we would later learn was called The Sleeping Giant.

On the ground we were met by Sharla Brown from Keynote Events and her helper Tammy.  Sharla is the feisty gal who coordinated the entire event.  From the moment I met her I knew we were in good hands because she had every detail well organized and I never had a question about where I was to be or when.  Throughout the book signing at Janzen's Pharmacy, the dinner at Five Forks and the seminar held at the Victoria Inn, I met the wonderful people of Thunder Bay.  There were many heart warming stories from women and men who had endured much yet found their way to health and wellness with the help of Eating Clean.

Brenda Adams of Janzen's

It was my pleasure to meet Brenda Adams, owner of Janzen's Pharmacy and sponsor of the event, and her team, all of whom were smiling no matter what.  Thank you for hosting such a wonderful event, bringing awareness to health and wellness to so many in the gateway to the North.

Michelle Hamilton and her son John. 

I also met Michelle Hamilton and her husband Pete and their son John.  What a story!  Perhaps I will have Michelle guest blog for us so she can share her powerful story about courage and perseverance.  The main piece of this story is that she and I endured similar heartaches regarding our sons.  Braden Kennedy, Robert's son and my stepson, sustained global head injuries when he was hit by a car.  He passed in 2011.  Michelle's son John sadly also sustained brain injuries 3 years ago.  Although I knew the story, I had not met John until the weekend in Thunder Bay.  He made my day with his smiles and gentle nature.  The good word is he is making a slow recovery.  Thank goodness for small miracles.

The event itself was filled with laughter, tears, emotions of all ranges and silliness too.  We enjoyed working my favourite body part - the glutes - as well as the lower abs.  We made yummy Lifestyle Bars and led the way for more health and wellness in Thunder Bay.

Thank you Thunder Bay!

Hope to see you at one of my events.
Tosca