Life - Musings, Reflections and Stories

January 8, 2025- Mike Larocque’s podcast:

Re- Chronic PTSD and hyper vigilance resulting in a debilitating loss of quality of life. 

 Interviewer:  Joanne K. Beaudry-Larocque

M4A audio – 93.5 mb ; time: 57:32

At age 70, Mike realized his symptoms of panic attacks, sadness, depression, body aches and a feeling of wanting to just stay home and not do anything was getting worse.  He bravely told his doctor and was referred to a social worker counselor to subsequently to see a psychiatrist.  He was diagnosed with Chronic PTSD (post traumatic symptoms disorder) and hyper vigilance where he couldn’t handle sudden, sharp, loud noises where it would send him into a frenzy of shaking and almost breaking down. 

My husband, Mike relates as to where his trauma events first happened to being strapped and viciously assaulted by his teacher at the young age of seven years old and other events while at school to the point he hated going to school.  Then, with a limited education, he worked for almost thirty five years on the railway as a maintenance foreman where his job was to inspect and repair railway track but also to clean up the bloody messes from tragic accidents.  No counseling or time off was offered to him or to his crew as they were trained not to complain.  As time progressed, life happens then stuff from the past bubbles up to the point, where it was affecting him with his mental, emotional and physical health.  I am proud of my husband, especially as a man to bravely talk about his mental health and to encourage others to do the same. 

If you or know of someone who might need counseling, please seek help.  Visit with your doctor or go to a crisis centre or emergency at a hospital.  Don’t wait, until it’s too late. 

"I Have No Hometown" - "The Fossilized Honeycomb" - "Stillness" I talk about residing in small Northern Ontario communities: Matabitchuan, Goward, Hunta, Abitibi Canyon and with some that are no longer in existence. Most were “Hydro” “towns.”   This memoir was published in 2009 - HighGrader Magazine in three separate issues.  I read a short story about “Fraserdale” by Dennis Oleskevich (2015)  and two excerpts about my parents by: Jean Ellis (“Memories” (2010) and “hydro history” by Isabel Wilson (“life in the colonies-the dam towns”(2011); I read my short story, “The Fossilized Honeycomb” (2011); and read my poem, “Stillness” (2008)

March 2, 2024: trigger warning for this episode on my podcast of specific derogatory words and a scene of sexual violence in my play, “Encounters at Bell Mansion.”  Published in 2015 in HighGrader Magazine.  This play is also to raise awareness about the crisis: “MMIWG” – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.    Disclaimer: Disclaimer Note from author: Joanne K. Beaudry-Larocque:  This play “Encounters at Bell Mansion” is purely a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination.  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely and entirely coincidental, unless historical figures.  This play’s story and some characters are fictitious.  Certain historical names, long-standing institutions, agencies and public offices are mentioned, but some of the characters involved (besides the historical names) are wholly imaginary.  This is a work of fiction. 

Michael Brovac - IPEX Syndrome to Basketball Coach

Near death during most of his young life because of a medical condition called:  IPEX Syndrome, Michael Brovac is a survivor.  He and his younger brother, Cameron were hospitalized most of their lives.  After a bone marrow transplant and then undergoing chemo with having cancer, Michael, is healthier now and currently works as a Life Coach, Trainer & Public Speaker.  He, also currently works with a professional basketball team in player development and leadership skills.  Unfortunately, his younger brother, Cameron died when he was much younger of the same medical condition.  In memory of his brother, Michael has also created an organization and is CEO of:  “CAM-O” – where his goal is to inspire others; help children in hospitals who might need mentoring; and or may need emotional help with the goal to have a healthier outlook of their life and to never give up.  If you or your organization, would like Michael Brovac to be your guest speaker, please reach out to him on his website:  www.cam-o.ca; or contact him through Facebook or Intragram.  I am truly inspired by this young man, who with the help of his parents and kind mentors along the way, Michael had made the conscious decision to change his life around to be healthier, mentally and physically.  Thank you, Michael Brovac for being my guest on my podcast:  “Life-Musings, Reflections and Stories.”  February 29, 2024.  www.buymeacoffee.com/joannelarocque

February 14, 2024: History of St. Valentine's Day; my published story, "Mandarin Valentine" (sorry for the laughter-Lol!); Love Phrases; Valentine reflections & thoughts. 

Daniel Vincent - Seizures from Epilepsy to the 11th person in the world to undergo a brain operation to Success and a happier positive life.  

Jan.22,2024-my published story about our blended family-"The Pencil Drawer", our song, "Alligator Tears", our twins on "Life" Brand cereal boxes, C.M.T.C.;  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/joannelarocque 

I learned how to waltz with my grandfather, Raphael Mallette at age six in 1962; my story, "Pappy's Dance" was written December 1998 and published.  My grandmother, "Nanny"  Lina's (Lynn Dupuis-Mallette) Eulogy written by me - one year later.  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/joannelarocque

In Honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, today on January 15, 2024, I talk about Martin Luther King Jr. and about the history of slavery in North America:  Canada and the United States.  I also read my twice published story, "Anaiah" and the history of the church in Oro-Medonte - north of Barrie, Ontario. Canada. 

December 25, 2023 – Christmas Episode- with Mike & Jo – (recorded Dec.19,2023) time: 01:22:45:  Final podcast episode for the year of 2023 – with more new episodes with new guests  in January 2024 :)...xo This Christmas episode for December 2023 is with my husband, Mike Larocque and myself, Joanne Beaudry-Larocque.  This episode is a collection of stories of our memories from past Christmases with our grandparents, parents, with our own blended family with six kids, a pile of grandkids and greatgrandkids and chosen  brothers, sisters and chosen family and friends. :) xo The latter half of this Christmas episode is Mike performing songs he recorded in video which is on his and my personal Facebook profiles; and on Mike’s business Facebook page:  At Home Country-Performers: Mike Larocque & family; and on his Instagram and also on his YouTube channel. :) xo The songs are:  1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas;   2. Silent Night;    3. Jingle Bell Rock;    4. White Christmas;     5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town;    6. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer;      7. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus;     8.  Feliz Navidad;     9. Silver Bells;      10. Blue Christmas;     11. Here Comes Santa Claus;     12. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree and then an encore of:  “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”  :) xo Thank you to all of you for listening to my podcast. I am so grateful and appreciate everyone who took the time to be my guests and to all of you, my dear listeners.  We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  And Happy Holidays and Blessings to All.  God Bless You. xo