In my last newsletter, I shared that I’d be heading to the UK at the end of April—and this evening, I'm boarding the plane.

 

This week, I’ll be speaking at a series of events in London and Edinburgh, including meetings with Members of Parliament who are preparing to vote on whether to legalize assisted death in the UK.

 

A few months ago, I submitted written evidence to the UK’s parliamentary committee. The bill under review mirrors much of what we were told in Canada: that strict safeguards would protect people and that it would only apply to those at the end of life.

 

 

Because here’s the truth: my mom wasn’t terminal. She was struggling, but she could have lived. She was starving herself. She refused support. She was suffering from suicidal ideation, but there was no legal way for us, as her family, to intervene.

Instead of receiving care, she was approved for a state-sanctioned death.

What happened was wrapped in the language of compassion, but it wasn’t compassion—it was despair. And the system allowed it. It leaves me asking:

Should a person in a vulnerable and suicidal state have the final say?
Is autonomy above all else?
What does dignity really mean?
Who decides when a life is no longer worth living?
Who decides the value of a human life?
And what happens when we get it wrong?

 

 

Just before preparing for this trip, I completed the first major revision of The Other Side of the Straight Jacket. This rewrite marked a massive shift from telling the story from my mom’s perspective to mine, and it was the most transformative part of the process so far. The revised version is more grounded and honest. While I know there will still be a few more edits, this version feels truer to both our stories.

 

 

This trip has opened another layer of reflection. While the book's core will remain the same, I’ll incorporate this broader perspective. This isn’t just about what happened in Canada; it’s about what’s unfolding now—across borders, policies, and deeply human experiences.

 

 

I’ll be sharing moments from the road—reflections, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and photos from the events—on Instagram and Facebook. For those wanting a deeper look, I’ll continue writing longer updates on Substack in the weeks ahead.

Thank you for being here—for reading, remembering, and continuing to hold this with me.

 

As always…

Let’s be social. Stay connected for behind-the-scenes updates and reflections.