Unleash your imagination - Twenty Over Ten
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POSSIBILITIES unleash your imagination
SPRING 2021
PET THERAPY
They say you’re either a dog person or a cat way just for some extra love. In the early days likes to demand the door be opened with a
person. Canadians appear to be fairly split after being rescued by my mom, our Irish setter stern scowl that’s not to be refused. Then, she
on the issue with 35% of households owning Luke would sit by the house concentrating fix- insists on taking a long pause while passing
a dog vs 38% of households owning a cat. I atedly at the entrance to our driveway from the through. As her subordinate, you’re forced to
mean, can you really own a cat though? And, moment my mom left for work to the moment patiently hold the door before she glances up,
while the zodiac animal for 2020 was the rat, it he saw her car roll in a night, at which point a so as to say ‘We’re clear who’s boss here? Ex-
seemed a lot more like the year of the dog from flood of excited energy would be ‘unleashed’. cellent.’ before sauntering her way out.
To my mom’s great There is an undeniable element of elegance
inconvenience, he to cats, but the bravado, the confidence, the
would then stick to sheer audacity! Somehow, its all quite capti-
her like glue for the vating and even admirable. The fact that they
remainder of the day. are self-cleaning and require minimal mainte-
He knew he’d been nance makes them an easy pet, but they also
saved, he knew who have an inspiring chill factor. I’ve never been as
saved him, and he cozy as a cat looks on a rug by the fire, and hav-
was endlessly grate- ing a deeply chilled-out cat nearby is a calming
ful. experience.
Yet, as amazing To this day, I don’t know that I actually agreed
as they are, a dog with it. Perhaps, in a weak moment there I might
was not in the cards have said ‘Oh, okay, maybe we should consider
for Leah and me. At the issue a bit longer’ and the next thing I knew
present, we feel our we were on our way to pick up two new rescue
two young boys pro- kittens (Riker and Brumley). Like our old friend
vide an adequate Ender, Riker’s name comes from Leah’s love of
my perspective. Not one, but THREE staff at amount of responsibility. We also have a cat, sci-fi. Brumley is what we jokingly called our
Bell Financial adopted new puppies during the Ender, who is turning 16 this year and she is youngest, Callum, before he was born. Watch-
pandemic year. Then, when Leah’s youngest NOT a fan of dogs. So, Leah and I agreed that
sister Alexis and her husband Andrew brought as long as we have Ender, we just can’t have a
by a new friendly frantic fluff-ball we consid- dog. And that was that.
ered caving… for a microsecond. What’s not to Except, just as I began to feel reassured by
like about dogs? Sure, they need some food, our decision to keep things status quo, the
basic care and attention, but give them that subject of cats appeared out of thin air. Yes,
and they would literally take a bullet for you if cats. Plural. I’ve learned you should adopt two
they could and return all love ten-fold. You can at a time, so they have a pal.
teach them tricks, they sometimes do what I was reluctant, to say the least. Really, it
you ask (results may vary… but most try), and should be an easy case to make against them.
they are perfectly happy with you being their Are they loyal to you in any way? No. Can you
boss. I totally get why the meme ‘We don’t de- teach them tricks? Hahaha, oh goodness no.
serve dogs’ became so popular in 2020. But please try, and film it. Will they protect
I had several great dogs growing up. Our you? Only from mice, and only if it suits them.
black lab, Kara, would purposefully lie in high Do they even like you? They make sure this re-
traffic areas in hopes of being slightly harmed mains a mystery. Do they think that you are in ing the two brother kittens play together defi-
by a misstep or trip, at which point she would fact their pet, or rather, slave? Unquestionably nitely helps me understand why they suggest
roll on her back and relish in the apologetic yes, and they even take measures to reinforce you take two. They roam the house in a little
flood of attention. Yes, she put herself in harm’s this understanding from time to time. Ender kitten pack, batting things off tables, chewing
BELL FINANCIAL -1- ISSUE 79 | 2021
FOCUS HANDSHAKES AND HEARTS
When I was a young boy our family business and the limitations of words on paper become shake only to break his word soon after. To
(Western Tire – think Canadian Tire but smaller apparent when we are trying to communicate me, trust isn’t formed with pen and paper. It’s
and now extinct) sponsored my hockey team. emotions or demonstrate characteristics like formed when a connection occurs between
On the occasions where we played particular- trust and commitment. Words are tricky and two people. And a handshake is both a symbol,
ly well, my father would make an appearance in can easily be manipulated or misunderstood. and a communicator of that connection.
the dressing room after the game, usually with
a precariously full tray of fountain pops in a
time before lids and straws, and he would dole
them out to each of the thirsty young boys.
And then he would shake each player’s hand.
I remember thinking at the time how big my
father’s hands were, and I secretly wondered if
he squeezed my hand just a little harder than
everyone else’s.
I didn’t realize this growing up, but my fam-
ily life was preparing me for social distancing
protocols. We weren’t huggers or kissers. This
is not a slam against or a complaint about my
family. To me, this is perfectly normal. For us,
hugging and kissing was reserved for more in-
timate interactions. And that makes the story
about shaking my father’s hand perhaps just a
little more meaningful.
A story line circulating recently suggests
that due to the pandemic, shaking hands is
a thing of the past. I don’t agree. Obvious-
ly, handshaking isn’t going to be replaced by Add the voice of the communicator and the So much can be communicated with a sim-
hugs, and I think it is short sighted of us to be- message is significantly enhanced. That is ple touch. Respect, trust, friendship, commit-
lieve that humans will live forevermore without why I prefer a phone call to a back-and-forth ment, promise, joy, warmth, love, to name just a
We miss seeing your smiling faces so here are some of ours! (clockwise from top) touching. email chain. few. Oh yea, and pride.
David, Denise, Leah & Jon, Brittany & Gouda, Liz, Sonia, Gloria & Rocky, Bill & Ellen, Nick After a year of not shaking anyone’s hand, But an even more powerful communication I have no recollection of hugging my father.
I realize two things. First, how often I shook tool is touch. Don’t feel bad – again, to me that is perfectly
PET THERAPY CONTINUED
hands prior to covid. And second, how packed I love the movie Jerry Maguire, but it has al- normal. I felt very loved by my father, it was
with significance those handshakes can be. ways disturbed me greatly that Beau Bridges’ simply our way. Our sole form of touch was
Increasingly we communicate by written character says, “My word is stronger than oak,” handshake, and admittedly even that was rare.
There’s no turning back. A house with THREE for me (cats). word. Emails, texts, tweets, blogs, (this article); then seals that message with a solid hand- Our last handshake occurred when he was
cats. This can come with a certain stigma I’m most happy about our decision to adopt a few months away from dying
can’t it? Maybe I shouldn’t even be telling peo- Riker and Brumley when I see them with the and very weakened by cancer.
ple about this? For you dog people – or any an- boys. Rowan (6) and Callum (4) have learned I was only 30. We were in the
ti-pet people who are somehow still reading – I to be gentle and patient with them – a big ask driveway at his homestead
understand that you don’t get it. It’s not for you. for a couple of young energetic kids. It has in-
You’re probably thinking right now “Oh wow, spired a flood of new questions about animals,
GLORIA’S LEMONY CHICKEN & ORZO SOUP (our cottage) in Baysville. He
leaned on his cane for sup-
and here I thought I kind of understood Jon. their feelings, and how they are different from port as I recounted some of
He was a cat guy all this time? Sorry, cats guy! us. And, they’re getting a glimpse into the re- my successes at work. In re-
I’ll never look at him the same again!” Please wards of caring for another living thing - hey, sponse he said, “That’s great
remember, I grew up on a farm. At one point that could be me someday and I’d be lucky to
or another we had dogs, cats, horses, birds, get the quality of food these cats are living off!
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS Bill,” and he reached out and
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot shook my hand. I remember
hamsters, fish, cows, chickens, and who knows They see the kittens as members of our family, • 1 medium leek, white and over medium heat. Add leek thinking how big his hands
what else. That was a great life for me and which they are, each special and with person- pale-green parts only, halved and celery and cook, stirring were. And I remember feel-
impacted who I am. There are many studies alities of their own. lengthwise, sliced crosswise often, until vegetables ing how much pride passed
that report big benefits for kids who grow up Now, all this makes me wonder, if that’s what 1/2-inch thick
are soft, 5-8 minutes. Add through that simple touch.
cords, somehow clicking the remote to go live with companion pets. These include improved a couple of cats will do, imagine what we could • 1 celery stalk, sliced crosswise
chicken and broth; season I no longer wonder if Dad
on the Leaf game you are watching on a delay, childhood development, better general health, accomplish with a dog! 1/2-inch thick
with salt and pepper. Bring squeezed my hand in the
and generally getting between you and what- reduced stress, fewer behavioural problems, JUST KIDDING. • 12 ounces skinless, boneless
to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, hockey dressing room just a
ever you are paying attention to. As you might improved physical activity, stronger immune Whichever you choose to like best (being a chicken thighs
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 15-20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let cool, then shred chicken into little bit more than everyone
expect, we got a smorgasbord of kitten toys systems, and even reduced likelihood of devel- cat and a dog person is certainly acceptable
• Kosher salt, freshly ground bite-size pieces. else’s. He did.
only to find that the string dangling from the oping allergies…just to name a few. But studies in my books), make sure you also choose to
pepper 2. Meanwhile, return broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, 8-10
blinds trumps all. say a lot of stuff, including that you can’t really get a great vacuum.
• 1/2 cup orzo minutes. Bill
I pretended to be neutral on the idea for a trust studies. What I know is this: I was always Wishing you a happy and healthy spring!
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 3. Remove pot from heat. Stir in chicken and dill. Serve with lemon halves for William.Bell@ManulifeSe-
little while to avoid the ‘I told you so’s’ but I can’t happy to have more buddies around, even if Jon • Lemon halves (for serving squeezing over. curities.ca
keep up the charade. So, I admit it. I love them. they were pretending that they were too cool Jon.Earle@ManulifeSecurities.ca
BELL FINANCIAL -2- ISSUE 78 | 2020 BELL FINANCIAL -3- ISSUE 79 | 2021
PRO-VACCINE; ANTI-CLIMAX
March 9, 2021 March 14, 2021
Late in the evening, just before I turned off my phone V-Day. I made a sign (because that
and headed to bed, I received an e-mail from my local is what one does for vaccinations)
Rexall Pharmacy inviting me to “Get on The COVID-19 and Susie and I walked over to Rexall
Vaccine Waitlist”. I had heard there were supplies of for my appointment. I had to contain
one of the vaccines that had to be administered prior my excitement because Susie was
to the “best before” date of April 2nd. Since it had not too young for this round of shots and
yet been approved for those over age 65, the Ontario was understandably envious of the
government decided to target the next youngest group, privileges afforded to me in my ad-
aged 60-64. It’s not often that one can benefit from be- vanced years. But make no mistake:
ing over 60 years of age, so I immediately signed up. I was excited. My life was about to
After the year we’ve had (insert myriad depressing change. An entire year of fear and
descriptors here), there was finally a tangible thread of worry was about to melt away. The
hope, a reason to believe that the improbable was now pharmacist greeted us, asked me a few health ques-
possible. Even though the e-mail confirmation after tions and ushered me to the waiting area. When my turn
pre-registering for the vaccine warned me not to get came, it all happened very quickly; Susie barely had time
my hopes up, that it might be many weeks before I could
book an appointment, if at all, I was elated. Also, being
to take my picture before I was immunized. We thanked
the pharmacist and went home.
GREAT MINDS, GREAT
able to legitimately jump the queue to get jabbed was
kind of exciting. I was more than willing to take any vac-
* * *
Over the next couple of days, my euphoria began to
Thoughts
cine, even one that had a rapidly-approaching “sell-by” wane. While I was very grateful and relieved to have
date. I am the guy who inspects the half-off produce at been vaccinated and to put the immediate fear of
the end of the aisle, often exclaiming, to no one in partic- COVID-19 behind me, I realized that until many, many
ular, that there’s nothing wrong with a bit of wilt or bruis- more people receive their shots, nothing in my day-to-
ing, and tossing the items into my cart before anyone day life would change. Masking, physical distancing,
became the wiser. I love a deal, and this vaccine was avoiding indoor activities, remaining apart from extend- What greater gift than the
the deal of the century. ed family, all of this would continue into the foreseeable love of a cat.
March 11, 2021 future. Hanging my certificate of vaccination around my
I received the e-mail from Rexall to book my vaccine! neck wouldn’t change any of it.
Charles Dickens
Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people across the I thought about what it would be like to be 12 years old
Province received the same e-mail, and the booking sys- again and waiting all year to find out that I had made the
tem crashed soon after I had provided the requested in- baseball team. I imagined being handed the coveted
formation. Yet another setback in a year of faint hope jersey, but told by the coach that no one could play until
and crushing disappointment. After trying and re-try- the whole team received their jerseys. And even when
ing to get back in without success, I tried the low-tech that happened, we still couldn’t play until all of the kids
option of calling our pharmacist. Of course, the phone on the other teams also got their jerseys. And no one I don’t need drums,
lines were jammed (Boomers are a determined bunch), knew exactly when those jerseys would arrive. I was a I am drums.
so I waited a few minutes and then tried again. This kid with a bat, ball, glove and a brand-new jersey, but I
time, I got through to the pharmacist without delay. The couldn’t play.
poor guy was overwhelmed by calls from frantic 60-64 Despite my temporary despondence, I remain opti- Power
year-olds trying to book their vaccination appointments. mistic that before too long we will all be able to be safe Adventures of Power
Nevertheless, without complaint, he booked me in for again: to gather, to laugh, to hug, to sit together at the
Sunday, March 14 at 2:10pm. If a measure of a person dinner table, to work side by side, to play ball. It can’t hap-
is how he responds under stress, then my pharmacist pen soon enough. Your hand touching mine.
gets high marks. David Frank
dfrank@bellfinancial.ca
this is how galaxies
collide.
Inspired by your vision
Sanober Khan
15165 Yonge Street, Suite 201
Aurora, Ontario, L4G 1M1
t (905) 713-3765 f (905) 713-2937
Visit our blog:
www.bellfinancial.ca
@BellFinancialInc @BellFinancial96 add Bill Bell & Jonathan Earle www.bellfinancial.ca
All information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only. While all information is believed to be true, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and neither Bell Financial Inc. nor any associate of
Bell Financial Inc. will assume responsibility for financial applications based on any information herein. Readers are advised to seek additional specific advice regarding any strategies.
BELL FINANCIAL -4- ISSUE 78 | 2020
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