On Tuesday evening, members of the PLAN Family Network gathered on Zoom for a warm and thoughtful conversation. The time together was filled with honesty, shared experiences, and genuine care for one another.
The evening began with greetings and updates as families shared a little about their summers and how good it felt to be back together. To ground the gathering, a reading of Who Holds Your Story? by David Pitonyak reminded everyone of the deep importance of being truly seen and having someone to carry and honour our stories.
Families then broke into small groups. In these circles, they leaned into both celebrations and questions, speaking openly about what was most present for them. When the larger group returned, participants noticed the strong threads of connection running through their conversations—the daily challenges of caregiving, alongside the deep value of investing in relationships and future planning. One parent captured this balance simply:
“This is stressful. We do what we can and we are good at it.”
Families highlighted the value of connecting beyond Zoom. Casual coffee meet-ups, as one parent noted, are opportunities not just for parents but also for their children to connect with others who truly understand their experiences. These informal gatherings continue to nurture relationships and provide strength.
A rich conversation also emerged around building future plans through family stories and memories. Families shared creative ways they capture love in tangible forms—holiday memories, handwritten recipes, everyday photos, and more. As one parent beautifully said:
“A parent’s love on paper. This is for us too!”
Others spoke of the role digital tools can play, turning treasured moments into living storybooks for loved ones and their networks of support.
The evening drew to a close with a reading of Practicing Joy by Thich Nhat Hanh. This gentle poem about mindfulness and community reminded everyone that joy grows stronger when practiced together—and that gatherings like these are one way to keep that joy alive.
Thank you to all who joined and contributed to this meaningful evening. The next PLAN Family Network conversation will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 pm.
On behalf of the PLAN Family Network,
Claire Inkster