A community grieving
Life was supposed to be joyous for Ricky and Erin Knockwood as they went into the P.E.I.'s Queen Elizabeth Hospital to give birth to their first child on Canada Day.
However, tragedy would quickly turn the best day of Ricky’s life into his worst.
First, his baby girl, Scarlett Ivy, did not survive the delivery. Later that day, Ricky’s wife died, too.
The Guardian's Jim Day spoke with the couple's close friend, Amila Topic, about the Knockwoods' love for each other and fitness, and what their community is doing to help Ricky cope with his grief in some way during his difficult time.
Click to read more and find out how you can help.
Sparkles for Spencer
MPPH Syndrome is a genetic condition so rare, only about 60 affected individuals have been described in medical literature, according to the U.S National Library of Medicine.
That statistic increased by one 2.5 years ago when Spencer, the son of Stephanie Rogers and Adam Forward of Bridgewater, N.S., was born two months prematurely with MPPH Syndrome.
In an interview with SaltWire's Kathy Johnson, Rogers says the neuromovement lessons “help makes those connections in his brain that aren’t developing the way that they should.”
Where the expensive treatments are not covered under the provincial health care plan or private insurance, Rogers decided to try her hand at making jewelry as a way to help pay for the treatments.
“I started out around Christmas time and it kind of took off,” Rogers tells Johnson. “People have been really supportive. It’s been a huge help."
Sidewalk serenade
The smiles never left the faces of Wilfred and Judy Butler as the Cape Breton Chordsmen serenaded them for their 50th wedding anniversary over the weekend.
Cars honked as they drove by while the 40 guests in attendance stood in groups along the sidewalk and street, observing COVID-19 protocols.
“This is overwhelming. We weren't even going to do anything, not because of COVID, just we weren’t,” Wilfred Butler tells the Cape Breton Post's Nicole Sullivan.
The veranda of the Butlers' Sydney home was decorated with balloons and homemade anniversary signs and the retired teachers stood on their lawn where a photo of Wilf and Judy on their wedding day had been placed.
Guests approached the couple and offered congratulations from a distance before dropping anniversary cards in the card box.
Check out Sullivan's story and photos to help the Butlers celebrate.
Plan for puffins
If you're planning on staycationing within the Atlantic bubble this summer, Cape Breton may offer some avian delights for you and your family.
Did you know the island is home to one of nature's most unique bird species, the Atlantic puffin?
Writing for SaltWire, Tiffany Thornton says there's no better time to set sail out along the coast to catch a glimpse of these clown-like sea birds that boast bright orange beaks only during the spring and summer seasons.
Perfect day for picking
Just looking for a cute photo? The Telegram's Rosie Mullaley has you covered.
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