I have some extremely shocking news. I am moving back to Toronto. Alone. My heart is broken. Life just asked too much of us. When you read this it will be my birthday and I will be in Toronto.
Update: Thank you all so much for your generous donations! You raised enough money with your birthday gift contributions to get me home!!! I will write more later but you have honestly just saved me. Saved me in so many ways. I would be lost without your help.
This would be the most generous gift you can give me for my birthday. I promise to keep food blogging and sharing my stories with you, just from a different kitchen and city. There is still so much more to explore together.
Oh Vancouver. You vegan gluten-free beautiful city. How I wanted to make this and so many other things work. I tried but I never quite fit in. I loved your mildness. My tulips are already coming up in the garden. I am finally off pain medication because BC is a province that does not hurt me. Still, you crushed me.
I am terrified of my future. I lived in Toronto 19 years feeling like a total outcast and spent 23 years trying not to go back. That said, the city has changed a lot since I grew up there. When I took care of my mom the last few months of her life I could see that it had become a warmer city than when I lived there. Still intense and crazy but I witnessed people looking out for each other and being kind.
Toronto, we have never gotten along but I ask that you be kind to me. I am more than a little broken all over. I do not know if my heart will ever fully heal but I will once again turn to the kitchen to find inspiration, stories and learn all that I can. Thank god for food. How many times have you saved my life? I have lost count.
I am coming for you Toronto. Are you ready?
Happy Birthday and best of luck on this crazy twisting journey through life.
Dear Suzie,
Happy Birthday. A broken heart is such a hard thing to go through. But experience has taught me that we always make it to the other side. Sending you love and big hugs. Thankfully, you have your sisters to help you during this terrible time.
I’m so sad to hear your news. Know that I am thinking of you often (for what it is worth!) I hope you get some rest and recovery time and that you can have a happy birthday in spite of the hard circumstances. Love from Oregon.
Tammy
I’m so sorry for you! I wish you all the best on your birthday, and hope the next one will find you in a much happier shape.Lots of love!
Oh Suzie! I also sorry that you are going through this stressful time.
Oh Suzie! I am so sorry!! You are not alone!! You are loved and I hope you can feel that. I wish you a Happy Birthday, I wish I could do more. (((Hugs)))
Desba
Oh Suzie this news makes me so sad Im so sorry honey you are the best of the best and I will always love you Sister we have known each and helped each other many times over…I am here for you…you are loved and cherished.
Happy Birthday! Sorry to hear of you leaving BC….but you will land on your feet in Toronto.I am looking forward to reading about your foodie adventures in Toronto…
Suzie, so sorry to hear this. You are stronger than you know and you will overcome. You have Jamie and Shannon closer now too. Thinking positive thoughts for you and sent you a little birthday gift as well.
Oh, Suzie — as shocking and sad as it is, your support system (aka friends) will be there for you.
(wow … I can finally meet you in person!!! – with a free Paintnite on me. sweetie!!!)
Love you both to bits!!
Wish I could fo more than sending loving, healing vibes…
Kinda been there as you know, and made it to the other side. You eill, too.
❤️
Oh Suzie, my heart is aching seeing you heartbroken. I’m so so sorry you had to leave Vancouver and I hope Toronto is much better to you, this time around. Sending you warmest wishes and lots of love on your birthday. You most certainly have inspired me many times with your foodie work – whether recipes, your stunning photos, or reviews, and in so many other ways, aside from your foodie work (whether your crafting – I LOVE my mermaid key pendant, or just your being so open and sharing about your life and self). I treasure knowing you and I’m sending you wishes for heart healing and that you get your birthday wishes. <3
I am without words. I will hold you in my heart. My the Mother of All bring happiness and joy to you.
Love you my friend.
Oh Suzie, your heartbreaking news just makes me want to cry for both of you. I’m glad you’ll be surrounded by your sisters’ love and support in T.O. But one thing I’ve learned from following your blog(s) all these years is that you are, when all is said and done, a very resilient person despite your health challenges. I know you will come through this painful period and a new, even better you will be forged in the fire. May the Goddess bless you and sustain you as the Wheel of Life turns.
I am so sorry to hear this Suzie, I hope That Toronto surprises you in wonderful ways. Best wishes always and thank you for what you share on Suzie the foodie, recipes and foodie adventures with so much heart. Xx
Suzie, sending you Reiki in streams and streams!
Dear Suzie, you will thrive and heal, and this time, Toronto will welcome you with open arms. Stay positive, look forward, and create new dreams to follow.
I’m so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you Suzie. Sending hugs and hoping you were able to still find some good things in your day today.
Love from Montreal.
Heidi
Happy Birthday, my friend. I hope you were able to enjoy your day. I am so sorry about you and Reg. I really am. I empathize with you. My marriage hasn’t worked out for me as well. I know there are brighter days ahead for you.
Happy Birthday, Suzie!
What a great time to make a new start – with your new year. You are daring to adventure back into your past while forging new paths, friendships and possibilities. Scary and exciting at the same time. Feeling wounded and weary of the process and yet wonderful that you are making great changes. You are dearly loved and cherished and have a huge team of cheerleaders just out of sight. I hope you can hear us celebrating each step along this new adventure. You truly deserve the joy in each day, and the support by loved ones. My prayer for your birthday, is that your year is filled with lightness, wonder, magic and joy.
Happy Birthday!!
Good positive vibes & prayers are on the way.
Jamie mentioned your new journey.
I wish you all the luck & happiness in the world.
Lots of hugs!!!
Wishing you the best year ever!!
Maria
so sorry about this Suzie. I wish you happiness in your new home. I most certainly wish I could help financially. May you be blessed with many gifts of love from all around the globe.
I am so sad to see all that you are going through Suzie. It has inspired me so much to see the energy you and your sisters have brought into the various podcasts and projects you have done, but even more it has inspired me to watch you make your love of cooking into a passion to share with others. I’ve loved watching you stretch the boundaries of it – trying product reviews here, foodie jewelry there, even foodie art…
I know this is a blow, I can’t even imagine how much it has to hurt. *big hugs*