Heidi Vander Slikke

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Ready?

Dec 23, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

Small town events are big excitement for kids. Somewhere around age 12 I remember eagerly anticipating an upcoming parade with my then bestie, Lee. Lee was a fun-loving, kind-hearted friend. So, when she announced that she was personally going to participate in the parade, I was genuinely excited with her. She would be a baton-twirler, alongside her teenage cousin who looked like a fashion model and who was aptly named Barbie. Lee practiced her moves for hours.
Sit still!

Nov 13, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

My father often fell asleep on the sofa with the cat perched on his chest. As the TV droned on, Pa started snoring. Chainsaws couldn’t compete. The cat rose and fell along with Pa’s breathing. He purred contentedly, flattening his ears every time my dad exhaled. It continued until Ma woke him up and sent him to bed. “I’m just resting my eyes,” he would mumble. My parents were hard-working people. As soon as I was school-age Ma took a job as a cook in a local restaurant. “For the extras,” she said.
Down but not defeated

Oct 7, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

Steel-grey clouds cluttered the sky as I drove, interrupted only by a few scattered patches of bright blue. On the distant horizon shafts of rain plunged straight down from heaven to earth. In the rear-view mirror, far behind me, the sun shone, growing weaker with every mile I travelled. Typical autumn weather in Ontario – and not unlike my life at the moment. Our summer began with a bang. Literally.
Out of the blue

Sep 18, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

Norton and I wander down the path through the cornfield. Tall, lush plants wall us in. Tropical conditions this summer have been ideal for corn. It could be a bumper crop. Or it could be a repeat of 1992. Similar weather that year produced an incredible stand. Then relentless autumn rains ruined the entire crop with mould. I shake my head. In 45 years of farming we’ve only ever had two crop failures. Still, nothing is certain in this life. A fact I’ve been painfully aware of lately.
'Did you see me?'

Aug 5, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

A few years ago, Jack and I stayed in a vacation rental home in Florida. It was nice enough, but the ornate chandelier was thick with dust and cobwebs. Even Jack saw it. (This is a man who believes cleaning should involve a high-pressure sprayer and/or a backpack blower. If he notices the dirt, it’s serious.)He sat peacefully one morning at the dining room table, installing a new com set on my motorcycle helmet.
Take comfort: you're being watched

Jun 17, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

This photo is by Abby Ciona, a student at Redeemer University. Last Fall, she participated in a street photography project in downtown Hamilton. “I was interested in trying to photograph what burdens the people of the city might be carrying, and I noticed that often, people carried the weight of their visible and invisible struggles in their phones.”“You are being watched.” This ominous warning began each episode of Person of Interest. The science-fiction crime series ran for five seasons.
The farmer takes a wife

May 27, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

A city kid, Jack dreamed of being a farmer someday. At the age of 21, against the odds, his dream was about to come true. With significant help from his parents and a rare opportunity, he would soon begin a whole new phase of life. He had prayed for change and at just the right time, those prayers were answered. The only missing piece was someone to share his new life with. He figured the Lord might send him some sweet country girl to fill that void. Instead, he met me.
Got joy?

Apr 3, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

“So. Heidi. What gives you joy?”My new friend’s question wasn’t meant to be deep or probing, just a cordial segue into light conversation. Still, I had to think a minute before answering. “My grandkids,” I began. “Motorcycles. Dogs. The outdoors. Writing.”I thought more about it the next day. What brings me joy?
The strange case of Robert Plant

Feb 19, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

My daughter Jessica showed up one day with a couple of plant stalks in her hands. “Do you want these, Mom?” she asked, “A woman at church gave them to me.”I examined the pieces – healthy green stems, two inches in diameter and cut about 18 inches long. “What kind of plant are they from?”Jess shrugged. “No idea. But I think we both know what will happen to them at my house,” she said with a laugh. She was right about that. I planted them in suitable pots with good soil.
Simpler times?

Jan 10, 2024 | christiancourier.ca | Heidi Vander Slikke

Winter may not be my favourite season, but I do appreciate much of its unique beauty. In the summer I’m often awake early, waiting for the robin’s song to announce sunrise. But in the winter’s darkness I need an alarm clock to rouse me from hibernation. Bleary-eyed, I follow the aroma of fresh coffee into the kitchen.