The Story of Make A Wish Foundation "Wish Man" on You Tube

Make a Wish Like ‘Wish Man’

   Timothy Spearman 

 I went to an event called Touching Toronto last night. It was deeply touching to see so many faithful believers out to witness the healing power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As I was attempting to leave, I realized I had misplaced the key to my bike lock. I found a metal implement and tried to break the lock. No good. It would take a miracle to remove that lock. Just then, a Good Samaritan appeared to lend a hand. He went back inside the venue hall to look for my misplaced key. Within five minutes, he reemerged with the key. That event showed me how it’s people helping people that keep the world turning, without which it would surely grind to a halt.

                                        

                                       

This also showed the relevance of the premise of the film, Wish Man: “If someone needs help, you give it to them.” At first, the film seems to be about no-hopers who abandon their kids and end up on skidrow. But plot twist after plot twist brings characters who care into the life of Frank Shankwitz Jr. (Andrew Steel). When Frank is nearly killed in a motorcycle crash, his chief orders him to help a terminally ill boy named Michael, whose dying wish is to become a motorcycle patrol officer. At first, Frank appears too cynical to take on the assignment, but the police secretary, Kitty Carlysle (Kirby Bliss Blanton), who is assigned to help Frank recover, changes his mind by insulting his manhood, a sure mind-changer for any real man with a code.

The touching relationship spawned between Michael (Christian Ganiere) and his mentor Frank is all it takes to turn Frank’s thinking and life around. Young Michael is not afraid to die, and his fearlessness in the face of death, makes Frank realize he’s been weak and ungrateful for his blessings.

The dramatic reversals keep surprising the viewer till Frank Jr. and Frank Sr. (Bruce Davison) are given a chance at redemption. When Frank Jr. attends Michael’s funeral, Kitty receives a call from Frank Sr. at the station, who has seen the heartwarming story about his son in the newspaper. Taking down Frank Sr.’s address, Kitty cleverly has Officer Tom Wells (Frank Whaley) pass on the address stealthily to his partner Frank. Bitterly angry with his father for abandoning him as a child, Frank Sr. soon learns from Frank Jr. that his mother, Lorraine (Fay Masterson), had told him as a boy that his father had died in a car accident. When Frank Jr. asks why his father never came for him, his father explains that he had tried to find him, but he and his mother had disappeared without a trace.

With hope restored in his life, Frank is exonerated when he is framed in a case of police brutality. What follows is a dinner held in his honour, where he is told he has been promoted to detective. Feeling inspired by the sudden windfall of good fortune, Frank announces his intention to found a non-profit so that people like Michael can be granted their fondest wish. In the post-film epilogue, we learn that Frank reconciled with his mother Lorraine, whom he remained close till her death at age 90.

As Frank says at the dinner held in his honour, “I never thought I could make a difference, but I was wrong. I’ve seen it: a simple act of kindness can have a ripple effect.”  

                        Inspiring words from an inspiring film, this is how Alla Salute Canadian Magazine has been given a new mission and mandate. We intend to hold interviews with people like Michael, people who are or have been through life-threatening circumstances that nearly stole their hope, but we intend to see it restored tenfold with the help of our readership. Would you help us launch our Good Samaritan Campaign in the advent of Christmas and the Holiday Season?   

Let us know by emailing us allasalutemagazine@gmail.com

Stress vs Anxiety

 

 Stress vs. Anxiety: Knowing the Difference & Prioritizing Self-Care 

Cassandra Wellson,   Psy

In today’s nonstop world, emotions often feel tangled. You might say you’re stressed, when deep down, you’re battling anxiety. Or vice versa. But although they share some similarities, stress and anxiety come from very different roots—and understanding them helps you take care of yourself more intentionally.

Spotting the Difference

Aspect	Stress	Anxiety
Trigger	Situational—workload, deadlines, conflict	Internal—fear of uncertainty, future, or nothing specific
Duration	Short-term, tied to events	Can be persistent, even without a clear cause
Physical Signs	Tension, headaches, fatigue	Restlessness, rapid heartbeat, panic
Mindset	“I can push through this.”	“What if I can’t handle what’s coming?”

In simple terms, stress tends to be reactive, tied to a challenge you feel you can overcome. Anxiety, on the other hand, often shows up uninvited—an internal spiral that feeds itself.

How to Take Care of Yourself

Whether you’re navigating the stress of day-to-day tasks or feeling the grip of anxious thoughts, these practices can help restore balance:

 Grounding Habits

• Deep Breathing: Try inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, exhaling for 6. Repeat.

• Movement: Walk, stretch, dance—whatever connects you to your body.

• Sleep Routine: Stick to consistent sleep and wake times. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.

 Mental Wellness

• Name the Emotion: “I’m feeling overwhelmed” is more powerful than “I’m fine.”

• Limit Overstimulation: Cut back on caffeine, social media, and sensory overload.

• Mindfulness & Meditation: Even 5 minutes a day of being present can lower stress levels.

Connection & Support

• Talk It Out: Whether it’s with a friend or a therapist, sharing your thoughts can lift a weight off your shoulders.

• Build Boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no when needed.

• Find Joy: Watch a silly movie, try a new recipe, or read something that sparks wonder. Final Thoughts

You deserve peace, not just the absence of stress or anxiety, but the presence of clarity, calm, and self-compassion. Recognizing what you’re feeling is the first step toward healing. The second? Giving yourself the care you’d gladly give someone you love.

                                                                  

The Power of Mindfulness Meditation

 The Power of Mindfulness Meditation: Enhancing Health and Well-being

  Trevor Higgins

 In today's fast-paced and demanding scary world, stress, anxiety, and anger have become common companions for many. The relentless stream of misinformation, coupled with various personal and professional responsibilities, often leaves us feeling overwhelmed. However, amidst this chaos, a powerful practice known as mindfulness meditation has emerged as a beacon of serenity and tranquility. This article explores the profound benefits of mindfulness meditation for your health, including its role in reducing stress, anxiety, and anger while enhancing attention and overall well-being.

 A Beacon of Emotional Harmony

 In a world brimming with emotional turbulence, war, earthquakes, forest fires, and volcanoes erupting mindfulness meditation provides a sanctuary. Whether Buddhist or Catholic, spiritual practitioners learn to observe their emotions without immediately reacting. This pause cultivates emotional resilience, leading to more compassionate interactions and personal contentment.

 

 

Benefits for Reducing Stress and Anxiety

 Stress and anxiety are like unwelcome companions that can significantly impact our quality of life. Mindfulness meditation acts as a powerful antidote to these issues. By cultivating awareness of the present moment, individuals can detach themselves from the whirlwind of stressful thoughts. Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower the levels of cortisol, the "stress hormone," leading to a more relaxed and composed state of mind.

 

            

 

Enhancing Emotional Regulation

 

Anger, another common emotion that can disrupt our mental equilibrium, can be effectively managed through mindfulness meditation. By practicing non-reactive awareness, individuals learn to observe their anger without immediately acting upon it. This pause allows them to respond to triggering situations with greater composure and empathy, leading to healthier relationships and emotional well-being.

 

                  

 

Fostering Attention and Concentration

 

In a world brimming with distractions, our ability to focus has taken a hit. Mindfulness meditation is like a workout for the brain's attention muscles. Through regular practice, individuals can improve their attention span and concentration, leading to enhanced productivity and better decision-making. This is achieved by gently redirecting the wandering mind back to the present moment, which ultimately strengthens the brain's ability to maintain focus.

 

 

Promoting Overall Well-being

 

Beyond its targeted benefits, mindfulness meditation contributes to a holistic sense of well-being. People who practice mindfulness often report feeling more content, connected, and appreciative of life's simple joys. This stems from the practice's capacity to cultivate gratitude, compassion, and self-awareness.

 

Regardless of your religion, practicing mindfulness meditation offers a host of health benefits that are backed by scientific research and centuries of contemplative tradition. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can experience reduced stress, anxiety, and anger while improving your attention and overall well-being. Remember, mindfulness is not about erasing negative emotions or thoughts but rather about acknowledging them and cultivating a healthier relationship with your own mind.

 

Cottage Cheese Vs Greek Yogurt

 

By Renata Richardson There has been so much written about getting enough protein in our diets, especially as we age. I won't go into how much we each should consume at each meal as it is different for each person, based on weight and preference for protein coming from plant-based, meat or dairy sources and to make sure protein is accompanied by veggies, fruits, healthy carbs and healthy fats. I encourage you to research what's best for you! Two of my favourite dairy proteins are Greek yogurt and cottage cheese (which has had a resurgence from it's popularity in the 70's) - both which are trending in a huge way on every health forum and with food bloggers. I am no exception as a number of my recipes include these wondaful ingredients. But which is better? The answer is they are individually both so healthful <- this article has a great comparison chart.    Between the lower-fat versions of cottage cheese and Greek Yogurt (and it's plain Greek yogurt, not regular plain yogurt as Greek yogurt has 2x the protein of regular yogurt): Protein: a half cup of Greek Yogurt has about 10 gr of protein where cottage cheese has 12gr. Calcium: Greek Yogurt wins this one with a cup having 282mg vs cottage cheese at 227mg.   Salt/Sodium: This is where the biggest difference lies, as salt is used in the process of making cottage cheese so it contains sodium, where Greek yogurt has no salt. Those watching their salt intake should veer over to Greek yogurt and less to cottage cheese but don't have to avoid it completely!   You can't go wrong with choosing either or both of these high-protein. vitamin and mineral rich options to include in your diet! P.S. Cottage cheese has been around since Victorian times and was known as curds and whey long before it was called cottage cheese, so Little Miss Muffet knew a thing or two about a good, healthy snack!