Where it All Began

There aren’t too many people whose birth certificate shows them being born in Erickson, Manitoba. I wake up each morning to a woman who claims this sleepy town as her birthplace. It’s located outside Riding Mountain National Park where Coleen’s father first cut his teeth in public service.

The hospital is no longer there but the town has really leaned into their Scandinavian heritage. Street signs are topped by Viking ships while a giant longboat with red and white striped metal sails sits menacingly at the end of main street, its dragon prow head and Norse shields evoking a menacing sight.

The story goes that Coleen’s parents and older brother had been at a “fowl supper” fundraiser. Wasn’t too long after that a super-stuffed Inez knew that she’d soon be cooking for more than three. A short ride down the highway to Erickson and the love of my life joined the human race. And she’s been running ever since. Some days it’s hard to keep up with her.Read more