NEW AFFILIATE GROUP! Helping Parents Heal - Springfield!
Posted
-
- Mar
- 26
- 2026
by Elizabeth Boisson
Please join me, Kathy MacMannis, Patti May, Rosanne Groover Norris, and Irene Vouvalides in welcoming the Co-Affiliate Leaders of our newest Affiliate Group, Helping Parents Heal - Springfield, Mark and Kynda Canada. We are grateful to have them in our family!
Kynda Canada
Hello—My name is Kynda (rhymes with Linda). I’ve been blessed with two wonderful sons, three beautiful grandchildren, and Mark, who I call the best husband in the whole world. I’ve been a social worker all my professional life and still enjoy working during these “retirement” years. In October 2018, our oldest son Judson left his earthly body by suicide. It was like a bomb went off in my head; I had no idea how I was going to survive. I often walked our dogs in the backyard garden--eyes on the ground, feeling heavy, despondent, and so very alone. One day, out of the blue, I heard Judson say, “Look up, Mom”. Since then, we’ve had many validations that he is still with us. We are so grateful to have found Helping Parents Heal--it literally saved my life and I think Mark’s too. Today, I can say: Thank you Judson, for never really leaving us, for showing us how much there is to life just beyond our physical senses. It’s been a long and hard journey but being in the company of so many shining light parents holding each other up has been an immense help. I’m honored to be a part of this labor of love and I invite all other parents who are walking this road to join us.
Mark Canada
I have been married to my wonderful wife Kynda for 37 years and am the proud father of two remarkable sons—one who is with us in this world, and one who has transitioned across the veil. On April 1, 2017, I retired after 32 years of service with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Throughout my career, I held various clinical roles at a state psychiatric facility in Springfield, Illinois. Upon retirement, I thought I could finally slow down and enjoy all that life had to offer.
This way of thinking was profoundly shaken on October 18, 2018, when our oldest son, Judson, took himself home. Judson had struggled with depression during his adolescent years, but with therapy, he showed significant improvement. In the meantime, he was able to graduate from the University of Kentucky and start a family. We learned later that he had a few dark times but managed to make it through. We had no sign of the depth of his despair—I spoke with him the night before, and our conversation was good. None of his friends sensed anything was wrong, either.
After Judson’s death, I realized that traditional therapy was not what I needed. My soul was wounded, and I needed a more spiritual solution. I began by shrugging off the last of my conservative Christian upbringing, a process that had started a long time ago. I started exploring new perspectives through podcasts, reading, and attending a session with a medium at Kynda’s encouragement. By encouragement she boldly said, “We’re going.” When I let myself be more open to new ways of looking at the universe and began believing that Judson was ok, the process of healing could begin.
Learning to communicate more openly with Judson brought a measure of manageability to my journey—it did not make things easier, but it became bearable. The support of HPH has been invaluable. Finding HFH has been a major part of my continued personal and spiritual development. I feel like I have found my “tribe.” I have become brothers with men who are compassionate, supportive, non-judgmental, and, most importantly, who understand what this journey entails. They “GET IT.” They all understand just how much this journey sucks but walking together, knowing I am not alone has given me hope that continued healing is possible. I am deeply grateful to be part of this group of shining light men.
Kynda and Mark will be leading in-person HPH meetings at Unity of Springfield on the 2nd Thursdays each month, 6 pm, the first meeting will be April 9th, 2026.
Mark is a Co-Affiliate Leader of Helping Fathers Heal.