Mio,

Today (Oct 4) is your birthday . We had not spoken in person for many years until this year, but I did regularly remember your birthday.

I am so glad that we were able to sit down for several hours on April 28 and talk. Your illness and increasing fatigue and discomfort had scuttled our plans several times but we made it work that day. I was initially nervous , but then the conversation flowed and it was very comfortable.

So many years had passed since we had broken up back in high school. Your smile was still the same, and you commented the same being for mine. We remembered our silly younger selves and caught up on our lives, our partners and families and how much we’ve experienced and grown. We talked openly about your limited time and about your fears and hopes.

I remember looking into your eyes and they were so alive and full of fire. Through the conversation I got to know you again, and realized that you were a compassionate and caring person who was making a difference in people’s lives. We discovered we were both foodies and loved to cook. The hours we spent in that conversation were

Im glad that we closed our talk with a tight embrace - a hug that lasted a while. I think your compliment about my hugging was one of the best compliments I have ever received.

I wanted to have another conversation in person with you later in May, but you were getting so tired- I made a promise to visit you again, and I should have pushed a little more to make it happen during the Victoria Day weekend.

I was not able to keep my promise to you - but I was so relieved to hear that you spent your last moments surrounded by love from Joe and your closest friends.

Rest in peace Mio. You were my first girlfriend, first lover and first heartbreak.

Heartbroken is the only word that comes to mind and condolences to you and yours. Mio changed my life and she still is. A wonderful, warm and caring woman. Who taught me their is always light somewhere if you search deep enough. I’ll never forget what she did for me and will miss her forever.

My condolences to you Joe. We’ve never met but I was a client of Mio’s for several years before her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. I always looked forward to our conversations and counsel. She was a terrific therapist that guided me through some very difficult times. I enjoyed bonding with her over the Blue Jays and music. I admired how she navigated her cancer diagnosis with grace and humour, and shared her journey with others. Such a tremendous level of vulnerability and bravery to put herself out there. I was really hoping that she would be able to make her trip to the Rockies. My thoughts and prayers for you.

I’m so sorry to hear about Mio’s passing. She truly was an inspiration and a light and she will be deeply missed. I’m glad she is in a better place and wishing all those who knew her to take good care.

Joe, I just found out about Mio's death today. Reading this tribute and feeling the rawness of your heart in it made me cry, which I think is a good thing. I met Mio at a training and when I heard her comment to the workshop leader I thought "Oh she sounds like a TIRP grad" and I was right of course. We had such a nice time chatting to each other about our experiences of being therapists. She felt like a kindred spirit. She left her mark on our community and I am so sad about this loss. Her light lives on in all of us. I'll listen to that song today, seems right. XO

I’m so sorry to hear of Mio’s passing. Condolences to you Joe and family. Mio was a critical support for me during the pandemic in 2020. I was devastated to hear of her cancer diagnosis at the time. It is tough to find a good BIPOC psychotherapist and to connect with Mio was a true blessing! She understood and could relate to my lived experiences. She was kind, patient and genuinely an all round good soul. She contributed towards improving my mental health and wellbeing in such a big way and I will be forever grateful. I have no doubt her impact will be felt and remembered for many years to come.

I never had the privilege of meeting Mio in person. I'm not even completely sure how I came to start following her channel on YouTube (my husband has been a customer a few times at Last Gen so somehow through that connection) but I have been very drawn to her journey and positive outlook for probably close to 2 years. I just want to say how sorry I am to Joe for this loss. She seemed like such an amazing, selfless, compassionate and positive human being as you mentioned. It extremely unfortunate for this world to lose such a spirit but I am grateful for all that she has left behind for others to learn/gain from. She will continue to help others with what she has left behind. ...I am also a big snoopy and big cat lover too<3 which makes me feel even more connected to her. God bless your family and give strength during this time.