Relay for Life

Rest and Tickling Time with Momma bear and her jolly little cubs at Relay for Life.

Two year old Jocelyn walked 440yards around the track in her little pink sleepers! Now that's the tenacity of a two year old!

Four year old Trenton rode around the track 5 times on his mighty red bicycle with training wheels. What a trooper!

Grandma and Jocelyn jogging around the track (sort of.) The only way to travel!

One of the nicest lions I have ever met and Erin, the organizer, welcome the troops!

RELAY FOR LIFE - June 4, 2010

ST. JAMES HIGH SCHOOL, GUELPH, ONTARIO

Never underestimate the enthusiasm and amazing joy and determination of our youth! My darling daughter, Amanda, and my sweet grandbabies trekked out last Friday evening and joined the sterling student body at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph at their very first Relay for Life. It was a grand evening. I have sent a message to St. James High School Principal expressing my sincere gratitude and for inviting me to be part of their first Relay for Life sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society.

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"Dear Principal Ingram:

You should be proud to be the principal of St.James Catholic High School. I certainly was proud for you and your entire student body who attended your first (hopefully annual) Relay for Life last Friday evening. I was honoured to have been invited to participate as a one and a half year cancer survivor.

Too often we hear about all the negative behaviour and poor choices of youth in society but I want to stand on your St.James rooftop and tell everyone how great young people are, especially those St. James cast and crew who I had the privilege of meeting last Friday. My daughter, grandson and granddaughter accompanied me that evening and we were thrilled to be in the company of such charming, fun-filled, purpose driven students.

Right off the top, I was hugged by the sweet Miss Angela McCleod who willingly shared cake, juice and then her incredible story that made me cry. I tapped into her enthusiasm and energy right away and being slightly over half a century myself, that was no easy task. But I managed to make it 9 times non-stop around the track, intent on first giving thanks that I had regained enough strength to make it. Then my daughter and I, along with our trusty tots in tow, walked for Uncle Don who we buried just last Thursday from lung and liver cancer. Then we walked for Aunt Pauline who is in hospital in Toronto and slowly dying from breast cancer as we speak. Then there was Doc Mott and Cindy and Daria, and Judy and Karen and far too many more who are still fighting the good fight.

Hats off, to the organizers, Erin and Derek. I am sure there were many others involved, but those are the names I remember. The beautiful singers were amazing and when the words Allelujah echoed across the busy track as we walked, I could do nothing but sing along, raise my hands and give thanks for everyone of the wonderful kids who surrounded me. From superman and Spiderman flying by and decked out in all their finery, to the friendliest lion I have ever met (thanks for removing your head for a moment to appease Jocelyn and Trenton!) I was moved in more ways than you can imagine.

So, I hope the Relay for Life was considered a success. It surely was in my heart and soul. My daughter was equally moved and as she has been my stalwart 'rock' throughout my journey, I was overjoyed that she and my grandbabies accompanied me to St.James last week.

I am including a few photographs. Every young person had a smile or a word of encouragement. One sweet gal even asked me to sign her shirt. How humbling is that? Bless you all. My prayers are that each one of your students make good choices and make a mark in this world. Whoever I saw or met last Friday sure made a mark on my heart. Thanks for the memories. And special thanks to Simone Roesink who invited me to be part of this special event. Joy!

Kind Regards, Glynis Belec a (very thankful) ovarian cancer survivor from Drayton, Ontario!

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They Say...

This poem (from my mother's poetry collection) is dedicated to Uncle Don who passed away this past Saturday from cancer. He was 57 years old.

I hope he is strumming his guitar quietly at the feet of Jesus right now.
They say you will not come again,

But I can always here.

Your voice in silence and in song

And feel you ever near.

They say that you have passed beyond

Unto the land of supreme

But I can always call you back

Into the land of dream

For death is but a gateway

To the great reality

A new beginning and an end

Of Human Destiny

Love is all and life goes on

In spite of grief and pain

But deep within my heart I know

That we shall meet again...

If I Only Had a Brain

I should be flogged for delinquency. Time sure has a way of marching on and leaving me behind lately. I miss a lot of things but mostly I miss my mind! I keep wondering if my memory cells post chemo will ever regenerate.

For the most part I am fine and my energy level is amazingly improved - for that I am grateful. Yet I keep on forgetting. Thank goodness, so far nothing has been life threatening and it's usually silly things like car key misplacement; pieces of paper with important information; bills; forgetting why I went downstairs and having to go through the painful ritual of retracing my steps. As far as my teaching, I still think I am on the ball, and so far, none of my students have said anything...except maybe poor Leanne, who was not impressed that I forgot to get her birthday present ready! Thank goodness she still loves me.

I really have not forgotten to write here, though. It is high on my list of things to do; yet the days whiz by and somehow, it has been shoved to the back burner. Determined to make amends and get back on track, I am going to challenge myself and get back into the routine of sharing and spouting.

I am going to force myself to write a blog a day starting...um...today. I have to be the world's worst procrastinator, so this is going to be tough. Okay...on your mark...get set...go!

Zeal for Teal Fever - Just Incase...

Just incase you are looking for a ripping good time on June 26th.

Just incase you love to scrapbook and make cards.

Just incase you want to have a day at the beach - but not really because you don't like the itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bathing suits.

Just incase you want to make a difference and are passionate about supporting a cause that is near and dear to my heart (and my former ovaries)

And just incase you want to enjoy a little 'me time' away from routine for a few hours.

Then...have we got a treat for you!

COME ON DOWN

to Drayton, and join us at the arena for our Second Annual

Zeal for Teal fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada's Winner's Walk of Hope.

Get ready for an amazing day of scrapbooking, cardmaking, merry making and more. And all for a good cause!

Registrations are coming in fast and furious, so don't delay we can hardly wait for you to get in touch!

The early bird registration expires June 1st, which entitles eager scrappers to receive two extra door prize tickets. We have so many lovely prizes coming in from generous donors, you will be impressed.

This year we have a Vendor's Alley including Epicure, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mia Bella's Candles, Canadian Writers Book store, Close to My Heart, Stampin' Up, Steeped Tea, In A Scrap Creations, Club 177 purses and jewelry and there will be an extensive display for Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Winner's Walk of Hope.

Our trusty and talented photographer, Anja Noordam, will return to capture some of our precious Zeal for Teal moments, so we are thrilled about that. Check out one of Anja's photos from last year (below!)

The theme for this year's Zeal for Teal is 'A Day at the Beach.' Dig out those flip flops and sundresses and get comfy. We anticipate a wonderful, relaxing day.

We also have our very own esthetician, Janet Wilson returning to offer complimentary mini manicures throughout the day, along with an onsite personal trainer who will keep us on our toes with the occasional fit break. Who knows, maybe we'll even find a pool to paddle in! We have it all. You don't want to miss it.

And the best part, is that your participation in this special day will help women everywhere. After expenses, all profits go to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Winner's Walk of Hope to be held September 12th in Barrie.

The Sunflower Seeds team is revving up and looking forward to doing their part to help women get diagnosed earlier and to help conquer and one day eradicate this disease often dubbed the silent killer, ovarian cancer. There is a 90% survival rate for women with ovarian cancer who are caught in the early stages. The statistics are a little more grim for those who have late stage ovarian cancer. That is why early detection is crucial!

So come on out and know that not only are you going to experience a fantastic day away from routine, but you are doing YOUR part to help women everywhere! If you want to find out more, or learn how to register, then ask! The more the merrier at our 'beach!'

[Photo by Anja Noordam ©
2009]

Grandmothers' Necklace Launch Success!

A great day was had by all! Carolyn did most of the work. I was merely a happy helper and a ready reader! Carolyn Wilker is the little gal in the middle. Theodore Oisin, is the lovely blonde on the right and yours truly is pictured left, trying not to show too many teeth.

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Actually, being part of the book launch, yesterday, in Kitchener, was a super experience. I met some lovely people and learned much about the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, all the proceeds raised from Grandmothers' Necklace will go to assist grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa who are raising their own grandchildren. Funds from the Stephen Lewis Foundation [SLF] help these quietly courageous women while they try to come to terms with their own children who have died from HIV/AIDS. I cannot even dare imagine what that would be like.

But what an honour it is, though, to be a small part of helping the SLF and to be a contributing writer in Grandmothers' Necklace.

The Omas Siskona pictured here, nicely decked out in their colourful tee shirts, were amazing. They prepared and served delicious squares, cookies, fruit, tea, coffee and more for everyone who attended the launch. One of the Omas did a bit of a presentation about who they were and what their mandate was. I was even more impressed. So many quiet souls on the battlefield. Sometimes it seems a crazy world that we live in, and then the goodness flows and we get a sample of the heart of others as they give without return and work without fanfare. Such a life lesson.

And then as if I had not sampled enough icing on the cake, I had just been introduced and was giving a bit of an introduction or segue before reading my story, when I got a wonderful surprise. My big sister was sitting on the sidelines grinning back at me! I almost lost my words when I saw her. I had not seen her in a while and had certainly no idea she was going to make an appearance, but she did. And I was glad. I quickly greeted her from the podium then regrouped and carried on! Like I said, a good day was had by all - especially me! Blessings!

Life is Like That

Life has been ripping and tearing along at breakneck speed these days. Some nights I can't sleep. Some days I nod off when I am not supposed to. Other days I can't seem to get all my tasks done and thus I add another page to my to-do list.

Who's complaining, though? At least my energy level is improving and cancer does not always consume my thoughts. I've far too many other things on my mind now to concern myself with the 'what ifs!'

So it looks like we are going to (finally, finally, finally) build a house. God is so good and I know His timing is terrific. Rarely does it match ours, but over the past while we have learned that the best thing is to just wait upon the Lord. He never fails us.

All we need to do now is buy a lot and then my talented hubby can start the ball rolling because the clock sure is ticking. And if those aren't enough clichés to make your liver quiver, then just be warned that first and foremost, we are bound and determined to get this house ready by the end of August.

Of course there is always the camping option. Maybe I should be praying for a warm, dry summer!

Grandmothers' Necklace

About a year ago, there was a call out for contributors for an anthology - Grandmothers' Necklace, the brainchild of Patricia Ann Elford, a teacher, pastor and member of the Petawawa Grannies.

I contributed a story and poem but still had not much of a clue who the Petawawa Grannies were, only that they were somehow connected to the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF).

I had heard tell of the SLF but I was still unsure about the organization. I quickly realized I had homework to do. So I checked out the website

http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/grandmothers.htm and learned and contemplated.

Soon I was in awe of what Granny groups across the country are doing for sub-Saharan African grandmothers. The many Grandmother groups across the country assist struggling grandmothers in Africa who have not only lost their own children to the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, but they face the rest of their lives wondering how to provide the basic necessities as they raise their grandchildren.

I jumped at the opportunity to submit a story. Maybe this was one tiny way that I could help. None of the anthology authors receive payment for their contribution. All profits from the sale of the book go to the SLF through the Petawawa Grannies. SLF is a registered charitable organization that funds grassroots efforts in sub-Saharan Africa to better the lives of the women and children there.

Grandmother’s Necklace, a collection of inspiring stories, is the outcome of Elford’s brainchild. It only took one meeting. When Elford heard the plight of grandmothers in Africa she immediatley went into action and decided to use her gifts and abilities as a writer to compile submitted stories into a book that would help raise funds for these quietly courageous grandmothers.

This remarkable anthology includes writings by 61 authors from across Canada, the United States and Ireland. The book also contains narratives from five African grandmothers.
I am honoured to be in the company of fine writers such as Carolyn Wilker, Ruth Smith-Meyer Phil Callaway, Kathleen Gibson, Judy Maddren, Patricia Elford, L. June Stevenson, and others.

The Kitchener launch of Grandmothers’ Necklace will be held Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 2pm until 4 pm at St. Philip's Lutheran Church, 236 Woodhaven Road in Kitchener. We are really looking forward to a great turnout. Some of the contributors will be in attendance and will be reading excerpts from Grandmothers' Necklace. I even had the honour of having my mugshot on the cover of the book.

So if you happen to be in the area...come on out and sit a while. The Omas Siskona - the Granny group from Kitchener, Ontario, will be hosting the event and providing refreshments for the day!

My prayer is that God will be present and stir hearts into realizing how blessed we are here and how if every one does something small, it can lead into something much bigger for those dear souls in sub-Saharan Africa. I cannot imagine the struggles these grandmothers face. But, being a grandmother myself, I sure can understand the motivation. If we each do our part, what a wonderful world it could be!~

Posted by Glynis at 4:35 AM

Eileen

"You may very well have cancer for the rest of your life."

"You could be cured."

"Patience is priority."

"If your cancer returns, there is nothing we can do until you have symptoms."

"Do you understand why we don't do the CA125 blood test at each checkup?"

"I hope things go well with the breast lump follow-up."

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Did I leave my last check-up at the cancer clinic any wiser than when I entered? Don't think so!

I will say there is something oddly therapeutic about going to the cancer clinic, though. I intentionally look at the faces of the people seated in front of each clinic window and wonder about their stories.

As my dear, faithful driver and companion offers to go get our usual double double and apple cinnamon from the onsite Timmies to tide us over as we wait, I look for a place to sit. Today the clinic is full. Getting two seats together might be tricky. Clinic 3 is right next to the "chemo door" as I affectionately dubbed it 18 months ago!

'Tis there I stepped over the threshold and received my 6 hour treatments. A painful time. I try to avoid sitting close. But the only two vacant chairs are within a few feet from the "door." I decide to stop being silly and claim them. My oversize teal satchel substitutes for my hubby for now. [It needs to be oversize for it holds, along with the other paraphernalia, my book to read, my notes, my diary.]

Soon my tea arrives. Happy Hubby chooses to stand after driving for two hours. My purse stays put. The nice lady next to us smiles and suddenly we are in conversation. It begins with cell phones as a topic. Eileen, we've soon found out her name, knows all about the Blackberry. It is all new to my hubby so he appreciates her mini tutorial. Soon we notice her oxygen tank. Does she have lung cancer?

Ten minutes pass. It seems like we have known each other for years. Eileen does not have cancer. She is at the clinic accompanying her friend who does. She continues to share how she needs a lung transplant but she is considered too healthy. So for now she carts around her portable oxygen tank wherever she may tread.

Eileen has much to complain about. So does her friend who by this time has emerged from the examination room and joins in on our lively conversation. A breast cancer patient, bald from the chemo, but challenged by the battle (I can tell.)

Neither of these gals complain. They sparkle with life. Their good attitude and radiant demeanour casts sunshine on the "chemotherapy door" and people cannot help but smile as they listen to the laughter. I can tell that, too. By the time they leave the clinic, I feel invigorated and blessed.

Eileen, the former MRI technician, whose life was turned upside down once more when her 58 year old husband suffered a heart attack and died, does not bemoan the fact that she is going through a very long valley.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...

What an example...

Next Appointment for me - August 2010.

Six months is a long time but it will shoot by at lightning speed. I take my little appointment paper and slip it into my agenda. If I start feeling sorry for myself, I will think of Eileen. I will remember her smile. I will count my blessings.

...I will fear no evil for You are with me...

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Philippians 4:11-13 (The Message)

Glynis whines: I'm trying...I'm trying!

Probably...

So I walk into the doctor's office last week to pick up copies of my test results to take to my oncologist at the cancer clinic. I am heading for a check up this coming Thursday so I wanted to have all my ducks in a row.

I was told after my few lumpy scares, that things were okay. The breast lump was a bit more of a scare than the ones on my spine, but after some further testing I was told things seemed fine. The powers that be were booking me for a repeat ultrasound and mammo in 6 months.

As I looked over my report from the diagnostic imaging - the mammogram and ultrasound on the suspicious lump in my breast, my heart sank. Probably...probably benign, the report read. I was under the impression that there was no probably...that it was definitely benign. There was a suggestion that I go for either surgical consultation or have a followup mammo and ultrasound in six months. Somebody, on my behalf, opted for the six month followup.

Sure might have been nice if I had been in on that decision making process.

Maybe I am being overactive in the panic department again. It's just that once a body has been dealt that cancer card, the word 'probably' doesn't sit well. I remember prior to my surgery they said I would probably not need to have chemotherapy.

One hairless year later...

But I must trust and rest in the knowledge that these medical pros are just that - the experts.

Meanwhile I will head off to the cancer clinic this week and rattle my cage a little. I'll ask for that good old second opinion...

Be still and know that I am God...Psalm 46:10