April is Daffodil Month

The Canadian Cancer Society, formed in 1938, named April as Daffodil Month back in 1957. The story of how it came to be is quite interesting ...

In the 1950s Canadian Cancer Society volunteers were holding afternoon teas in Toronto. Decorated with daffodils, the teas became known as “Daffodil Teas.” The teas grew in popularity when Lady Eaton, of Eaton’s department store, hosted a Daffodil Tea at a store in downtown Toronto. More than 700 women attended this event. 

In 1957, the first Daffodil Day was held and volunteers took to the streets to sell daffodils. In 2011, the daffodil pin was introduced in Ontario to resounding success. The daffodil pin is a visual symbol worn throughout the month of April to support those who have fought cancer or who are currently fighting the disease. 

Last year, as I proudly wore my bright, yellow daffodil, I donned this badge of honour for myself. My mom, over in Trail, B.C., recounted that she also made sure her daffodil pin adorned whatever jacket or sweater she wore out during the month of April. It was her outward sign of her unwavering support for me while I battled breast cancer.

Recently, when I was in Trail just after my reconstruction surgery, she told me she wouldn't have to wear it this year since I had been "cured". See, she doesn't really get the fact that I will be 'on guard' for signs of this disease for the rest of my life. However, if her coping mechanism is to consider me cured, so be it. I'm not going to burst her optimistic bubble.

The unfortunate next chapter in the story of the daffodil pins is that two weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with bowel cancer. We don't yet know the ins and outs of her surgery or treatment -- that plan will unfold in the next few weeks after consultations with surgeons and oncologists -- but the one thing I do know is that I am now proudly wearing my daffodil pin each and every day of April in honour of my mom. She is an amazing woman and I will endeavour to be the pillar of strength and support for her that she was to me. 

Tidbits of Thankfulness

It feels like it's time to express gratitude; to be truly thankful for a few small tidbits that make life enjoyable and make me feel truly blessed ...

1.  RUNClub
As we runners stood elbow-to-elbow in a tight circle Saturday morning listening to Jo encourage us about the importance of emotional health, the hugest bald eagle flew directly over us. We all gazed in fascination at its massive wing span and majesty, commenting that it was a good omen for our run.

I love that RUNClub isn't just about physical health, it's about emotional health as well -- most importantly, connection. Over the past several months, the essence of being truly connected to those around me has become clear, and I realize it's necessity to my life.  Here's what Jo had to say in our weekly encouraging newsletter. "Boogie" she talks about is the "Boogie the Bridge" run, which is in 13 short sleeps.

"So what does this have to do with Boogie? Well, everything really.  Our central core value is connection. Boogie training is based yes on the physical side of movement; but also the emotional and mental side of movement.  Boogie day is about connection.   Standing close with 2500 other people gives you an opportunity to truly connect.  Our boogie team will be at the start line; on the route; and at the finish line, waiting to extend kindness and happiness to you. We are all the same. We are all alive. And we will all die. Boogie is about celebrating this beautiful thing called life."

2.  Neighbours to have coffee with
Oh, the delight that comes with having the type of neighbours you can just text and say, "I need a visit and a coffee. What are you up to??" And the response is always, "Come on over, I'll put the coffee on."

3.  Scary photographs
My stomach was queasy while looking at photographs of my neighbour, Jessi's, incision and hearing the horrific tales of her declining health and eventual diagnosis with a brain tumour -- twice over, 5 years apart! Unfortunately, she also has much smaller cancerous tumours in the exact location, for which she had radiation last summer. So far, so good with her current health condition. The surgeries I have been through pale in comparison to what this courageous woman has dealt with, a valuable reminder.

4.  Parenthood
Once again, this TV show has captured the genuine emotions connected with being a cancer patient and survivor. In the latest episode, "I'm Still Here", Kristina gets called to the bedside of a friend she met at chemo. That friend passes away during the episode, and Kristina struggles with the reality that her friend passed away while she is still alive. It's a 'must see', but have a box of tissue handy.

5.  Report Cards
As any teacher -- or anyone closely connected to a teacher -- will tell you, report card time is stress-filled. I am thankful that, as of 3 p.m. today, my report cards are DONE!!

6.  Sunshine
I cannot imagine wasting spring sunshine. It bids me to get outdoors -- to run, walk, picnic by the river -- soak up the vitamin D in such short supply all winter.

7.  Lambs
There is nothing like having your neck nuzzled, or your finger suckled, by a few-days-old lamb, a delight I have enjoyed ever since having been a quasi-sheep farmer years ago. Yesterday, watching lambs sproing across a greening field and getting to nuzzle a small black ram lamb brought joy to my heart.

Winning and "Winning"

Winning

Determination and a positive attitude had already made me a winner as I jogged across the finish line during October's Run for the Cure. Imagine my surprise and delight upon learning that I was proclaimed a winner in another way as well. Apparently, everyone who managed to fund-raise at least $300 for the charity run had their name entered in the Run's sweepstakes. There was a wee part of my brain that wondered why the Cancer Foundation was giving away prizes whose value could have been used for research or cancer patient care. However, upon further research, all prizes are donated. Shortly, I will be the proud wearer of a Pandora breast cancer bracelet. Isn't it beautiful!!

"Winning"

After enjoying a relaxing two-week Spring Break from school, Monday marked the brutal return to the real world of routine and work. I had been to one 6 a.m. workout class during spring break, but hadn't attended on a regular basis since before my February 11th surgery. Thinking that Monday was the ideal time to reinstate routine of all kinds, including early morning workouts, I won the battle with my lethargic alter-ego, and managed to survive both Monday's and Wednesday's brutal boot camp.

I am thrilled to report that I am "winning" on another front as well -- my commitment and lung capacity are both steadily growing as my RUNClub weeks tick by. What started out as cycles of 5 minutes walking/1 minute running, has progressed to 3.5 walking/2.5 running. It might not sound like huge progress, but it certainly feels like massive improvement and I so appreciate the momentum I receive from running with the group. Here we are pausing for a photo during our Wednesday night run this week.

Can you spot me?

(3rd from the right in the front row)

There is definitely energy in running and being together.