This is a hard time of year in our family. While we do pause to mark the sacrifice of war heroes on Remembrance Day, we are always reminded of our own everyday heroes at this time of year. I'd like to share some of my remembrances with you - not as mourning, but as celebration.
It was ten years ago on November 7th that my Dad, Donnie Donaldson, died.
It was one year ago on November 8th, that Mike's Dad, Roy Fahlman, also passed away.
Our dads were special men - at least we think so. And we're proud to be their kids.
There were different in many ways (my Dad was definitely more non-conformist, and Roy was certainly the most devout) but yet they were also very similar in other ways.
Both the youngest boy in their families, they grew up working hard on the family farm. They were both very family and community oriented. They were both well-read men who held their own in any debate. They worked hard for their living - Dad as a farmer, and Roy as a teacher - and were proud of the work they did. Stern disciplinarians to their own children, but putty in the hands of their grandchildren, they especially loved the little ones. Card sharks who remembered every card played, they were dangerous to play against - and sometimes even more dangerous to be partnered with!
They both had a gift for communicating volumes with the lift of an eyebrow or a look. Both drily witty, they loved to laugh - at themselves and others. And sadly, they both lost dear ones while they themselves were young men - my brother Brian in a farming accident, and Mike's mom Angelina to cancer. Somehow, they both found the strength to persevere. While their losses were hard to bear, it's important to note how many good things still happened in their lives after tragedy. My parents later added Wayne to the family and Roy married Sylvia. We cannot imagine what it would be like without either of those happy additions to the family! And finally, both men faced physical challenges at the end of their lives that none of us can relate to, but their spirits were undaunted.
I would say they are the classic definition of everyday heroes.
They helped to shape the communities they lived in and guided their children to follow in their example of working hard, reaching out to help others and living life to the fullest. By their examples, they taught us that life is not always easy, but that you always have a choice about how you respond.
We love them and miss them still, but we know that their angels are watching over all their kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren, and over Tom in this challenge that he faces.
Thomas is feeling really good, no discernable effects from the first radiation treatment. His biggest issue is that he has cabin fever from being cooped up for so long, but hopefully he will get the flu vaccines soon. We know he'll then need to wait long enough to gain some immunity before he can go back out in public places. So he might be climbing the walls by then!
It has been an up and down week, but we have lots to be grateful for:
* Beginning radiation - this marks a milestone in Thomas' treatment plan. We found a picture of a typical external beam radiation machine - Tom says it reminds him of a Transformer... and I think that makes sense.
* Laura surviving her Chillin for Charity jump in freezing water with no after effects.
* New friends in the community of Celebration.
* Old friends Gaylene and Daren - for gifts of food, movies (Seasons 3 through 7 of That 70's Show!!!!) and more.
* The chance for me to visit with the Dauncey family (who are both old and new friends and neighbours) as they marked Dorothy's 90th birthday.
* A Rider win over Calgary and a 1st place CFL West finish - yes it may seem trivial, but we know Grandpa Roy must be celebrating with us! Mike's brother Brian is going with him to the Western Final game on November 22 - and they will be sitting in the same seats that Sylvia and Roy first held in 1970.
* A visit from Stephanie
* Each of our four children!
I'll work on posting a few old pictures later in the week, if I can figure out how my scanner works! (It's relatively new and I haven't had time to sort it out.)
TTYL,
Thomas' Mom
