http://www.besthealthmag.ca/blog/post/event-terry-fox-run-celebrates-30-years-of-hope
30 years ago Terry Fox started his run as a virtually unknown and has since inspired millions alll over the world to try to find a cure for cancer. More importantly, he inspired people not to give up hope, to find strength within ourselves, to push ourselves to the limit and to live our lives to the fullest.
Today, September 24th 2010, marks the 25th anniversarry of my mothers’ death. She died of skin cancer at the age of 53. Most people ask me ‘ Skin cancer? No one dies of that.’ No, most people don’t, if it is diagnosed before it is too widespread. Obviously, in her case, when it was detected, nothing could stop it.
The oncologist treating her at the time told her that if she was to agree to have her left leg amputated this ‘might’ stop the spread of her cancer, and she could live for another 6 years. Maybe, no guarentees. Back then, the diagnostic measures where not what they are today. My mother could not face the prospect of finishing off her days not being able to do the things she so loved to do. She said no, went through chemo for 5 years. The cancer was too far advanced and the treatments were stoped.
She had kept going about her life in between the treatments, up until her death. She was still getting up at 5:30, 6 am to feed her horses. The morning she died, her boyfriend had gone in to check on her for the 3rd or 4th time since it was past the hour she usually got up. She had died in her sleep.
Both these people have been inspirations in my life. Who inspires you?
anir
My grandfather….He was such a strong willed person. He lived till he was almost 96. Up until maybe a couple of years before he died, he would walk to the store everyday, and buy himself something for his lunch. He would stop at the liquor store to pick up a bottle of whiskey, and to chat with his friends.
Then he would walk back home(he lived with my mother and 4 of us kids)where he would cook his lunch.
He worked till he was in his late 80s. Every stinking day, he got up and went to work. he worked for free after he retired in his late 60′s. Yup, for free. He loved to work. He did all of the small repairs at the house, shoveled, kept the basement & garage cleaned, trimmed the bushes, mowed the lawn…..
He was such a gentle soul. He was my protector in the house of horrors where I lived…..he’s been gone since 78, and to this day, I miss him just as much as I did the day he died….Miss you papa…..♥♥♥XOXO
anir