Winning entry of the week

MARIE-JEANNE DAVIE, Alberta

My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, 2006. After her bi-lateral mastectomy, she and her two young daughters, ages 3 and 5, moved in with my husband, our youngest daughter, and me. In December of that year, her doctors told us the cancer was in her spine, her liver, and her lungs. Robin spent ten months in the palliative ward of the Grey Nun's Hospital in Edmonton after her second chemo treatment made her very sick. She became completely paralyzed, and her doctors had us call her family in as they did not expect her to live through the night. She did survive that crisis, and came home in December of 2007. My husband and I are continuing to care for Robin and her girls, and trying to help them have a normal life with happy memories. It is hard, because not only are we living with the knowledge that our daughter is dying, but I myself have MS, and my husband had cancer himself in 2005 and a heart attack in 2006. Love is the driving force for everything we do.

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  • Tracey Lalonde, Ontario

    I bring sunshine into my love ones lives by skating on our outdoor community rink in the wintertime. Even though I can't skate very well, my children (who are 8 and 10 years of age), really appreciate it when I play hockey and practise some latest figure skating moves. We each have a good laugh enjoying our time together.

  • Carolyn Black, Ontario

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  • MARIE-JEANNE DAVIE, Alberta

    My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, 2006. After her bi-lateral mastectomy, she and her two young daughters, ages 3 and 5, moved in with my husband, our youngest daughter, and me. In December of that year, her doctors told us the cancer was in her spine, her liver, and her lungs. Robin spent ten months in the palliative ward of the Grey Nun's Hospital in Edmonton after her second chemo treatment made her very sick. She became completely paralyzed, and her doctors had us call her family in as they did not expect her to live through the night. She did survive that crisis, and came home in December of 2007. My husband and I are continuing to care for Robin and her girls, and trying to help them have a normal life with happy memories. It is hard, because not only are we living with the knowledge that our daughter is dying, but I myself have MS, and my husband had cancer himself in 2005 and a heart attack in 2006. Love is the driving force for everything we do.

  • Marian Fraser, Ontario

    I have this thing about doing as much as I can for the people around me... hey.. it makes me feel good. My mother and mother in law I visit and help out 2 to 3 times a week ...my mother in law who just turned 87 I visit on a daily basis cause she still lives alone (near us) at home and the rest of her family don't seem to realize she is still alive (their loss). My mother who is 88 also lives alone at home and I drive 20 kilometers 2 to 3 times a week to do housework, shopping, cleaning etc. for her.
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  • Elizabeth Barr, Ontario

    I listen and don't judge. I help out when I can and spend at least one day a week just laughing and having fun with them. I let them know that they always have a home with us no matter what happens. I remind them that when things are tough, trust in God because he always opens a door of hope when you need it the most. I find that laughter and spending time with people means the most. I see seniors once a month and surprise them sometimes with a mystery tour of the city - to see large beautiful home, to see Christmas lights, or just drive and enjoy the company. No matter how hard things get, it is not as bad as others may have. I enjoy fundraising for community groups with my seniors. We call ourselves sisters because we have all grown that close.

  • Eileen Medynski, Alberta

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  • Barb Shay, Ontario

    I always tell my daughter that I love her as the last thing she hears from me. That way if something happened she would know what my last words to her would be. I love to make her and my husband laugh and to love all our animals and look at life from all sides. As a medical secretary I am always ready for a hug and a tear or congratulations as need be. It is important to let people know they are important.

  • Sylvie French, Nova Scotia

    I try to smile as much as I can even when the day is rough. Sometimes a smile back can make the difference. I try to stay positive as I feel it can lighten many things. I try to be happy with my daughter and laugh with her. I want her to see that even when she does something wrong and I have to scold her I make sure she knows I still love her even if I am scolding her (she is 4).

  • Linda Azad, Ontario

    Above all people my mom is the one person that works tirelessly at making our home the home that it is and where none of us want to ever leave. Like most moms she works full time and starts her second job once she comes home. She desperately wanted to go away with me and relax this holiday season at an all inclusive resort, but the money isn't there. She instead decided to save what she can, so that she can come visit me in Australia when I get married next year. Whenever I can I give her words of encouragement and tell her she is beautiful and squeeze her tight and tell her I love her. She is the best mom and I wouldn't trade her for any other.

  • Linda Quick, Ontario

    My daughter is away at college and every day she calls me at least once. To put some sunshine into her life I mail her things she will need. Like coupons for groceries or beauty products, free samples that come in the mail, little notes to say "I love you" and "Keep up the great work!"

    She loves to get things in the mail and according to her, it keeps her mailbox from getting lonely .. :O)