On Friday, a number of Janet's friends arrived for a ceremony led by Karen Goodfellow called the honour circle. I wasn't actually at the ceremony, but that won't stop me from writing about it anyway.
I left after Karen arrived and returned 2 hours later after getting my spirits lifted at the Frog and Firkin a few blocks away. I returned to find many of Janets friends in the living room and a feeling of warmth and goodwill permeating the atmosphere. I ran upstairs and checked on Janet as I always do and found her energized smiling and very happy with the ceremony. She loved it. My mother Betty and niece Chanel (Daphne's daughter) also attended the ceremony.
Friday was a peak for Janet. She benefited from the paracentisis the day before and was energerized by the love, light and warmth of her friends. Janet rested on Saturday, she had two short visits with friends and slept much of the day. I was a bit worried about her on Saturday as she really seemed really depleted of energy.
That changed today though when she announced to Marilyn (who is visiting us again) and I that she wanted to go to Urban Fare and do some grocery shopping. She got herself up, got dressed in very fashionable brown pants, black top, scarf and a brown beret. Walked to the front door and hopped into Marilyn's green volks beetle and the two of them drove off to Urban Fare. I was totally amazed as this was the opposite of the Janet of the day before. Marilyn and Janet picked up some groceries for Sunday night dinner and stopped in at Whitespot for fries and triple O sauce (Janet's fav) before she returned home for a nap.
I have installed a computer and a decent monitor in the bedroom so that Janet can listen to internet radio stations (a little habit she has picked up from her geeky husband) and watch videos and Internet downloads of American Idol and other favorite programs. I also put a web cam in the bedroom so I can keep an eye on her remotely while I am downstairs.
I will be forever grateful to the women that have worked so tirelessly to help me in my mission to make Janet's life as happy as possible. You know who you are, and you are all truly angels. I realize that we are all frustrated by how little we can do to improve Janet's quality of life but its important to remember that your visits, kind words and efforts have such a big effect on both Janet and I. Thank you.
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22 comments:
I am so glad to hear that you were able to go out and enjoy that triple O Janet! I know we only know each other a bit from BCTEL/TELUS but I must say I am one of those that always felt great after a bright hello from you! Just another example of how you never know how you might be affecting someone and really brightening their day - so thanks! Markie Mark - you are not so bad yourself my friend! Thinking of you guys so very often.
Susan Martin
Janet
I'm so glad to hear that the last few days have been very fulfilling for you.
It is so wonderful to know that you have such a wonderful family who support you in everything you do. Mar loves you so much and it is great that she has been able to spend so much time with you
I met up with Michael and Chanel before Christmas. They have both grown into wonderful young adults. I know that you have given them a lot of love and guidance over the years and it is a great tribute to both you and Marilyn to see how they have blossomed.
Take care. You are in my thoughts daily.
Love Kathy Bain (Morrison)
Hi Janet,
You continue to amaze me. You take every moment you can and make the most of it and I am so incredibly proud of you. You really are one of a kind. I want to be just like you, but couldn't even begin to follow in your amazing path. I too have faced cancer, but I had just a fraction of your strength and emotional courage. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you Janet.
Love you,
Colleen
Hi Janet,
I am so glad you have been more energetic and have been able to keep a bit of food down since your last paracentesis. I have been reading your blog since Carol told me about it last week. I just wanted to tell you that I am thinking of you and hope that you will continue to feel better.
I am good otherwise, got a nasty cold yesterday and am coughing and sneezing up a storm today. I have to go to work this evening but I am going to have to call in sick. I feel a little guilty as it's only been a few weeks since I've been back at work (and only part-time), and that this is the 2nd shift that I have called in sick!! Trev called in sick too as he has it as well. As you can figure out, Shavonne gave it to us, no surprise. She is great, talking up a storm and continues to amaze us daily. I think she is waking up so I think I have to go. Please know that you are in my thoughts, Janet, and that I am sending positive energy and lots of love your way. I know you are crazy busy with visitors and need lots of rest, but I would love to see you (when I am completely cold and bug free of course). I will check your calendar in the next few weeks after I am better to see how it looks. In the meantime I'll continue to read your blog. Mark's a great writer. Also if there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Thinking about you,
Love Shaleen
Thank you to everyone for posting these comments on the blog. Its wonderful for Janet to read (or have them read to her) each morning. Janet had a great night Sunday night.
Mark
Good Morning Janet,
I am thinking about your smile and it is warming my heart. Just thought I'd let you know that. I was just sending Kevin an e-mail and mentioning how blessed we are that you touched our lives the way you have and I keep thinking of your smile because it is the gateway to your soul. I just adore you so much and thought you should know that.
Love you lots,
Beaner
Janet,
So wonderful to hear you were all dressed up in your beautiful, stylish way and enjoyed some time outside your home with Marilyn! You continue to prove to us all how we should enjoy each day - you took the moment and seized the opportunity - you are amazing! Now I am wondering if with some of that grocery shopping if Marilyn is secretly teaching Mark how to cook, being the "Monkeys" that they are!
Some things never change in life and one of those things is your beautiful smile!
You and Mark are in my thoughts every day....
Hugs and love,
Cheryl
Hello Janet
I can still picture you and I having our chats in John's kitchen. Often we talked about Chanel - I wonder if you realize how much you were able to be there for her in the last few years. It is so gratifying to know that she has grown into a caring, lovely young lady who now is able to return that loving care. It is also wonderful to read the many caring messages from your friends,and the messages Mark is posting. Please know that Nick and I are sending messages of strength and love to you. Betty & Nick
Janet, I was so happy to see you today and massage your feet and it felt so good to tell you my story which I haven't shared with too many other people (Only the special ones in my life).
Love Joanne
Hi Janet,
Just wondering if you still like your red toes :) Did you find that cute toe ring? Can you believe this snow today, the poor spring bulbs will be trying to hide under ground again. I actually saw a robin hiding in the bushes this morning. My swim was cut short this morning, as Henry came down to the pool to have his swim. I just didn't think that our pool was big enough for both of us, so I left.
Well today you have a full day of rest and I hope that you are enjoying it. Maybe you'd like to watch a clip of sex in the city with me on Thursday morning over some tea and muffins? Let me know.
How was you dinner last night? Sounded yummy to me. Is Marilyn teaching Mark to cook too?
Keep smiling lovely lady,
Carol
Hi Janet
Today we had a SNOW DAY! No school. It was so fun. Lisa, Michael and I built a snowman taller than Michael! I sure am glad that you are doing so well. It brings me great joy to know how much people around you care about you. I love seeing your smiling face. No matter how hard things are you keep that smile on your face, I am so proud! Did you know that Daphne is looking down at you and she is there with you helping you through this hard time. We all love you so does mom! xoxo
Chanel
Janet and Mark, thank you for opening up your home to us for a visit on Saturday. Kevin and I really enjoyed our conversation with you and the laughs thinking about the telus days.
Sending you lots of love and warm energy to you.
Stephanie and Kevin
What a great thing this blog is! So nice - Mark - to keep us up to date on Janet's - and your - days and to hear that you, Janet has had some good days and actually went grocery shopping, not to forget the triple O. Keep up the good work "guys" - just shows what good love and support can do.
Lots more hugs and love coming your way.
Maureen
Good morning, Janet and Mark,
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you both. I hope you enjoyed the beautiful snow this week - mother nature is a wonderful thing!
The snow made me think about Whistler and our weekend up there in the fall when we celebrated your birthday, Janet. Your birthday cake that would not come out of the pan, haha! Oh well, it still tasted okay!
I saw the play "Glorious" with Nicola Cavendish who plays the role of a wannabe opera singer, only she is an awful singer. It was like an American Idol show, very funny!
But, then it reminded me of that wonderful saying "sing like no one is listening....dance like no one is watching....love like you have never been hurt"
Mark, if you can't make it as a cook...maybe you can sing for Janet? :)
Thinking of you both as always...
Love and hugs,
Cheryl
Good Morning Janet,
I just wanted you to know that I've been thinking about you every day. Just writing to send you some love.
Colleen
Janet, Mark,
I just wanted to send you both our very best wishes and let you know we are thinking about you.
I have been trying hard to come up with an F word and settled on Fine Single Malt. Rabbie Burns sounds better after a few of those:
"O my luve is like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June:
O my luve is like the melodie,
That's sweetly played in tune".
Fond Wishes,
Malcolm and Wilma Hyndman
Hi Jan!
I miss you already! I loved my five day stay with you and Mark and am grateful for the memories I took away with me on Thursday. I love you Jan and look forward to more power surges in the days to come. I was energized by you! Rest easy knowing that you are so loved and cherished by all of us. I am so proud of who you are and how you have touched so many lives in a positive way just by being you. You are fun,full of vitality and you leave an indelible mark on all who meet you. People are glad to know you and recall the wild and crazy things you used to do together. They smile when they think of you and your smile and they laugh when they remember your laugh. I'd say you have a lot to be proud of! Good night my beautiful sister. Sleep well and I will talk to you tomorrow!
Love Always,
Marilyn
I would just like to respond to Marilyn's e-mail please. It's the last comment made and you really summarized our visit with Janet and described her incredible spirit. We really enjoyed talking with Janet and also you Marilyn and were amazed at your positive energey - that has certainly been rubbing off on Janet and Mark and we thank you for your strength. She is an amazing woman and she has taught me about courage and strength. I look up to Janet more than you can imagine and she will be a part of me forever, as a role model.
So sweet Janet, please smile for me, because that gorgeous smile warms my heart and always will. Oh, goosebumps just thinking about your smile sweetie. I am so proud of you. You are gracious, strong and a true lady.
You take care tonight my sweetheart,
Love
Colleen
PS - Marilyn, I think you're awesome and thank you for being such a strong and supportive person for Janet
Janet! Soooooo good to visit with you yesterday! Talk about Honour Circles and Love... that's the vibe you've always held. So beautiful. I was just speaking with Dena and we want to thank you for introducing us. It's because of you that we're the friends we are today. You're the one that orchestrated our friendship... sending me off to Mobility like you did back in '99. It's a good thing.
Speaking of that, I want to make sure I honour you and give you the recognition you deserve for, well, being my mentor both personally and professionally over the years. I am where I am, in a big part because of you. You guided me to grander horizons that what I thought possible when I moved out here from the Maritimes. Talk about thinking outside the box (and I'm not just talking fashion here!). You're simply the best.
Love to you my friend.
Stephanie.
Janet and Mark,
I wish I had some marvelous words of wisdom and wit to add to the comfort you have from your many friends and the love they bring your way.
But all I can offer is to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Darrell Bellerive
Hello my beautiful Auntie!
I hope you are doing ok today! I went to the store yesterday and bought myself some Vanilla rice crispies. You inspired me :) I enjoyed seeing you on friday, as always. I went skiing yesterday! Did you see me on the mountain...I waved to you. I was thinking about when when we were at Red Mountain skiing together and how we skiied off of that chair lift together holding hands and held hands the whole way down the mountain. We were awesome at that! That is something I will always remember. Everytime I take that chair lift at Red Mountain I know you are going to be right beside me ready to hold my hand down that run
I love you so much
Chanel
Hi Janet,
Greetings from the modern day Waltons.
We've been reading your blog, and what a great job Mark has done organizing it. There's so many people that treasure your friendship... that's so incredible.
We've been thinking about all the good times we've had together. What a great friend you are, we love you!!!
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