Big news, lots of things going on

[kirstenj_2004]

I hardly know where to start. So much has been going on lately - some good, some bad, some mundane, some exciting. Last time I wrote anything here it was around the time of my half-marathon. Since then I have run another longish race - a ten-miler in November - and I have registered for two half-marathons for 2010. The first one, in May, will be to benefit Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, and in September, I will once again be running for autism. I have some shorter races interspersed, starting with the 5km "Resolution Run" on New Years Day.

For the bigger news, I guess it's simplest to go in chronological order, which means I have to start with something very sad. Three years ago, Gerard's cousin and his wife broke the news that their eldest son Chris, then 17, had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the same cancer that took the life of Terry Fox, a famous Canadian who ran the "Marathon of Hope" almost all the way across Canada. Chris went through various treatments and surgeries, and became part of a research study in hopes of helping other people. He never gave up hope, but although his mind was willing his body was not able. On November 21st, aged 20, he passed away. The funeral was emotionally brutal. There are no words to describe the anguish of witnessing parents burying their child.

About ten days after Chris' death, I turned 40. I confess that I had a bit of a crisis about the whole idea of reaching that age, but the day came, I turned 40, and the sky didn't fall. In fact, so far, being 40 has worked out kind of well for me.

On December 11th, two big things happened. First, I officially became a Canadian citizen during a ceremony that was surprisingly emotional. I was one of over 90 people attaining citizenship during that ceremony, and Gerard was one of several dozen loved ones witnessing the occasion. And Gerard - my partner of just over eight years - had a giant surprise in store. Watch this video and you'll find out what it was...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFslyzgVRFk

All in all, it was a very exciting day. The only very bleak spot came later in the afternoon, when we learned that James' teacher - a wonderful, energetic man just 30 years old - had died from complications of pneumonia. For the last week, we have had an interesting time getting James over this hurdle. He adored his teacher and has had a hard time understanding that he will never be back.

And then, just last night, I got a call from George's respite worker - a wonderful lady who comes by every Sunday to work with him. Several years ago, she had breast cancer. Since then, she has been an energetic advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. Last night, she broke the news that a biopsy has confirmed the return of her cancer. She has to take time-out from respite work so she can focus on her treatment and recovery.

It has not been a good week for my kids' caregivers.

And so, I have had a lot to adjust to lately. Some bad, some good. I am trying to focus on the good stuff, send out positive thoughts for those who are sick, and be thankful to have known those who have passed on.

[RedBarren]

What you have to focus on is ending every sentence with eh. You're a Canuck now, eh?

It looks like you've kept your plate full, Kirsten. Congrats on becoming a future-mrs. Is that you waving at the start? You're not as ugly as you look.

Are the kids doing okay with all the changes?
_________________
Folding@home

[kirstenj_2004]

Yeah, that's me waving. I'm not exactly Claudia Schiffer (or whatever supermodel is in vogue these days) but I'm not Godzilla either

The kids are doing all right. James has had a bit of a rough week trying to adjust to the changes at school. He still talks about his deceased teacher as if he's coming back, and as he's making the connection between illness and dying, he's experienced some anxiety. But he's resilient and he'll bounce back. I've been advised to just follow his lead on conversations about the teacher.

Something I neglected to mention in my update is that George had his six-monthly assessment at the therapy centre and he's doing really well. There are still areas of concern, but he's over some of his phobias, he's starting to interact in a very limited way with other kids (only one kid at a time - still not good with groups), and he's reading up a storm!

Lots going on but I can cope, eh???