Christmas Is Here

Family arrives any moment. I am not ready! Every year I get myself in a whirl around the holidays, every year I do less and less, every year it turns out magnificent. I have a cold and it annoys me. I will be glad when Jan. 2 arrives and I can quiet down a bit. I really have learned, and continue to learn every day, to stay in the moment, not fret or worry ahead, and just have a good time.

Clo doing well. She has pulled this Christmas Holiday together and keeps up a terrifically joy filled energy. I must get something going for dinner tonight and make a big batch of food for Aimee. That and wrapping a few gifts, and I am pretty much done. Lovely!

More then ever in my life I can feel Christmas is about love. Gifts are so secondary. Sharing food and drink and laughter. But most of all love. It really takes the burden and pressure off of accomplishing and doing so much.

Take a moment to sit with your loved ones, hold hands, and share 3 or 4 things that you especially appreciate about this past year. Even if it has been a challenge, bring into the foreground the special, blessed, inspired moments when an angel touched you or your heart leaped, or you smiled at a rainbow or at a child's laughter.

More later. Have to cook. Not my favorite. Nor is eating right now. But others need food. So off I go. Hugs, blessings, best wishes, Nancy

A Fundraising Challenge from my Son-in-law, Andrew Mason

Last update for sometime. All is well. Today Clo took herceptin and chemo with no glitches at all. She is lessening the amount of steroids she is taking. Her energy is good. She has a lovely bald head and continues to have a "Buddha Tummy". She is loving the visitors and all the loving she is getting.

Our son-in-law Andrew, who lives in Maine, has bravely decided to put love for Clo and feelings about her challenge into a challenge of his own. If any of you feel so inclined, it would be an amazing gift to sponsor Andy in the 2 day bicycle ride to benefit cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital where Clo is receiving magnificent treatment. Click to visit Andy's personal page to make the pledge.

Blessings to you all. Nancy and Clo

Message from Andrew Mason

Happy Holidays!

In the spirit of the holidays and thinking of others, I wanted to share a message about my newest adventure. As you may know, I have a close family member who lives in Toronto who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and to support her I've decided to participate in a 2-day major cycling event called The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research hospitals in the world.

I'll be cycling over 200 kilometres that weekend, from Niagara Falls to Toronto, with thousands of other Riders. All the proceeds will go to The Princess Margaret to support cancer research, treatment, and services. The Princess Margaret is Canada's leading comprehensive institution devoted to cancer research and care, and the work they're doing is leading-edge.
I've agreed to raise at least $2,500, but I would like to surpass that amount. So here's where you come in, because I need your help to do that. Could you please consider making a donation of $100? Use the link at the bottom of this email to go visit my webpage, and please take the time to support me. Please keep in mind the commitment I'm making to end this heartbreaking disease and the personal efforts I'll have to make to accomplish this.

I'm riding to do something BIG about cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Andrew Mason
Click here to visit my personal page.

Living With A Miracle

What is a "Miracle"? I don't actually know what the religious definition is, the dictionary says, "a wonder; a marvelous thing;something which seems to go beyond the known laws of nature and is held to be the act of a supernatural being...." Works for me. I think what I am meaning when I say I am living with a miracle has to do with the fact that I am living with Clo who should be actively dying and who is in fact, actively living. A wonder!

What I know about this particular miracle and this particular woman, in this moment, I may well see it differently at a later time, is that she is walking around living fully and positively with an enlarged liver full of cancer and a vertebrae and breast equally full of cancer. She is full of pain medication, herceptin for her breast, and chemo-therapy. She is bald and she has aches and pains. But don't we all. Three weeks ago she was given 3 months to live. One week ago the prognosis was ten or more years.

Notwithstanding or minimizing the medical system one bit, we both fully believe her brand new ability to let herself know she is loved and to let that love absolutely heal her heart and soul, bring herself into full aliveness, make her eyes sparkle and bring laughter to those around her, is keeping her alive and not simply surviving, but fully thriving! And she says it has been easy for her to do. She was ready. She is ready to accept my loving her, my family loving her, her family, our friends, the neighbours, many, many we don't even know. SHE IS LOVED!

Exactly what every single one of us needs and deserves to know. Deserves to feel and absorb and soak up into a very cellular level. Historically we carry the pain and struggle of our ancestors in our body. Clo had a twin brother who died of leukemia when they were 4 years old. She has a frightened father who only knew how to show he cared in an angry and rough way. She had a mother who was overwhelmed and unable to keep up with the demands of 5 children, two of whom were twins.... Clo is healing herself and her family. Everyone of her family members who have come to visit has left feeling softer, smiling, more open. Miracles keep on happening.

Don't EVER diminish YOUR need for being loved or the power of your receiving and giving love. It is what keeps us healthy, keeps our body and soul sane, gives us hope for beauty and joy. Don't shame yourself or your partner if one of you feels needy or asks for more. Find ways to get and to give more. That is the journey of life and the gift of relationship.

More later today. Time for some nourishment by way of food and connecting with my sweetie. Hugs, for now, Nancy