Fifteen Months of Firsts
It's been months since the last time I sat down to write an entry for the shoebox, and I apologize. Learning to be a single is not the easiest; the realization that you are alone and doing the very activities that you spent 30 years planning together is daunting. I offer this as an explanation not an excuse.
I am actually quite fortunate. My two wonderful children are still here at home with me, and my daughter's partner (also wonderful) is also part of our household. I have supportive family: sisters and brothers; both mine and Jon's. I have girlfriends that I see regularly and many of our couple friends include me in activities.
Good friends say the first year is toughest because of, well all the firsts you experience without the loved one but for me the next year has been far more sad. Experiencing our retirement plans, really the rest of my life, without Jon is sad.
Another reason for my recent absence from these pages is perhaps 'a head in the sand' survival mechanism. Apparently once you have experienced cancer it seems to attach itself to you and re-visits as often as it can within your circle of friends. In April we worried through a scare with our daughter, then in June Jon's mom was diagnosed with Breast cancer, Elaine passed away in September. The agony through the summer was carried by her family; Elaine didn't really recover from her third brain surgery. A lovely neighbour has been diagnosed with lymphoma and then you have heart conditions, hip replacements and so many other scares. We are not young anymore.
Although I have been absent from these pages, the shoebox continues to give comfort and assistance to adults facing life-altering conditions. Jon would be honoured that his memory generates funds that allow us to offer 'RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS to others. The support people have shown to the shoebox has allowed us to give away mega dollars ($35 000) to people who need very much to know they are not alone. It is humbling to be given this task through the generousity of others. Thank you.
We are hoping the planning of a second fund-raiser will soon get underway. A March date has been discussed with the theme being:
A PATTE'S DAY
CELEBRATION
in support of the shoebox
(of course we'll plan on the week following the real St. Patrick's Day since a 'triple book' rule states that no celebration can interfer with March Break Activities.)
Keep listening as your support is most appreciated.
Shannon Patte
PS
'It's NICE to be important but it is MORE IMPORTANT to be NICE!
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