The Terry Fox Run

Today was the Terry Fox run that is on the same day across Canada.

I was on the city bus a few weeks ago and I thought that I should do this event. I haven't done such a thing in a long time something like over 15 years ago. Anyway as soon as that thought came to me I knew who I would do it for. On November 24, 2006 I lost one of my grandmother's to Brain Cancer. She had previously had breast cancer, but she won that battle. We as a family did not have much warning with the Brain Cancer as she kept it to herself and only learned of it towards the end of her life. I remember the day before and day of so vividly. On November 23 my mom called me to tell me that I should come home after about a month of knowing she wasn't doing well. She said my grandma was getting worse and that it could be any say now. My dad picked me up from school in Cambridge to bring me back. My step dad had my mom contact me through my dad's cell to tell my dad to get off at the exit closest to my mom's house and my step dad would meet us there so I could go see my grandma right away. It was maybe 5 minutes before my step dad got there and we were headed up to Grimsby Memorial. Much of my step-dad's family was there as we visited with my grandma. Her breathing was garbbled and it actually sounded as though she had something in the back of her throat which made her breathing sound aweful. Visiting hours were almost over, but since my grandma was dying, her children were taking turns spending the night by her side. My Aunt Sherry was by her side this evening. I went to my dad's where I lived when I wasn't at school and he had just moved to the lower level of the house and this was my first time in the apartment. So I was organizing and unpacking for quite a while until the wee hours of the morning. I finally stopped and got ready for bed and then flopped on my bed and started to weep and pleaded to God for him to "Just take her, she's suffering." A few moments later I was fast asleep. The next day everyone was talking to me on the phone as normal and it wasn't until my step-dad picked me up and told me that she had died that night. Knowing the prayer that I said the night before I was relieved, but at the same time I wanted to know what time it was. She died within 10 minutes after my prayer. I later learned that my grandma woke up and my aunt was right at her side. My aunt craddled her and sang her Amazing Grace (her favourite) and this is when she passed from our presence. I have no doubt that this was an act of God. So almost five years later I dedicated this walk in memory of her.

I went at this walk alone. I registered, got sponsors, and walked it alone. Now some people have said to me that it would have been so much better to have someone with you doing it. Well in all honesty I'm glad I did it alone. I reflected a lot on memories of her and thinking of that night again which I hadn't done in a long time and I truly believe that God honours the glory I give him in that situation. |ll praise is due his name. Now as far as my sponsors are concerned "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" This would not have been as meaningful without you. Here are some of the others I walked for...

Amanda - my co-worker
Melissa - friend's cousin
Violet - left us 2002 - Best friend's Nan
Rochelle - left us 2008 - same best friend's aunt
Penny - recently diagnosed - same best friend's mom
Lorraine - left us 2002
Pat - cousin
Pat - sister-in-law's grandma
Ben - sister-in-law's husband
I know I am missing many others, but this disease runs through everyone's life at some point.

Blessings,

Christina

New: New Hair Cut, New Home, New Beginnings

This past Saturday I had a friend come along with me to my hair appointment. I decided it was time to cut off almost 11" of hair in preparation of sending it to Locks of Love [ http://locksoflove.org/ ]. I love the hair cut that I ended up with even though I was terrified of what it would look like right after cutting it off. Here's a after photo:
 

The new home came into view before the hair cut, but it will become reality this week as I will be moving in throughout this week. I have lived in a single room for 16 months and am now moving into a 5 bedroom house. This is truly an answer to prayer. No I didn't ask for a five bedroom house, but I did ask for provision. This place will cost me less than if I found my own apartment or even shared a two bedroom. I had just given up the idea of a one bedroom when I got to thinking of having an accountibility partner if I even entered a relationship. Now at this time I will be alone in this house until more girls can be found and decide to move in, but I'm also not jumping into a relationship right away either. I will totally enjoy living in this place, it has a full kitchen, living room and dining room, rec room in the basement, two bathrooms one of which has a jacuzzi tub and a laundry room and fruit cellar. I think I am going to all set for a while now! Plus the house has a front and back yard.

New beginnings reflect all the changes in my life that I anticipate with my move. Better eating habits more exercise, and more in-depth time with my God. Over the last year these areas have suffered a great deal and I have poor excuses so I am not going to write about them. However I do hope to establish good and healthy habits right from the beginning of living in this new home.

Thanks for reading.



So much has happened over the last few months

It has been quite the journey over the last couple of months and each day has had some huge hurdles to overcome. In my last blog I wrote about a longing...a longing for my own place. Well it is September 1st and I'm almost all packed up, but there is nowhere for me to go. I still have not found a place and it is really stressful. I have contacted dozens and dozens of people, viewed many places as well and yet I still have nothing to show forth my efforts.

Just recieved a phone call about a place and will have the contract emailed to me in a moment...Thank you Lord!

Almost 4 weeks ago now my landlord's in Calgary lost their youngest child. I wrote of her previously in a letter written for her. I will be printing that off for them and sending it with another note about her passing from our presence into the Lord's presence once everything settles down for them and for me. She had many health complications and the doctors thought that once she took her first breath that she would live just a few days. Over 14 months they were blessed with her presence and they loved that little babe like none other. She touched many lives and heart and she left behind her a legacy as she fought for her life on several occasions.

My job has changed slightly I was Part-time sales at Suzy Shier and have in the last month moved up to Part-time Keyholder (Management team). Even though I am part time my manager is doing her best to give me as many hours as possible. So for the last couple of weeks I have had full-time hours as well as the next couple of weeks to come. This will help with the whole move and such.

After I move I do plan to continue looking for a second job so that I can become more financially stable and get ready to pay off those ugly student loans that were so easily given to me to complete a higher education.

This summer was tough no doubt about it and now I am seeking after a much nicer/easier Fall.

Many blessings and thank you for reading/following my blog.