5 years

I felt an urge to enter a post.  Tuesday I went on for what should be my final ct scan.  5 years cancer free.  I will get the final results  mid December.  been an interesting year.  some changes at work. and ironically exactly 5 years after I became the area sales manager- I will be leaving the role for something else.  exactly 5 years after I beat cancer.  lots of people out there still fighting that fight.  and june keeps telling me as she did 5 years ago.  peace that surpasses all understanding. peace to know there is a God up there that walks alongside me through the best times of my life and the worst.

Race Day

Just wanted to thank all my supporters and donators.   Pretty nervous at the beginning of the race, probably didn't stretch as much as I wanted to.  There was a lot of people gathered at 6:30am to run 21km.  Still a mystery to me. 

First 10-12 kms felt good.  Started at Nat Bailey stadium down cambie street over the bridge towards Chinatown.  At around 14km, there was some tightening of the hams and quads running through yaletown.  I did not expect as much incline as there was and I clearly wasn't ready for it.

They talk about the "wall" in running.  Where you hit that point of the race where your body begins to shut down.  It didn't help that the app on my phone was off and so it was charting me almost a full km behind so in my ear it told me 10km but actually I was at km 9.

Anyways, I passed km 17 and my body went Oh No.  I didn't stop but every little incline felt like the grouse grind.  At one point I was running and looked to my right and there was a guy walking- at the same pace I was running.  That gave me a little energy boost to speed up. 

When the sign said 500 meters to go and I could see the finish line, all I thought about was how embarrassing it would be to stop right here and lay down.  But I got there and can cross a half marathon off the bucket list. Phew. Having done it with my brother was nice.  He ran it with little training and strep throat- so it was hard to complain to him.  I still did.  Also ran with my Pastor Jade-he was like a celebrity on the course, high fiving everyone and people with cameras running alongside him.  Paparazzi.

So if you see me this week and I am walking funny- you will know why.

Thanks again everyone.

*Funny signs on the route:

"IF Trump can run, so can you"
"Don't walk, people are watching"
" run like you got 1% left on your iphone"

The big day

I guess there have been a few nerve racking "night before's" in my life
 - night before wedding
- night before test results after chemo
- night before Rhys was born (although that one was a few long nights)

The night before my first half marathon seems to be right up there.  nervous and excited.  so many friends have supported me in this cause- can't really quit now.  last min training tips from my brother- like 10 of them.  haha.  culminates into one long run and test of my mental, physical and spiritual will.   one thing my co worker Andrew tells me- trust your training. trust your training

one lesson that this journey has re-taught me is that in all things, you must be intentional. In training, work, friendships, relationships, my marriage- it doesn't work by luck or chance. but it takes effort.  about to hit the big 40 this year- some have asked if this running thing is about midlife crisis and wouldn't it be just easier to get a camero or mustang or I guess a souped up Acura in my case? Well. it's for the kids and running with over 100 people devoted to the same cause at tenth church is inspiring. having my brother beside me brings back nostalgia from our childhood (mock Tour de France on our bikes in the church parking lot )

ok lofty goals- finish the run and don't die.  can't wait for that ice cold coke at the finish line

oh yeah. skipping church tomorrow. inability to walk may be a good excuse.

I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

now I know God doesn't generally work on Sunday's. but... gonna need him to tomorrow.  OT.

see you on the other side...of the finish line

Running

I've decided to resurrect my blog.  I see a lot of cancer survivors run marathons after they beat it.  I always thought that was weird.  I sure as heck wasn't going to do it.  Famous last words haha...

So this journey started a few months ago when the pastor of my church Ken Shigematsu challenged his entire staff and anyone from the congregation to run the BMO marathon or half marathon on behalf of Tenth Church and specifically World Vision in the fight to stop child trafficking. 

My brother Dan said that he would do it with me and that was this beginning.  Those who know me understand how much I hate running- from the days of trying to cheat at DT gym class run days. (think Seinfeld and the taxi).

Anyways, after some high altitude training in whistler this weekend, I'm up to 18 km in my training.  and it hurts...everything hurts.  But for a great cause.  Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers...last 2 weeks before the run. No injuries or setbacks.  If you want to donate. Check it out.

http://bit.ly/1MrZx4Z


Thanks

Gil

May 26th 2013- Final CT scan results

Well- final ct scan clear.  doc says that this is the last one. only blood tests from now on and less than 1% chance of anything reoccuring.  The last 2 years have been quite a journey.  Thank you all who have been there beside me the entire way.  All the prayers, well wishes and support.  It would have been hard to imagine getting through it without all of you.  All the cliches are true.  It is times of trial and darkness that you truly appreciate what you have and puts life into perspective.  I know that religion or faith is different for every person.  My faith in God got me through a pretty tough time and my prayer is that he is there for every one of my friends who read this blog.  Onward to a 90 day fitness challenge to try and change my lifestyle for the better.  It may be grumpy gil for a while.  grumpy because of junk food withdrawal .  Speaking of life perspective, the view from my 4year old daughter is always a good one.  I also wanted to share a conversation I had with my daughter on the plane ride to disneyland a few weeks ago:

Me:  Rhys, look out the window, the plane is taking off

Rhys: wow, how come its getting all white and foggy

Me:  We are flying higher and higher, we are in the clouds

Rhys:  Are we going to see Jesus?

Me:  One day, hopefully not today, ok?

Rhys:  Ok dada, are we at disneyland yet?

May 16, 2013

I mentioned the other day to a friend that I don't blog anymore because I was beginning to feel like facebook and for those of you who know me, know I am not a fan of knowing what everyone is doing all the time. My friend made a point that the blog was mostly to remind myself of what happens so that made a lot of sense. I am sitting at the cancer clinic again for what might be my last ct scan. Its been 2 years since I finished treatment and this last scan will close the book on this chapter of my life. Very exciting. As usual I will have to wait a week for the results . Much has happened since my last post. June and I got a chance to take rhys to disneyland. That was amazing. As a parent there isnt much more joy you can experience than when your child sees cinderalla for the first time and the look on her face is priceless. Anyways. Will update as soon as I get results and then I think a party is in order.

Dec 2012

One more clear cancer checkup in the books.  There was no scan this time.  I haven't had a scan since May.  They don't too much radiation from the CT scans.  Just bloodwork and x-ray.  All clear.  I wonder if cancer survivors get antsy if they don't get a scan.  My doc said they will do a scan in Feb.  Which is the 2 year anniversary of my diagnosis and treatment.  Time flies, can't believe it's almost - Christmas.  This has been a crazy year- not quite as crazy as last year but still.  I am more appreciative of family and friends than ever before.  I am loving being a soccer dad.  I am praying for more and more people every day with loved ones that have cancer- it's scary.  but like i always tell the people at work- let's control the controllables and don't worry about things you do not have any control over.  I gotta look back at last years post and see if i accomplished any of the things i set out do this year. We will have to see.  wishing everyone a safe and merry holidays- hope to see all of you soon- thanks to all who donated to movember- the stache was just as bad if not worse- i will post some pics on my next blog.  peace

November 11, 2012

Today is Remembrance day.  Its early in the morning and I am preparing a small talk for the elderly care home we are visiting this afternoon.  June, Rhys and I, along with some other members of Tenth Church go to an elderly care home every other month and lead a church service there.  In preparing my talk, I am reminded that remembering is something that seems tougher as I grow older.  One of the reasons I kept this blog was so that there would be a record of me long after I am gone.  It's been over a year since the cancer is gone.  I have another checkup at the end of the month.  I realize that no matter how long its been- cancer is one thing that I will not have any trouble remembering.  A lot has happened since my last post.  We have finally moved into our new place.  A small townhouse in Steveston.  Rhys has joined a soccer team.  I am the proudest day watching her run around chasing that ball.  Yes, I realize I am turning into Will Ferrel from Kicking and Screaming- can't wait to be coach.  Rhys has also learned how to ride a bike without training wheels.  Crazy times that pass so fast.

I also had the chance to do a 2 day road trip with my dad and my brother- we drove down to portland a few saturdays ago to surprise my uncle on his 70th birthday.  It was an amazing trip.  It made me realize that life is too short (if i didn't already know that) and its not about what you have- but its about the experiences you had and who you had them with.  My brother always talks about being intentional in things we do.  It's true- the quantity of team sometimes lies in the quality.

I found this poem on the internet as I was preparing my talk.  It made me tear up just reading it.  This girl could be Rhys, could still be- who knows.  But if RHys can understand one day that heaven isn't too far away- just like this girl did, then I believe June and I have done our job as parents.

Remembrance Day Poem called 'Daddy's Poem'

author unknown 

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's al ways with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Canadian soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Canadians to fear. 

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed  rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

Take the time...to live and love.
Until eternity. God bless!

Lest We Forget!

Oct 1,2012

I started to go to church when I was 2 years old.  I basically grew up in the church.  When I was about 12 years old, my church took a break from sunday school every summer.  Instead we would get to join all the older kids for a summer video series.  Back then, watching videos sure was better than being in a classroom.  But I was young and dumb at the time(as opposed to being old and dumb now) and those videos bored me too.  I remember the video that changed my entire outlook on Christian speakers and pastors.  We watch this one video where this guy was yelling and spitting and he was so funny.  It was like watching a comedian and through all the laughter, the message of Christ's love still made it into my brain.  This guy had a way of relating life and humor and what it meant to live a life where you put your trust in Jesus.  That was over 20 years ago.  His name was Tony Campolo.  He is speaking at my church this sunday.  I can't believe it.  I am inviting everyone in blogworld to my church this sunday to hear Tony speak.  He is speaking on behalf of world vision.  June and I support this organization and we sponsor 2 children:   Pelince and Vibol. I know it's thanksgiving sunday and its football and long weekend but come on out, my church has 3 services, 9:15, 11:15 and 6:30 at night.  Hope to see you there.

Sept 23, 2012

I think it's time to share the real reason why I have almost stopped blogging. I can blame it on the busyness of life or many other factors but I know the real reason. And when I say it, it will probably make a few people upset and that is not my intention. This blog started as a way to communicate my battle with cancer with people I knew. Then it morphed into a way of getting my thoughts and beliefs out there in a very non threatening  manner . But the reason I stopped was because i was afraid my blog was turning into a news feed in Facebook. Now I don't have Facebook but I made the mistake of creepin June's. And I was shocked. I could not believe how many people post such weird and obscure things on there. I was hooked and read page after page getting more and more disgusted  the more I read. But I realized that I was reading it so obviously it meant something .  Anyways this isn't a rant but I didn't want people to read my blog and say. Who cares. Which was what I did when I read the news feed.  Anyways. I have come to terms of it and I am still not on Facebook but I want to keep blogging because I want this to be a record of my life after cancer and I don't want to forget. So you won't find me checking into my basement or into my bathroom or the garage. Wait I guess I just disliked Facebook. Haha. Anyways. This week was Rhys first soccer practice. And she loved it.she was so cute in her little cleats and shin guards and uniform. I cannot wait to be will ferrell in kicking and screaming on the sideline as the proud yet overbearing father.  I am also taking a leadership course at my church and it is teaching me that in order to be a good leader- you  first must be a good follower. I have an amazing staff at work and I learn from them all the time. I am now trying to learn to follow them too.  Servant leadership.  We also moved into our new place...moving not fun but our new place is pretty sweet.  NOw to find time to enjoy.  To of my cousins getting married next year and i am going to take a road trip with my dad and brother in a few weeks.  Family first.  always.

Gil

Aug 30,2012

Well. It has been a long time since my last entry. Not because I had nothin to say but maybe because there was too much to say. Today I find myself at the cancer clinic for a routine checkup. The scans are now 6 months apart so today was just a Bloodwork and an X-ray. All things fine says the doc  see u in the new year.  The last time I checked in was my birthday. It has been a crazy summer. We did a week at anvil again and this year was tougher than most for June and I. But Rhys had a blast and many kids got to know Jesus. I am always amazed at how God works even despite my numerous attempts to mess things up.  We also just moved and that's always stressful. Well just looking forward to things slowing down a bit and I can sit back and hang out with friends in our new place.  Later.

July 6, 2012. Free day Friday!

Once again it's the one day of the year that makes a cheap man like me happy happy happy. Let's start off the day with Rhys and I at Denny's. Free breakfast. I paid for a coffee and hashbrowns. Rhys ate all he sausages and I feel healthy as I ordered the turkey bacon. Bill came to $6. And I tipped like I was ballin! Will update as the day goes on- free day Friday!!! Off to church kids camp with Rhys. Then free burger at Vera's for lunch and then maybe some Pajo's fish and chips for afternoon snack but not before hitting the mall to get some birthday savings. It's tiring going around getting free stuff. Good thing I got Rhys with me

June 11, 2012

Father's day came early this year.  Kinda.  It was father/daughter weekend with June out of town.  I know I spent 9 months with Rhys every day last year but it was different.  Being sick gave me a different mindset but I don't ever want to forget how precious these moments with my young daughter is.  I am in no position to give any advice to any father out there- but I would recommend every dad to send their wives away for a few days vacation and hang out with your kid one on one.  Totally different.  It's almost like without June, my parental spidey senses needed to be heightened.  I didn't have my wife to shoulder some of the burden.  I became more attentive, slept earlier knowing I had to watch her the next day.  I carried around snacks, and water and extra clothes and shoes.  I'm sure these are  things moms do regularly and any mother reading this is going, pffffhhh, watchu want a cookie gil, for taking care of your kid?  thats what you suppose to do!  Noted but it still was a lot of fun.  It did have it's moments.  I realize that when i am going out alone with Rhys- I drink less water because I don't want to pee.  Maybe this is just father's with daughters.  But if i have to pee, i have to find a private bathroom(pref starbucks.)  I make rhys stand in the corner so she can't see me go #1.  I can't bring her into the guys and have her stare at a bunch of men in front of urinals.  Just me? Anyone? Bueller?  But I digress.  I just wanted to jot down some memories in case i forget in my old age.

Friday- got to pick her up from preschool-  she was pretty stoked.  All the kids stay after school and play in the playground.  Rhys set up a picnic with her friends.  I thought  I would be smart and bring her snacks.  I made the mistake of bringing her a whole box of crackers.  So of course she shared with her friends- that's cool.  What's not cool is the chubby kid that grabbed about 6 handfuls and 2 minutes later, the box was empty.  I couldn't even get mad at him- cuz that probably used to be me ( i was the chubby kid that ate other people's food)

We then went to costco and then hung out at Andis' house for dinner.  Rhys ran around Alden for a few hours and we went home.  Tired and happy.

Saturday- pancake breakfast- she even knows its Uncle Stevo's recipe from scratch.  I am getting good at making shapes of various animals with the batter.  Maybe start my own restaurant chain.  I will call it Panshapes and Bacon.

12:00- Dance class- or as I call it, Shawshank-  I cannot believe what it costs to let our kid dance.  I can teach her all that jazz at home with LMFAO pounding in the background.  For free!

Spent the afternoon cleaning the house with her helping by not messing it up as I cleaned.  Then her friend Maddie came over to play- Maddie and RHys 6 days apart and are great playmates.  THey ran around in the playground and then ran around in the house pretending that Maddie's baby brother Conner was a monster.  After a full dinner of Udon (her favorite).  It was off to bed.  Slept to 7:30 and both sat and sun morning comes into our room and goes , "where's momma?  In kelowna? I miss her"

Sunday-

Off to church, then June's mom's house for Kimpap (korean sushi)  and then off to pick up her school mate and to class birthday party- hawaiian theme.  It was good, but I didnt know anyone except for the parents of the birthday girl.  So made some new friends and tried to figure out who was related to whom.  Big family.

After party- dropped RHys off at my mom's to spend the night.  Came home and took a nap, made dinner and did some laundry.

Phew.  TIme for bed.  Rhys and Gil's weekend adventure is done.  Now back to work.

Some photos to highlight the weekend:

 Boo and the Aldenator

Child labor- I rewiped, obviously

costco fries- woohoo

booboo and Haribajee(grampa)

about to eat her teddy pancake

Minnie mouse- whaddup

 yes those  are thought bubbles or drips actually

good thing we didn't name her Anastasia

with momma gone- she needed all her bodyguards before she could sleep, cuz apparently I couldn't protect her.

June 8th, 2012

Didn't realize it had been this long.  Hmm.  I wonder if I am digressing or regressing. No June to proof read.  This entry gonna be rough.  Long hours at work again, struggling to exercise.  This weekend seems like one to recharge.  Was hectic for a few weeks.  I mean months.  1 year cancer free.  6 years married to June.  What a difference a year makes.  This weekend I am Mr Mom.  Just Rhys and me as June has taken a much needed trip with the ladies up to the Okanagan.  I got to observe Rhys in class for 20 mins today.  Very interesting.  She does know how to be silent.  She can put things away.  Dr Montessori, you are a genius.  What a fun evening just hanging out with the Yu's and then playing princess with my daughter.  Can't ask for anything more on a Friday after a long week. Tomorrow- pancakes and dance class- and maybe eat some food that Momma won't let us eat.haha.

My co-worker called me a duck the other day(all who are chinese-cue the laughter)  How so you ask? Well, i think I used to be a bit of a spaz, If you ask June, I still am.  But apparently, I am now cool and calm on the surface, just like a duck, but underneath the water, the part you can't see.  the legs are working like sixty to stay afloat.  Which is ironic because I can't swim, still.  I guess some things have changed and some still stay the same.

Looking for a worship leader for camp...praying God drops the band right on my lap...


Oh right- we finally found a place to live after 2+ years of looking.  Can't wait to have everyone over after we move in August.  I finally get my own room...i mean mancave. ah woo, wait for it, hoo

See you all this summer hopefully.

May 18, 2012

CT scan clear. I was sitting in the doctors office at the cancer clinic reading my bible on my iphone, reading matthew chapter 6-


²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry^(AC) about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.^(AD) Are you not much more valuable than they?^(AE) 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life


and my oncologists walks into the room.  I say, hi Dr Murray, he says, hello Gilbert, I am looking for a tool for another patient, I will be right with you.   35 minutes later, of not worrying, an intern or a resident walks into the room.  This is the conversation

intern- hello gilbert

me- hi

intern- i am DR Craig, i am a resident, so how are you

me- good

intern- thats good, now how have you been feeling

me- tell me what's on the report

intern- what, I er...

me- tell me what is on the report

intern- uh, well, we are still waiting for , see the...

me- am i good or not, was it a clear scan?

intern- we are still waiting for the report, but your bloodwork is good, no raised levels of tumor markers, but we are still waiting for the report

me- so can you go get the report and then we can chat

intern- uh, yeah, i can do that but the scan is clear, nothing unusual on it, just waiting for the actual written report from radiology

me- ok, well thank you, you should tell the patient he is fine first, then you can ask me all the questions you want

intern- yes of course, let me check for the report and i will be back

me- that would be great, why don't you do that

25 more mins...

my regular doc walks in- Gilbert you are fine, things are looking great, you look great, 1 year, congratulations, we won't even need to see you until the end of the summer.  ok

me- yup, thanks Doc.

And Scene...haha, never a dull moment


1 year cancer free- Praise God.

May 17, 2012

Results day- always an interesting one.  Good thing is that I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to think or worry about it.

On a side note.  Looks like we are finally moving to a slightly bigger place.  I have to say- I am a pretty cheap, typical asian but I just spent the best $400 of my life the other day.  We found a place we love and in the area we want to live.  We made and offer and it got accepted,  Then I paid $400 for an inspection on the house.  WOW- this guy was the most thorough guy I have ever met.  I learned more about the place we bought than humanly possible.  It was awesome.  Any of you out there buying a place- get an inspection- and call me for my guy.  I was so reassured that I was buying a great place after his report, made shelling out the deposit a lot easier.

For those of you who know me, you know I hate to pay retail- for anything.(June's friend Glo calls me Good Deal Gil)   I used to say that every person needs to have 2 main hookups in their lives.  You have to have a good mechanic and a good travel agent( 2 industries that can really rip you off).  I gotta say that I may add 2 more people to that list.  We were searching for a new home since before the cancer- it's been a long road and so happy that we finally found something we like after almost 2 years.  The other 2 people you must have in your life is a good realtor and mortgage broker.  When you are going to shell out that kind of money, you want to be able to sleep at night knowing that there are 2 guys that are working for your best interest.  Thank you Sterling Wong and Alex Pang- our realtor and mortgage guy.  You guys made it happen.  Sterling- you are the Jerry Mcguire of real estate- the silent assassin/pitbull of negotiation.  Alex, you got us $$$, which is always nice.  Especially at a low interest rate.  2 christian brothers that I would recommend to anyone and everyone because you guys are diligent and have amazing dedication and resolve.  And I get to move June into a place she loves where Rhys can grow up in. I am forever grateful.  Free cokes all around.

Ok off to work and then doc appt this afternoon.  Will post when I get my results later today.

May 5, 2012

Just your typical Sat morning. Got up. Fired up my laptop and read a few emails. But now I am at life labs getting my routine blood test. I had forgotten about it during the week. I have another Ct scan on the 14th. A year ago today. I was finished my chemo and waiting to see if the treatmen had worked. Seemed so long ago but also seems like just yesterday when I was faced with the uncertainty of a disease that has taken so many. Been very busy lately at work but I continue to see God working around me and I seek his peace in these crazy times. I feel very fortunate to have a job where I have never had a day where I looked at the clock hoping it would go faster. Wondering when it was time to go home. Not once in the last 5 years has that happened. Usually it's looking at the clock wondering where all the time went. I have been in jobs when I was younger that I stared at that clock- Willing it to go faster. Not fun. Well, still waiting for them to call my name and draw about 6 vials of blood. Tumor markers, liver and kidney enzymes, glucose. I will never get use to the needles. But gives me a chance to blog while I wait for my words with fiends, friends to play their words. Enjoy life, enjoy work. Whatever you are doing- enjoy the moment. Living a life of hope or glass half full a lot more fulfilling than going through life on glass half empty mode.

April 29, 2012

Wow, been a while since I posted.   So long they changed the interface on this blog sight.  Hmmm.  It has been an interesting month.  You would think that after something like cancer, everything else would just roll off you like water off a ducks back( I have yet to see water do that off a duck, but it is apparently a saying).  But life continues with its twists and turns.  I am approaching my 1 year anniversary from completing chemo.  Time flies. Another CT scan in 2 weeks.  June and I had to make some important decisions in the last few months.  Things that permanently affect the rest of our lives.  It has been an interesting journey.  I read that most cancer patients that get better, return to their normal lives.  I am fighting to not be part of that statistic.  Thank you all who came out for my sharing at church.  If you missed it, here's the link
http://www.tenth.ca/media.php?pageID=29 .

I am always grateful to Pastor Ken and Pastor David Jones for allowing me to share how cancer changed me and brought me closer to God and my friends and family.  Stress seems to be creeping back into my life, may it be work or family life or life in general.  Today I got to help out for Rhys' sunday school.  About 20 screaming kids and Rhys telling everyone that  I am her daddy and running back to me each time I tried to help a kid.  Like animal territorial stalking.  I am surprised she didn't pee on me to mark her territory.  Kid's are awesome- one kid wouldn't listen to me unless I called him spiderman and another kid kept taking off his shoes and socks.

I have been trying to take more photos lately...here are a few thousand words about my daughter, RHys (don't call me 3, I'm 5) Sofia Yeung...

April 1, 2012

I went to a fundraiser banquet last night for Daybreak Point Bible Camp.  It's a camp that we volunteer at in the summer.  I ran into some people I haven't seen in years.  Made me feel old.  Almost 15 years ago, my friend Chris brought me up there to volunteer.  7 days, 100 kids and a chance to share Christ and your life with them.  Now some of these kids we  met back then are graduating university.  Staff members we use to run around with are now married with kids.  Where did all the time go?  I remember telling a co-worker about the camp years ago and she was astonished.  She said, " you get 2 weeks of holiday a year and you waste 1 week of it volunteering at a kids camp?"  I thought that was funny, the work "waste".  I could sit here ignorantly and say that I have done a lot for these kids I meet.  In truth, this camp has done more for me than I could ever have given back.  I met June up there (that's quite a draw eh- volunteer at a camp, get a girlfriend- should be on the brochure). I proposed to June up there (with chris in bthe bushes and a video camera) I discovered how God works in mysterious ways.  You don't know what kind of impact or how God will use you in the lives of these young people.  I met my life long friends up there.  Sometimes it is just hard to describe- one of those, "you had to be there" situations.  I remember coming back from camp and telling all my buddies about what happened during the week.  They didn't get it.  I remember driving to one of my chemo sessions and thinking about the worst case scenario- if I died, I would not see Rhys grow up at the camp as I had envisioned.  That was one of my big worries, weird.  I went to Daybreak as an adult- never got to experience the life of a camper or a staff kid.  Two years ago, we went up as a family.  Rhys loved it- running around with 100 older kids for a week.  Funny how something as small as a week volunteering at a bible camp- turns into 15 years of memories and lasting relationships.  Where our lives will take us, only God knows.  


Rhys with Uncle Chris

March 18, 2012

Thank you all who came out to day to one of the church services.  I was blessed to see so many faces in the crowd.  Each time I share my story whether it be cancer or my faith, I get to meet so many people that end up encouraging me.  Just the fact that some of you came out just because I had 5 mins of a 90 minute service is touching.  June, Rhys and I are very blessed to be surrounded by so many people that love us and support us in so many ways.  I don't remember if I posted this song before, maybe I did, but I heard a few of them this week that really touched my heart.  I wanted to share with you today.

Fall Apart- Josh Wilson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXOEZJyqdsg

Blessings- Laura Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ

there are a few lines in the blessing song that brings me back to when I was in chemo- and wondering about God's plan for me...some of those wonderings are still coming to fruition.

"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You're near?
What if trials of this life
Are your mercies in disguise?"

I pray that God meets you there, where ever you are.  A place of happiness, sadness or searching.  I pray for his blessings to surround you in every circumstance of life.

And for those who didnt make it out today, I will post the link to mp3 if you want to check it out.  Our church also has a pretty cool easter service.

Later