You gotta love 'em...

Well, I hate to admit it, but I was glad for the weekend to be over. Those boys can be a lot of work! I think I just don't have the energy or patience I used to have. Hopefully, that's just temporary. Otherwise, I'll need full-time help!

I'm still on a rollercoaster ride, emotionally. Up and down, and you just never know when a mood is gonna hit. I guess I'll have to be patient and ride it out. But, I hate feeling less than normal! It sucks! And, I've come to realize that pre-teens and teens are not so big on compassion! I guess I'll have to get used to that too. It's all about them. But, you gotta love 'em. They're my reason for getting up in the morning. Too bad they don't become normal until their twenties. I really wish Tony was here.

Anyways, I'm back at the children's hospital with Richard on Thursday to have his wrist and cast checked out. Hopefully all is well and he will be able to return to his activities real soooooon! And blow off some of that excess energy... in a positive manner.

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

Terry Fox Walk in Memory of Tony

We were over thirty strong wearing our special Tony t-shirt and walking in memory of our Tony. The sun was out and the sky was blue... it was perfect. I must admit that I was a bit relunctant to see so many people... gathered in memory of Tony. These days, when I don't feel strong, or feel I can't even fake a smile, I usually retreat to my home and stay away from people. I'm really glad I didn't on Sunday. Although I wasn't quite myself; and I probably won't be for a while, I was there and I did it - "one step at a time".

Thanks to the whole Enbridge team and their families for participating. A special thanks to Denis, Todd and Mario... "Richard" would have been extremely touched by all the attention and effort you put into the event. You're a great team and "Richard" always enjoyed going to work... I can see why!

Michele, my sister-in-law, told me that the memorial service in Belfast went very well and that many people attended. Although the boys and I could not be there, I did wake up at 6 a.m. and looked at my alarm clock and thought of you all. I was touched when Michele told me that there were over 150 people in attendance. Thank you...

The boys are doing well. We were back at the hospital for Richard's wrist this morning. I was thankful that they did not need to reset it. We have to go back next week for a follow-up. And, this evening, Mathieu played what was his last soccer game of the season. Now we move on to hockey... not to mention football that is still in full swing. Of course, in between all these games and practices, we have to squeeze in school days and homework. No rest for the wicked!

That's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée

When it's not one thing... it's another

Well, all I can say is "It could've been a lot worse!". On the one night I had a sitter take the boys to their football practice so I could go to the meeting at Mathieu's school, Richard's coach calls me on my cell... Richard was injured during practice. Luckily, I had a sitter for Mathieu while I took Rich to the emergency. He has a broken wrist. Considering he injured himself at football practice, I figure we're lucky... Of course, it would've been much better if it hadn't happened; but what are you gonna do? He's a teenage boy... Enough said!

As most of you already know, my in-laws are holding a memorial service for Tony in Belfast this Saturday. My heart and thoughts are with them... Going through that once was difficult enough; I can't imagine having to do it over. I will be thinking of you... and Tony...

On Sunday, Enbridge has organised a team for the Terry Fox Run in memory of Richard (aka Tony). The boys and I will be there along with a few friends and family, and of course, the Enbridge team. It will be an emotional weekend.

I stopped by my work today and was very saddened to learn that a close colleague is leaving the company. Didier is one of those "perle rare". He is a kind and gentle man with the heart of a giant. His understanding and compassion, not to mention his medical background, truly helped me get through some very difficult times. His door was always open and he always took the time to answer all my questions and managed to alleviate my fears. Merci beaucoup Didier! All the best in your new position.

Well, that's it for now!

Take good care...

Renée

Touchdown Saturday

Mathieu started his football "career" today and scored his first touchdown. And, just a bit earlier in the day, at a not too distance field, his brother had scored the winning touchdown for his team. I'm very proud! And, very busy taxiing my little players around... But, that's a good thing; for now! Today, I was thankful that my brother came down from Ottawa with his family for a visit. His laid back attitude is very calming.

I still have many ups and downs. At times, I try to go to the store incognito, for fear that I will run into someone that I know and start crying if they ask how I'm doing. Decisions are very difficult to make... and sleep is not always easy. But, I am getting better. I've started going for walks; and it is helping.

For those of you who are not aware, Enbridge, Tony's employer, has put together a team for the Terry Fox Run in memory of Tony. Everyone is welcome to participate or donate (to the Enbridge Team). They will be participating in the Run in Pointe-Claire from 10am to 12noon on Sunday, September 16th. For more info, please see http://www.terryfoxrun.org/english/terry%20fox%20run/default.asp?s=1.

Well, that's it for now. Take good care everyone!

Renée