Surprise! Surprise!

Well, the regular football season is over. Richard's team qualified for the playoffs. But we're still unsure whether or not Richard will get to play... It depends on how long they keep playing. Richard's cast should come off on the 26th and he'll probably have a week or two of physio, so... who knows. The hockey season is in full swing. Richard was drafted by his coach from last year and Mathieu's coach used to work with Tony when Rich was a baby. They both have their best friend on their team, so that'll make it easier. Richard's team lost both games this weekend, while Mathieu's team won theirs and he got player of the game.... BRAVO Mathieu!

Thanksgiving was different this year, but we got through it. Greg outdid himself again. Turkey, ham, and all the trimmings, and then some. Everyone was in fine form and the boys really enjoyed going to Ottawa to see their cousins.

Last Tuesday was a PD day for the boys and I had a surprise for them. Back in June or July, Tony's boss had spoken to me about taking the boys up on the company's helicopter. Of course, the batteries in my camera were dead, so I didn't get any shots with it. However, the pilot let me borrow his and he will be e-mailing me the photos. I will post them eventually, if they're any good. We took a ride over Montreal island and saw a bit of the South Shore. It was really nice! I accompanied the boys and did my best not to squeal (from fright) too much as we turned and were practically sideways; you see, we were wearing mics and earphones and everyone would have heard me loud and clear... the pilot included.

I must say, Tony's employer has been great. I want to thank Denis and Dean for their kindness and thoughtfulness. You are true gentlemen. Merci beaucoup!

Well, the dishes are calling me.

Take good care!

Renée

(p.s. don't be afraid to send your comments - it gets pretty lonely over here!)

My little old lady

Well, the sun is shining and the temperature is above seasonal... There's something for which to be thankful. The boys can be a handful but they are most certainly a blessing.

Yesterday, I was caught off-guard when one of our neighbours from down the street stopped and asked about Tony because he hadn't seen him in a while. I was dumb struck and could only manage to say "He passed away on Father's Day", and waived as I went into the house. I really didn't mean to be rude, but I didn't know what to say. I guess that was bound to happen, and might happen again... Hopefully, I will be stronger next time.

Last weekend, Mathieu insisted on shopping for Halloween costumes. And so we did... He makes a lovely little old lady, doesn't he?

This coming weekend is our Thanksgiving in Canada. It will be another first without Tony, and I'm hoping that the fact that it will not be at our house, as it has been for a number of years now, will make it easier. The boys are looking forward to it.

As you can see, we're doing okay. I still miss him every day and its still surreal that he will never be here again with us physically. He was such a presence... I try to think of what he would tell me right now, and all I can imagine is "we have to keep life as normal as possible for the boys". And so I shall!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Take good care!

Renée

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

Still here...

We took a trip to the ocean to scatter some of Tony's ashes in the ocean. Tony used to love the ocean... So, I chartered a boat and, with my sisters and our families and friend Luce, we did as he had requested. Wouldn't you know it, as soon as the ashes were scattered, a big dark cloud appeared and rained on us until we returned to port. Tears from heaven, I guess...











I still have my ups and downs and find it very difficult to concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes. Dealing with all the necessary paperwork is proving to be a challenge. I have to pace myself and be patient.

The boys start school next week so we are busy getting ready for that... and hockey season!

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

Renée