How can it be already/only 18 years since I was able to hold my son's hand for the last time??? In many ways, it seems like so long ago, yet, to the very core of my being...it will always feel like it was yesterday. After nearly two decades have come and gone, it is not at all surprising to say that a lot has happened and changed since that day, but I am still constantly drawn back to every laugh and cry, smile and scream, and the hugs brought on by joy, sorrow, and complete devastation that hung over my family after Darrel was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September of 2005. Many people may want to put aside such harsh and emotional memories, but I can not and will not. What Darrel; and other children fighting their own personal battles with childhood cancer have endured, and unfortunately still may endure, should not be taken lightly, simply forgotten or diminished because it makes some feel uncomfortable. Until you've walked the halls of the 8th Floor at the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto and looked in the eyes of those kids, you have no idea what feeling uncomfortable is!
That being said, Life does continue to go on. Though I've had several different positions over 39+ years, I'm still working at the same Grocery Store. Barring winning the Lottery, I've probably still have another 11 years before even thinking about retiring. O Bother. I guess there will be some places where I'll be able to get the Seniors' Discount next April (a few start at age 55), though I don't want to even think about being old enough to qualify for such a thing. Kira has been at her current job for almost a year now, and is thriving in her position, as expected. Lauren, Jacob, and my granddaughter Hannah are all happy and healthy out in Alberta. I haven't been out to see them since last December, but I do get constant updates, photos, and FaceTimes throughout the year. Hopefully there will be a visit in the near future, but I'll have to wait and see how everyone's schedules line-up. As old as this makes me feel, my father (Grandpa with the Car, as Darrel would call him) will be turning 79 next week! I still recall how old I thought he was when he turned 50, and look at us both now.
Over the years, I've taken part in many different fundraisers for Childhood Cancer. This coming Saturday, it will be the Kitchener Kids with Cancer Run/Walk, in support of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). While I did attend the event last year, it was too late for me to register. The atmosphere will be different than when Team Darrel took part in the Canadian Cancer Society's "Relay For Life", I'm confident that there will still be many participants sharing their personal stories throughout the morning. If you wish to consider sponsoring me, the Link is below.
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/96413/kitchener-kids-with-cancer-2025/pledge/participant/38603563
Thanks again for stopping by to remember Darrel today. Love and Miss You Little Man
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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so please consider turning your Social Media Gold to show your support. Thank You
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I called this Blog "18...and Life (Part 2)", as I had previously called my May 2018 (for Darrel's 18th Birthday) by the same name. Seemed like an appropriate title for this year still, so I decided to use it again.
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