IF I COULD... {For Mr. Shin and Lynne}

If I could
Jack Johnson   

To listen to this song Click Here

A brand new baby was born yesterday

Just in time

Papa cried, baby cried 

Said "Your tears are like mine"

I heard some words 

from a friend on the phone

that didn't sound so good

The doctor gave him two weeks to live

I'd give him more if I could

You know that I would now

If only I could

You know that I would now

If only I could

Down the middle drops one more

Grain of sand

They say that

New life makes losing life easier to understand

Words are kind

They helped ease the mind

I'll miss my old friend

And though you gotta go

We'll keep a piece of your soul

One goes out

One comes in

You know that I would now

If only I could

You know that I would now

If only I could

There are 10,000 reasons for this post.  

Here are two {For Mr. Shin & Lynne}

Although they would never meet, Mr. Shin and Lynne would share two things in common.

They both had amazing Daughters (which, coincidentally I consider two of my very best friends)...

Mr. Shin (with his Daughter Sue Jean)

Lynne (with her Daughter Mel, and her Husband Bruce)

And secondly, they shared something that no one ever wants to have in common.

Cancer.

When I heard about the Cancer, I hoped and I prayed For a miracle for the two of them. It sickened me that I couldn't do anything but watch, as my friends painfully witnessed their parents fight the biggest battle of their lives.  

The fight for their Life.

I continued to pray for a Miracle, but it would never come.

Mel and Sue Jean's parents slowly faded away and began losing their battle to the horrendous disease.

It simply wasn't fair.

On November 19, 2010 I received this email from Lynne. At the time, she didn't know that she also had Cancer.

"I am forwarding this on behalf of my nephew Ryan who is riding for his Dad Wayne (Bruce's Brother) who is valiantly fighting bowel, colon and liver cancer.  Anyone who has been through this or knows someone who has (nearly everyone you talk to, it seems) understands the Fight is tough. Wayne and Jean's both boys (Kyle, too) have a very nasty lesson in Life, reality check as you will, and have matured greatly during this time.  They have both stepped up to the plate to help Wayne in every way they can. If you feel inclined, please donate.  I know myself how much demand there is for our hard earned money for Charities, and don't feel sorry if you are unable to donate."

Thanks, 

Lynne and Bruce 

One year after this email, on the evening of December 11, 2011, Lynne passed away.  

And sadly on February 19, 2012 just two short months later, Mr. Shin would also lose his battle to Cancer.

"And though you gotta go

We'll keep a piece of your soul"

-Jack Johnson

There are 10,000 reasons for this post.

(These are just a few):

As of today, I am a proud supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society, and my goal is to raise $10,000 (through various events)for the 10,000 reasons for this post.  The money raised will go to Cancer Research to honour those who have lost their lives to Cancer, and those who have fought and survived this terrible disease. 

It is for Mr. Shin and Lynne Ferris. For my Grandma Hardy, Grandma Elsie, Doug Nairn, Holden Clarke, Mrs. Peterson, and Gord Aitchison. It is for Salimah's Mom. For my Uncle Marco, Sue Shearer, Duncan Mckim, Grandma Martyn and Aunt Barb.  For Laura, for Heather, and for my Auntie Marion. It's for Wayne Ferris, for Amanda (Easy Peasy Organic) and Sukaina (Sips and Spoonfuls) and to Paula (vanilla bean baker) who started Frosting for the cause last year to raise an incredible amount of funds for Cancer Research herself.

Want to join me?
1.) You can help by spreading the word.

2.) To Donate, Please Click Here

3.) Or how about baking a batch of cookies for your colleagues for donation?  :)  It's pretty fun!

Or Banana Bread?

Or Cupcakes?  
(Also pretty fun!)

Stay tuned for a Bake Sale near you.

There are 10,000 reasons for this post... What are yours?