"Janet's Gang" Palliative Care Reunion '14

I stopped some time ago questioning the whys and wherefores of my life's amazing journey, having concluded that things happen for a reason and do so in their own good time. You could say I've become a fervent practitioner of “swimming WITH the flow”, enjoying the view, and accepting all that the river of life has to offer. And oh yes, I would be greatly remiss if I didn't mention the accompanying knowledge that no matter the terrain we traverse – uphill or down....rocky or smooth....a dark path or a sunlit road – the days themselves are issued in increments of one at a time. One of my favourite quotes is from a Sanskrit proverb and it reads..... “ For yesterday is but a dream, And tomorrow is only a vision, But today, well lived, Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope” I have been accused, in recent years of being “ridiculously happy”, “chronically cheerful” and even “terminally optimistic”, charges I dare to joyfully plead guilty beyond all doubt. Now keep in mind, I was NEVER a particularly depressed or morose person who suddenly had an epiphany of new found “joie de vivre”. I was always as generally happy and well rounded as anyone else...you'd have to say “blessed” really – a large loving family, good hard-working Christian folks, the eldest of seven... no serious illnesses or tragedy to speak of. Like anyone else outside of health care, the idea of death and dying was a mere concept; a fleeting unknown and far off fear. But then, when the course of fate brought me to work on Palliative Care, was when my journey; in a most amazing place became, truly amazing. I had some skills and abilities and a good compassionate upbringing but under the none too strict tutelage of my dear friend Janet Banks and her staff of nurses, doctors, practitioners, support staff, clergy and of course patients and families....all too many to name and most I consider “Saints” in the truest sense of the word, I learned a very great deal about death and dying, and a good deal more about life and living. The years I spent with many of you – and again not questioning “why” or “how”- were some of the proudest of my life. I learned lessons that will never cease to teach I witnessed human compassion in its' purest form I discovered the power of Hope and the fulfilment of Faith I found a new appreciation for the beauty, frailty and finality of life I experienced beauty that will ever adorn my fondest dreams I shared some very challenging and emotional experiences with some of the most genuinely wonderful people I will ever meet in my life and I am a better man for it. Many of you have witnessed the words that have been inspired in me....they continue to flow to this day..... Lessons in Care by Tim Lawrence What light so brilliant, even as it dims casts aside the shadows of grief with fond remembrance What faith so strong, as one who has lived well and faithful and welcomes the Lord with open arms What devotion so sweet than a spouse who sees not the ravages but only the beauty they vowed to love What courage so amazing that forbids tears to blemish the serenity of a single moment What gift more precious to the poor of spirit than the richness of dignity What gratitude so cherished than the gift of trust and mutual respect What regret more devastating than a dream not dared as opposed to one unfinished What sights some ought not see but once viewed forever clarify our vision and fortify our perception. What limitless compassion than one sowing endless seeds of hope where none should logically take root What beauty so sublime than gentle loving hands easing pain and horrible devastation What hope thunders more loudly to the hopeless than a whisper of kindness What truer honour and privilege than to be entrusted by another to walk their last mile beside them What love, God's greatest gift, than when it is shared with those who need it most What might heaven hold when Angels of Mercy are among us tending to those at their lowest ebb What better lesson than knowing though all our time must come a lifetime of living precedes it

Life Stories by Tim Lawrence The end of life…is not! It is the end of a Chapter in a Grand, Spiritual, Novel ! These chapters called “life”, are enriching, engrossing narratives of one’s earthly adventures. In them, are an abundance of supporting characters and supplementary plot elements, often curiously overlapping and mysteriously intertwining. Their length and depth varies from person to person; from protagonist to protagonist. Some people who have “died” in chapters ended many years ago, are still quite “alive” today! Their SPIRIT; their influence, their charisma, their wisdom, their character, their enthusiasm, their joy, their ESSENCE.... continues to fill the “life pages” of all they’ve touched. Their frail and finite physical chapter is ended, but the richness of their story flourishes, and enhances God’s Novel! Like timeless passages, indelibly marked in our hearts and memories, to be re-read and forever treasured…. their lives never truly “end”! When through God’s Mercy, the earthly narrative of someone we love, ends….their life does not! And for that, we are truly blessed! * Dedicated with gratitude and love to the enduring Spirit of all who transcend fear and inspire faith by truly living God’s gift of life to the fullest!!