Thirty three years ago today, my wife, then a young teenager, had a brain tumor removed at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
She had been experiencing some pretty severe headaches, blackouts and dizzy spells. When she went to the doctor and they discovered what it was, they quickly decided that she must have it removed. Within days, she was on a plane and on her way to an operation that was far from routine and quite likely could have taken her life. While she was being operated on, her grandmother, still back in Newfoundland, passed away unexpectedly. I can’t even begin to imagine the mix of emotions that her father must have been feeling at that time. At the end of what had to have been a very stressful week, getting both the news of a successful brain surgery of his daughter and hearing that his mother had passed away. That kind emotional tug of war could have easily cracked a weaker man.
The family firmly believes that the grandmother, from afar, gave her life to save her granddaughter’s. It’s almost too coincidental not to be true or connected in some way.
I, for one, am grateful to her doctors for their judgment, skill, and steady hands. I am also grateful to her grandmother for taking Donna’s spot in line and allowing the life our son and I enjoy today. I can’t even begin to imagine how different my life would be without her in my life.
Happy “Anniversary”, my love. I’m glad you could be here to share it with me.
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Gary
February 9, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I thinks Steve, you said it all. Happy Anniversary Donna. Once again an experience to put life into perspective!
Steve
February 9, 2010 at 9:32 pm
That it does!
Candi
February 9, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Awweee.. Beautiful and touching. -hugs to Donna-
Melissa
February 10, 2010 at 12:36 am
Beautiful! I second exactly what Gary said! xoxo
Dave
February 10, 2010 at 2:17 am
Very nicely said Steve. You guys are so lucky. Enjoy every second of it!
Nadine
February 11, 2010 at 2:16 pm
When Don was 18 he had brain surgery that saved his life as well. When times get rough, as they often do, he thinks back to those days in hospital where he often wondered if it wouldn’t be easier to die. He was in a great deal of pain. it is amazing to me what Drs can do. They keep the ones we love alive.
Steve
February 11, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Hardships, whether they be in the past or in the lives of others, often help us put things in perspective.
Donna
February 11, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Wow Nadine…thank God Don had the strength, will an whatever else it took him to get thru it. Drs are incredibly amazing, the things they do to keep us alive. Life if so precious and wonderful and every moment means so much.