New Connections

It was a great meeting at the brain tumour support group meeting tonight. It was about our third meeting and there were many new faces tonight. Each one had their story and it was amazing that we had some connection in one way or another with each family.

We have been seeing Grant Derkatz for live blood analysis, diet and supplements and Grant told us of one fellow who has a brain tumour and has had successful results. Bob has always wanted to meet this fellow and here tonight we're in the same room together! Not only that, but this guy's passion is coaching hockey and baseball and more baseball. Bob and Rick were destined to meet each other tonight!

We meet Brenda and her 29 yo son Dean who has a brain tumour. After concluding the meeting with a prayer, Bob says "and so it is" and so does Brenda who's sitting next to Bob. We find out we both go to the same Centre together! That was amazing.

We meet Linda who has mengioma brain tumour and her husband. We learn that their son also plays hockey (midget). She had had quite the story to tell with her brain tumour and they were happy to be at their first meeting tonight.

It was good to see young Grant come back after his third surgery that he had recently. I know that he was probably in pain but he was there as best as he could be with his usual positive attitude.

And last but not least it was good to see our older Grant, however, unfortunately with the end of his sad story. His wife passed away two weeks ago and he pushed himself to come to this meeting. He told us his story and then embraced his arms towards Bob and myself. We had run into him at the Cross a couple times while his wife had been in hospice and he was happy to see us. What really sticks out from Grant's talk tonight was that he honestly gave all he had in the last seven months and learned to graciously live in the moment. I know Grant will come through this painful experience and be at peace knowing that his wife is in a better place.

And our great facilitator, Jen, who has always been supportive to each and every one of us. She lost her mother in December, just 5 months ago, and has been a supportive advocate for those with brain tumours and their families. Thank you Jen for being there.

It was a great meeting tonight and I'm going to make sure I go around and post those brain tumour meeting posters that I've been meaning to do. I feel the need to help others with brain tumours and be supportive as I can. Bob's feeling great and we both feel pretty positive. It's almost been a year and it's going to be a great summer.