A Moment of Reflection

This post is dedicated to everyone who is fighting or has battled cancer.  

The world has lost two great men and heaven has gained two angels.  Barry Doucette and Barry Dawson - both who passed away this week from cancer.  As much as I can understand that there is a circle of life - I'm saddened that in the last 2 days it was their time.

Barry Doucette, 59 years
A gentle man who I respected for his courage, strength and love he had for his family.  Being a "Doucette" is an honor, in my opinion, a tight knit crew who you know will be there through thick and thin and 'have each other's backs'.  Barry had a quiet strength and a contagious giggle.  I would always want to 'do good' for him when I was in his house because of the respect I have for him.  I remember being a teenager (and a challenging one I was) and attempting to do the dishes after a meal at his house.  He quickly reminded me that I was a guest and to stop being crazy...  It's funny that at that age and period in my life I felt a need to do something nice for him.  What a lasting impression he's had on me.
 He was a hard worker who took pride in the job he did.  He always wanted to have peace in his life and home and worked hard to get it.  I believe he achieved that goal.  He raised 2 wonderful daughters, both who I love dearly.  He was their biggest fans and I know he'll be cheering them on from above.

Barry Dawson, 71 years
A man's man - strong, dignified, committed and a family man.  I remember him to be his daughters biggest fans poolside.  He understood our sport and knew what it took to succeed.  I remember him to be faithful at attending church services at Cornwall United.  I always envied his loyalty to the Church - every week he would tow his kids to the services and it actually appeared as if they wanted to be there.  Maybe they just loved being with their Dad.  I think that's probably it.  He had a strong, authoritative voice and you listened when he spoke.  I automatically respected him because of 'the voice'.  He believed in hard work and had many business endeavors going all at once.  This has rubbed off on his kids.  What a gift he gave them.

Cancer - it's an ugly word and is an illness I wouldn't wish on anyone.  It does however, bring out the fighters and survivors in people.  It can, in some cases, be a God send.  It can be painful and exhausting. I don't know what it feels like to be battling a disease so powerful and I hope I don't have to experience it.  I respect every person who is battling an illness now.  You are my heros.  I want to do better for the people who can't.  I want to respect my life and love it.  It's a gift.

Until the other day, I was scared of death.  Joline, one of Barry Dawson's daughters said to me that she had a beautiful last couple of days with him.  Peaceful and reflective.  A real celebration of what was.  Family surrounding both Barry's in their last moments.  That doesn't feel so scary.  In times of loss or sadness, I believe in honoring those who lived and fought.   I will not take life for granted.  I will get up in the morning happy to be alive and healthy.  That's the least I can do.