We don't always know what there will be at the top of the next hill -
but with strength and conviction we continue to climb
From the plane, Ann was happy to see the outline of the night sky of Calgary. Since retiring, she had travelled extensively and cherished each and every adventure, but she was always anxious to return home. Fortunately, her flight from Greece was on time, yet, under the questionable circumstances of her return, it had seemed so much longer. Landing at the International Airport, two weeks before her scheduled arrival, her thoughts were only on calling all her children. She was returning home with great excitement, anxious to relay stories of her adventures to all her grandchildren; luggage overflowing with pictures, post cards, souvenirs and surprises. She would deal with the reality of her early return in due course. At this moment, leaving the customs area travelling down the escalator, tired and fatigued, she was only focused on her son Franklin, standing at the arrivals gate.
Ann cherished the following days visiting with her family. Her grandchildren mesmerized on her every word as she told them stories of her adventures in Greece.
She knew Dr. Grelle was waiting to hear from her and she knew that she could not put it off any more so Ann picked the phone up and dialed his office.
She knew Dr. Grelle was waiting to hear from her and she knew that she could not put it off any more so Ann picked the phone up and dialed his office.
Dr.Grelle's office reported her x-rays indicated that pneumonia had developed and prescribed a stronger antibiotic, followed by another set of x-rays. After two weeks, without improvement Dr. Grelle referred Ann to Dr. Boyette, where she underwent further tests and screening.
The call from Dr. Boyette's office confirmed that the results from the CT scan were in and Ann was asked to return immediately. Not wanting to worry her family Ann choose not to call them until there was something to report.
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Dr. Boyette entered the room proceeding toward Ann with the ceremonial hand shake. He was a tall man, greying at the temples.
"Good afternoon Ann."
"Good afternoon Doctor."
Without hesitation he sat down, opened a manila folder with Ann's name over it's cover.
"Ann, I have studied the results of the CT Scan, together with the x-rays and blood work passed on by Dr. Grelle. Our findings, unfortunately indicate that you have an active cancerous growth on your left lung. This type of cancer is aggressive if left untreated. Due to the location of the tumour we are unable to operate and remove the growth. We are recommending that a combination of chemotherapy and radiation start immediately.
Ann remained seated, her face frozen, unable to digest the information that she had just received. This from what she thought had been a winter cold. Dr. Boyette answered her question before she could ask it.
"Successful remission of this type of cancer is rare Ann, but with aggressive treatment we have seen cases where people live with cancer, continue with a maintenance program and carry on having a very fulfilling life."
"Successful remission of this type of cancer is rare Ann, but with aggressive treatment we have seen cases where people live with cancer, continue with a maintenance program and carry on having a very fulfilling life."
Ann took great comfort in those words and after a few moments Ann asked the Doctor to please schedule the necessary treatments.
"I will take care of it immediately."
Returning home, Ann allowed herself only a limited amount of time for emotion. Time was not in her favor, she needed to address several matters, the first being to talk to her children. How unkind this would be, to force reality upon them one more time. Life circumstances always seemed to dictate that they grow up so quickly.
Although not giving specifics, the stress in their mother's voice dictated an urgency and everyone agreed without hesitation to meet at Ann's home the following day.
Ann knew to get through this she must express optimism with strength and commitment. Fear was not a choice in approaching this journey. Anticipating the reactions from her children, she knew she must keep control of her emotions. While helping themselves to refreshments Ann looked at them all with love and admiration. This was her life - a single parent, having raised her family, with the unconditional love and support of her mother and father, in a time when it was not acceptable to be a single parent, nor in a time that recognized mothers seeking careers.
They had all grown up, each having such distinct and diverse characters, with success in their own lives and such admirable convictions towards their family. Yet, with all their differences there was one common attribute that Ann knew was her blessing, knowing the journey that was about to descend upon them.
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