I am so very fortunate – I got to survive cancer. My hope is that all those who get diagnosed with cancer get to see the other side of it. Cancer is horrible, there’s no getting around it. What isn’t horrible, though, is the magnification of goodness it brings into one’s life. As a result of my cancer, I got closer to my mom, sisters, neighbours, friends, and, for that, I am eternally grateful. Because I got lucky, had a cancer that is deemed ‘curable’, I get to have another chapter. All I want to do with this ‘bonus time’ is expand all the good – and that means showing people how much I appreciate them. What a joy!

A few Sundays ago, I got to host some of the lovely ladies who helped me get through this last, difficult, year of my life. Included were my family, sisters, mom, aunts, cousin, and many dear friends. These women cared for my children, took me to appointments and chemo days, kept me company, checked up on me via phone calls, texts, and emails, cooked for me and my family, sent supportive notes, cards, flowers, and gifts. Without these women, my husband, kids, and I would not have gotten through cancer nearly as stress-free and cared for.

I had so much fun planning this luncheon! It was truly my honour to plan an event where the ladies I love got to unwind and be spoiled. We had a picturesque spot on Deer Lake at the Hart House in Burnaby, BC. The service was impeccable with two servers who took care of every request – champagne, wine, coffee/tea, and a delicious three course meal which ended with the best dessert most of us at the table had ever tasted: Chai Creme Brulee. I had some flower arrangements done from Elderberry Florist in Port Moody, BC, and thank you cards at each setting along with a pair of earrings for each lady thanks to Brooklyn Designs out of Surrey, BC. For most of us at the luncheon, the best part was being able to have some adult, lady time away from our beloved young children. We got to spend a few hours without the nose-wiping, diaper-changing, food-prep only for the food to be thrown on the floor, joys of being at home.

I loved mingling, catching up, and sharing some bevvies with all these ladies. Then we sat around the huge table and the meal began. My Aunty Teresa shared some kind words as a toast at the start of lunch explaining her experience of me going through cancer treatment. She would call or visit me at a chemo day with every intention of cheering me up just to find that I was already pretty chipper – which resulted in her being cheered up too. I enjoyed our visits immensely and am so grateful to so many who did come to spend time with me. My favourite part of the luncheon was being able to share with everyone there via a speech my sincerest gratitude to each and every person there for all they did for me and my family. Although I had intended for the luncheon to be an experience of pure joy, the tears came as I read my speech aloud. I most certainly am a blubber-puss and so are many of those close to me. I suppose the tears were really made of love.

This luncheon was so much fun that I’m thinking that I may do this ladies luncheon every year. This was an opportunity to celebrate all things good. A celebration of health, fresh starts, new beginnings, a next chapter. Had I loads of money, I would have a party every weekend in order to ‘live it up’, expand love and light, and celebrate every single day as a gift.

This experience capped off my journey with cancer in the best way possible: a room filled with love so tangible and hope so palpable that I will never forget it. It’s motivated me to do even more in the name of gratitude…

I’m curious: What do you do to celebrate those around you? What would you love to treat yourself and your loved ones to?

I look forward to hearing all about your ideal celebrations.

Cheers,

Tracy

Perfect!

One set of earrings from Brooklyn Designs. Love them!

My bestie, Erin, and I out front after our luncheon.

Pure scrumptiousness!

My cousin, Jenny, and I having a lovely time.

Our menu.