Grouse Grind #2 (sort of)

For the second week in a row, I am at the top of Grouse Mountain. It’s one of the little mountains that lies to the north of Vancouver and it’s regularly swarmed by fitness fanatics who practically jog straight a 3km steep incline to get to the top (3000 feet). Luckily there is a cable car that takes you back down (or brings you up if you are not inclined to sweat).

Anyway, last week was my first attempt and it was hard work, clearly I have some work to do to get in shape for China.

This week, I tried a slightly different path called the BCMC trail which takes a bit longer and has a few more zigzags.  It’s meant to be ‘easier’. I wish I could say it was but I was still a sweaty mess when I got to the top. Clearly I have more training to do as I understand this wall in China has some steps in it.

With all this hiking (or in my case sweaty ambling) there is time to think. Today I was thinking about a dear friend of our family, a wonderful lady called Helen. She passed away yesterday, bathed in sunshine, at peace, and surrounded by all her family. She was staying in a hospice called Dorothy House after a long and courageous bout with cancer.

I haven’t seen Helen in a long time but my parents are dear friends with her and her husband Gordon and I would often get the full update from my mum about what they were all up to. Helen had had cancer for a long time and was a source of inspiration in the way that she dealt with it.  Not just to me, but to my family too.

I read somewhere once that you’re not supposed to frame cancer as an enemy. You’re supposed to avoid using terms like ‘fight’ and ‘beat’ and ‘winning and losing’. I remember there being a sound reason for that, but I can’t remember what it is and hard as I try, I can’t think of any other way of phrasing it. People do fight cancer.  Sometimes they win and sometimes they don’t.

I have been moved and inspired by the stories of how Helen has held herself through something that most of us would find an unbearable ordeal.  Just like with Francesca, who started me on this path, and just like with Peter (my father-in-law) who continues to inspire me today with his  courage and determination.

So, I’m just going to keep putting one foot slowly in front of the other and climb these (many) steps and try to do something useful for someone who may one day need some help with their battle.

Thank you again to all of you who have donated to the cause.  I’m getting close to my fundraising goal which is such an inspiring thing.  Aside from everything else, I HAVE to do this as you’ve all given SO MUCH MONEY to make sure I do!

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