Sebastian's 28th Birthday Miracle
Donation protected
Sebastian,
"I hope you don't mind- that I put down in words- how wonderful life is while you're in the world."
It feels like a lifetime ago that I was writing in your 24th birthday card after learning about your first remission. I often wonder if, given the guarantee of your future health, I would go back to that moment on July 15th. The sensible answer would be 'yes.' But my real answer is, 'I don't know.' If not for these years in between,
I might not have fully appreciated the bow of your lips,
the sound of your voice,
or the way you make the bed each morning (tucking my foot of the bed in, and leaving yours untucked).
And I may not have noticed the innocence in your eyes as I catch a glimpse of you eating your breakfast or getting out of the shower.
Maybe we both would have loved a lot less. And I know you agree that there is even more love to be had here- and babies to be made!
Happy Birthday, my darling.
(please continue reading below)
This is Sebastian, the spirited one; so full of life. The one whose perserverance and enthusiasm has helped him through a very difficult, five year experience with cancer. Also in which time he has: gotten married, completed a Social Work degree which he has used to serve his community through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, finished his final years as captain of a varsity soccer team, become an Academic All-Canadian athlete, an uncle, and a University soccer coach. His courage and accomplishments have inspired many (although he doesn't like to be called an inspiration), and now he needs our courage and inspiration to draw upon as he faces his biggest challenge yet. Where do I begin?
I feel pressure to do this "right;" to do Sebastian justice, to choose the right photo, to write something compelling that would make you want to donate. It's really starting to get old: how often I drive myself crazy with futile pressure and stress in order to distance myself from the vulnerability of life, of love, of loss.
The thought to just write something generic and emotionless crossed my mind, but that would be a sham! Sebastian is far from generic (sometimes I wish he would be a little more generic, like when he insists on wearing high tube socks with shorts, or sings ridiculous made-up songs to me while I'm trying to be mad). And this experience is anything but emotionless. There is hope, fear, grief, joy, guilt; but most of all, there is LOVE. And that is our "WHY?" And the "what?' is that our Beloved Sebastian needs all our love, prayers and support.
Recently, Sebastian has completed the medical treatments available to him here, yet cancer remains, ravaging his body. He is really not feeling well which is why we are praying for guidance, for health, and saving and seeking financial assistance towards alternate treatment options. It is with great hope and humility that we ask for your support.
Graciously,
Cassie Gardner & family
"And if you were to ask me
After all that we've been through
Still believe in magic?
Oh yes, I do.
Of course I do."
"I hope you don't mind- that I put down in words- how wonderful life is while you're in the world."
It feels like a lifetime ago that I was writing in your 24th birthday card after learning about your first remission. I often wonder if, given the guarantee of your future health, I would go back to that moment on July 15th. The sensible answer would be 'yes.' But my real answer is, 'I don't know.' If not for these years in between,
I might not have fully appreciated the bow of your lips,
the sound of your voice,
or the way you make the bed each morning (tucking my foot of the bed in, and leaving yours untucked).
And I may not have noticed the innocence in your eyes as I catch a glimpse of you eating your breakfast or getting out of the shower.
Maybe we both would have loved a lot less. And I know you agree that there is even more love to be had here- and babies to be made!
Happy Birthday, my darling.
(please continue reading below)
This is Sebastian, the spirited one; so full of life. The one whose perserverance and enthusiasm has helped him through a very difficult, five year experience with cancer. Also in which time he has: gotten married, completed a Social Work degree which he has used to serve his community through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, finished his final years as captain of a varsity soccer team, become an Academic All-Canadian athlete, an uncle, and a University soccer coach. His courage and accomplishments have inspired many (although he doesn't like to be called an inspiration), and now he needs our courage and inspiration to draw upon as he faces his biggest challenge yet. Where do I begin?
I feel pressure to do this "right;" to do Sebastian justice, to choose the right photo, to write something compelling that would make you want to donate. It's really starting to get old: how often I drive myself crazy with futile pressure and stress in order to distance myself from the vulnerability of life, of love, of loss.
The thought to just write something generic and emotionless crossed my mind, but that would be a sham! Sebastian is far from generic (sometimes I wish he would be a little more generic, like when he insists on wearing high tube socks with shorts, or sings ridiculous made-up songs to me while I'm trying to be mad). And this experience is anything but emotionless. There is hope, fear, grief, joy, guilt; but most of all, there is LOVE. And that is our "WHY?" And the "what?' is that our Beloved Sebastian needs all our love, prayers and support.
Recently, Sebastian has completed the medical treatments available to him here, yet cancer remains, ravaging his body. He is really not feeling well which is why we are praying for guidance, for health, and saving and seeking financial assistance towards alternate treatment options. It is with great hope and humility that we ask for your support.
Graciously,
Cassie Gardner & family
"And if you were to ask me
After all that we've been through
Still believe in magic?
Oh yes, I do.
Of course I do."
Organizer
Cassie Gardner
Organizer
Kamloops, BC
