In remembrance of our dear sister Lisa who is forever alive with The Lord Jesus,
and who will forever be in our hearts..
Enabling a Last Request
(Just one story in a long line of miracles!)
One of Lisa's wishes was to visit Lake Louise where Young Adult Cancer Canada (http://www.youngadultcancer.ca) was hosting their yearly Survivor Conference. Cancer Survivors from around Canada join to share their experiences amongst peers and leave armed with new strategies and positive resolve to continue their journey. Lisa, having attended the 2006 conference was committed to returning and in 2008 she willed herself to the conference held at the Lake Louise Inn (http://www.lakelouiseinn.com).
After a couple of days and some participation in group activities Lisa’s body began to show the effects of her long journey and the recent trip. We made a joint decision to return home early so she could spend her last moments with her daughter, family, church community and friends.
From our very remote location far into the mountains and Lisa’s health deteriorating rapidly, this seemed like a daunting task. We received so much support and help in our quest to make Lisa’s last request come true that I wanted to take this moment to honor them:
First of all, I am convinced that without Lisa’s unwavering strength and faith in God she would not have survived the return trip. I believe she wanted everyone to witness through her actions, her favorite quote from the bible: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”
Phil. 4:13.
I must give special thanks to Jen Bos, Registered Nurse (Oncology). Courteous and respectful, Jen’s experience and professionalism was immediately evident. But what made her so very special to Lisa and I was how she led us through dark moments always leaving us with hope. Her ready and winning smile, caring and personal touch gave us strength and hope we needed to move forward. Jen you are an angel! But tell me where do you keep your wings? J Thank you very much.
Jen was joined by Janie Brown who, also a nurse, who showed a caring hand and long experience to help guide us to the best course of action. Janie how many people have you touched and helped in your career? I’ll bet you have long ago lost count now haven’t you? J Thank you!
Lesley Kean, BJ Whittle, Geoff Eaton and All the 2008 Survivor Conference participants: Lesley thank you for organizing a fantastic event and for your attention to detail. BJ, besides wanting to impart her message to the conference participants, you and Lisa shared a special bond and clearly Lisa loved you very much and took comfort in your friendship during her last few days with us. Geoff thanks for your leadership in tackling a very important gap in today’s social fabric. Thank you also for taking the time to chat with Lisa before we left. She left us a little nugget of wisdom in her last words during that conversation; “Que succederà succederà” aka “what will be will be”. She hadn’t given up fighting but she accepted that her fate was in Gods hands and was at peace with what she had accomplished and what was to come in the next few days. To all the participants of the conference, though I wish we had more time to get to know each other, I want you to know that Lisa and I immediately felt the abundant and vibrant energy you all brought with you to the conference. I believe it was Lisa’s will to encourage you to empower yourselves and live your lives to the fullest just as she did.
Lake Louise Inn Staff; the staff were exceptional. One day, two of the young (French speaking) ladies who were assigned to cleaning our room, left Lisa a special surprise on her bed. There sitting by her pillow was a brown teddy bear and a note wishing her a smile and some comfort from the “house cleaners bear mascot”. Lisa did very much enjoy this gesture and I would like to thank those two ladies and everyone at Lake Louise Inn.
The Tasker Family: Rob, Lee, Connor, Kylie and John … thank you so much for opening your home to Lisa and I when we came down from the mountains. I am convinced that the tremendous healing boost Lisa and I received from your personal touch and the loving atmosphere of your home sustained us through to Sunday when our flight was scheduled to return to Montreal. Without your help and support we would not have made it. Rob as you said, it sure is good to have friends you can rely on. Lee thanks so much for willing Lisa to move forward, and for carrying me when I started losing hope. Ps. Thank God we didn’t have to do the camper thing!
Mary Diovisalvi thank you for taking calls late at night from Lake Louise as we all worked together to piece together the puzzle about Lisa’s condition. Your caring support over the years, and upon our arrival in Montreal in the last week has been very much appreciated by all our family.
Mike DiGirolamo Thank you for coming to get us at the airport. What seemed like a small gesture marked an important milestone in the trip! Ever ready to lend a helping hand to your family and community as our very own family Deacon you are an example to all of us.
Westjet! (www.westjet.com) Finally a Canadian airline company that gets it. From the time we took off in Montreal to our return trip your staff was superbly understanding and supportive of Lisa’s special needs. At a time when I thought Canadian airlines were a thing of the past you have somehow found a formula which empowers your team to deliver an outstanding service. We were very concerned that Lisa would be refused passage at check in upon our return but instead every member of your team went the extra mile to make it possible for Lisa to spend her last hours surrounded by those who matter most. Thank you!
There are so many more I can thank and mention but life calls and I have to get on with it. For those of you I have not explicitly mentioned; I send you my thanks and trust that somehow it will be paid back to you.
In summary, I was raised in a big city, and taught to be wary of people’s motives, they sometimes not always being of good intentions. All the people and events that came together to make this trip possible has strengthened my trust and belief in the good element of our society. Perhaps this message was also a parting gift from a sister to her brother. Also one I want to share with you all.
With my families most sincere thanks,
Peter Antonitti
Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life
For years Lisa touched many people on a very personal level despite being afflicted with cancer. Lisa demonstrated incredible strength and love for her family, friends and community.
This year we relay in her honor and memory. We relay for other dear people in our lives who have succumbed to this terrible disease for decades now. We relay for other moms, dads, brothers, sisters, family, friends and neighbors who are currently fighting cancer. Finally we relay in hopes that “cancer” becomes a thing of the past so that our children and future generations will not need too. In so doing we are continuing Lisa’s Legacy.
If you would like to learn more about this event, please click here.
Thank you,
Peter Antonitti