October 21, 2016 - My Why

It occurred to me you do not know the WHY of my work.

My wife, Linda, discovered a lump on her breast in 1998. It turned out to be a very nasty form of breast cancer, it ate estrogen. Our kids were 6 and 4 at the time and we decided to focus on Linda's physical health and the mental health of the kids.

I used holiday days to take Linda to clinic. Twice a month. I would get up in the middle of the night to be able to get to places like North Bay as the stores were opening - I was selling seeds and garden supplies and servicing seed racks. I would get home very late at night but was there every night in case I was needed.

In the middle of Linda's chemotherapy I was fired. My boss told me I was spending too much time at chemotherapy clinics and that all sorts of people get cancer. The was the Thursday of Easter Weekend. I have never really had a job since. The one "job" I had was such a mess I work to keep it out of my mind.

I have been teaching part-time since 1990. I had that going for me. I have had positive supportive people in my life. These allowed me to earn money while Linda was in treatment and help care for our kids.

Linda's treatment took about 12 years. She had surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, more surgery and 11 years of prophylactic chemotherapy. She is a rock. Never complained.

About 1 year or so into her treatment I was working on a landscape construction project. My business partner and I were working on environmental remediation projects; planting trees, building hibernacula, etc. It was cold out - October or November - and we were having date night. The kids were getting ready for bed. We were in the kitchen. I was leaning on the counter and Linda was seated. I then wrote a cheque to Linda. I cheque she has yet been able to cash. I told here that when we finished to project we were working on she would be able to stay home and care for the kids and heal.

That NEVER happened.

Sparse teaching contracts, recessions, etc. I can blame all sorts of outside influences but it was really me. 

Flash ahead to now. I am now an Independent Business Owner in ACN. I  am on the cusp of being able to let Linda cash that cheque. The kids are grown now and starting their careers. But I can now do something different but the same.

In 1960 Linda's parents made a decision and Linda's mom sacrificed her nursing career to stay home to raise her kids. Now Linda's mom is 79. Linda's mom loves where she is living but is faced with a decision on whether or not to move. I am working to do for Linda's mom what I was not able to do for our kids.

My WHY? I am working to allow Linda to give back to her mom what her mom gave her so many years ago. That is why I have planted my flag and am working to make life a better experience for my family.