I had one week to get ready for my breast cancer surgery, and so many things to do! Then it was the night before, and the morning of the surgery…

Surgery, Breast Cancer, and Me – Part 3

“Do not diminish who you are. Your gender, your heritage, your identity. That’s what makes you unique.”-Strong by Kailin Gow The Agnew FamilyI realize this part of my story might be of interest to only a small number of people, so feel free to skip it. My focus isn’t on finding out all the details

LoveChild 10: Our Agnew / Shaw Heritage

While on holiday in Newfoundland, I learned I’d need surgery. Then I had to put that to one side and act “normal” for three weeks until I saw my doctor.

Biopsies, Breast Cancer, and Me – Part 2

Just before we left on a holiday to Newfoundland, a routine mammogram led to more tests and a large question mark. Did I or didn’t I have breast cancer?

Mammograms, Breast Cancer, and Me – Part 1

“All of our ancestors live within each one of us whether we are aware of it or not.” -Laurence Overmire My mother’s heritage/ancestry was very important to her. She often reminisced about the few stories she’d heard. Especially her father’s side of the family.So, before we go further, I’m going to share with you some

LoveChild 9: Our MacDonald / Casselman Heritage

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”-Jane Howard, “Families” Of course, my parents weren’t all alone in the world. So I also gained two new extended families. While none of them lived near us during my first year,

LoveChild 8: My Extended Family

“My life has been shaped by the decision two people made over 24 years ago. They decided to adopt a child. They got me, and I got a chance at the kind of life all children deserve.”-Karen Fowler, Reflections on Motherhood The wait was almost overAs I mentioned last week, I’m sure waiting for my

LoveChild 7: My Adoption Is Complete

“A baby is a little bit of heaven on earth.”-Author Unknown        Me at six/seven months As you can see, I’m bundled up in my carriage with a sweater, hat, and blanket because I might get cold. It’s either June or July. Me at eight/nine monthsMom is in a short sleeved dress and I’m wearing

LoveChild 6: My First Year Is a Happy One

“My idea of absolute happiness is to be in bed on a rainy day with my blankie, my cat, and my dog.”-Anne Lamott Besides Mom and Dad, there were two other very important members of my new family.The first was a cat named Fluffy. She was a Persian, with long, white hair. Sadly, I have no pictures

LoveChild 5: German Shepherd, Meet Baby

“There may be no secrets in small towns, but there are no strangers either.”-R. A. Mathis My new parents lived in Indian Head, a pretty prairie town about 40 minutes east of Regina, Saskatchewan. Surrounded by flat wheat fields, the town was visible from a distance because of a dozen tall, white elevators filled with grain

LoveChild 4: My New Home

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” -​Anthony Brand               On the stairway leading to our second floor, I have two photos of each of my four sons. The smaller pictures were taken at the hospital the day each one was born. Below each birth picture

LoveChild 3: I Meet My New Parents

“Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis.”-Martha Beck, O Magazine, “Growing Wings,” January 2004 Have you ever been in a room filled with adults when someone walks in with a newborn baby?Most of the people

LoveChild 2: My Son Challenges Me