This morning, I visited the cancer center in Surrey, BC.  I usually go there every couple of months to say hello.  But today was special.  It was in November 2009 that my radiation and chemotherapy treatments ended.

First, I stopped by the chemo room and said hello to my gal pals.  Then, I went downstairs to the RT Department.  I went to Sarah’s office but learned that she had retired a few months ago.  But her replacement said that Sarah was in the building and he paged her.

Within thirty seconds, I was hugging my dear friend.  We chatted and laughed, reminiscing about some of the initiatives we worked on together.  She is now a proud grandmother, although she looks too young.  I loved both of my grandmas, but they looked at least fifty years older than my gal pal Sarah!

I then dropped by the reception area and renewed old acquaintances.  In the RT Offices, I met many of the familiar faces I know from my years as a volunteer.  Some of them didn’t recognize me without my mustache.

And then, I made my way to RT Treatment Pod #6 – where I received my 37 days of treatment.  I didn’t remember the names of the two therapists working in the office, and neither of the ladies appeared to remember me until I told them that I used to have a mustache.

“Now, I remember you!” and she quickly hugged me.

We chatted for a few minutes, and I asked them if I could get a couple of photos of me sitting on the radiation table.  There weren’t any patients present, so we all went into the treatment room and took the following video clip:

I still get tears when I view that video clip.

In between the tears of joy, my other gal pals agreed to sit with me for these photos:

One of my gal pals mentioned that my visit made her day.  I told her that she and her co-workers saved my life – and I will never be able to repay all of the love and kindness I received during treatments.

Dedicated to the staff of Fraser Valley Cancer Center, Surrey

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs and Love,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

When I was a young boy I was scared of growing up
I didn’t understand it but I was terrified of love
Felt like I had to choose but it was outta my control
I needed to be saved, I was going crazy on my own

It took me years to tell my mother, I expected the worst
I gathered all the courage in the world

She said, “I love you no matter what,
I just want you to be happy and always be who you are”
She wrapped her arms around me
Said, “Don’t try to be what you’re not
‘Cause I love you no matter what”
She loves me no matter what

I got a little older wishing all my time away
Riding on the pavement, every sunny day was grey
I trusted in my friends then all my world came crashing down
I wish I never said a thing, ’cause to them I’m a stranger now

When I ran home I saw my mother, it was written on my face
Felt like I had a heart of glass about to break

She said, “I love you no matter what
I just want you to be happy and always be who you are”
She wrapped her arms around me
Said, “Don’t try to be what you’re not
‘Cause I love you no matter what”
Yeah

Now I’m a man and I’m so much wiser
I walk the earth with my head held higher
I got the love that I need
But I was still missing one special piece
My father looked at me

He said, “I love you no matter what
I just want you to be happy and always be who you are”
He wrapped his arms around me
Said, “Don’t try to be what you’re not
‘Cause I love you no matter what”
He loves me no matter what
And they love me no matter what

Songwriters: Toby Gad / Calum Scott
No Matter What lyrics © Gadfly Songs, Atlas Music Publishing Llc Ii, One77 Songs