Sunday, 28 April 2013

Daffodil days of April

"I wandered lonely as a cloud

 That floats on high o'er vales and hills, 

When all at once I saw a crowd, 

A host of golden daffodils; 

Beside the lake, beneath the trees, 

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

(First stanza)

 —  William Wordsworth


     April is Daffodil Month and today is Daffodil Day — a special time when we Canadians are asked to take a moment to reflect upon the many folk who are on a cancer journey and to remember those who have died. 
     Wearing a daffodil is a great way of showing we remember and care. Without a doubt, all of us know someone presently fighting this dreadful disease. Many of us have loved ones, no longer with us, because of it. 


     


     I have lost several members of my family, the latest, Nelson, my dear husband.


     We are told that every three minutes, yet another Canadian will for the first time, hear the words,"You have cancer." 
     Unfortunately, none of us know if we will be next. I was interested to learn that in 1935, the Governor General of Canada invited Canadians to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the coronation of George V, by donating to the Jubilee Cancer Fund, raising nearly $500,000. 
     The Canadian Cancer Society has been fighting for us since its inception in 1938. The Society has grown and expanded because of ordinary folk like you and I who have found creative ways to give unselfishly of our time and resources — in the hope for earlier detection; in the hope for better treatments; in the hope for more survivors; and, in the hope for a cancer free future. 

     No matter what difficulties we find ourselves going through, it is always easier to carry on when we have loved ones and friends by our side. We are all in this fight together. What better way is there to show our love and support to those who are needing it, than by wearing a replica of the beautiful daffodil — a symbol of spring, hope and new life.
     It is so poignantly expressed in William Wordsworth's lovely stanza. A host of golden daffodils have been fluttering and dancing all across our fair land this April. 
     Keep up the good work, fellow Canadians!  

—  beulah

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