Transition of a Friend

May 30th 2007

So it is with a heavy heart that I inform you about the transition of a friend to palliative or end of life care. Mario's outlook is grim...he seems now at peace as he lays in the palliative care unit in Surrey Memorial.

It's very sad but the family including myself have had an opportunity to say our goodbyes as he transitions on to the next phase of his eternal journey.

All we can do now is pray and ensure he is comfortable in his final hours.

Showing Support

I'm off to Vancouver to help out Rita through this tough time...although I look forward to seeing my family when I travel to Vancouver I must say this will be the most difficult trip yet...no-one can ever truly be prepared to say good-bye to a brother and I think it absolutely unthinkable for a mother and father to bury their son. We don't know when it will come, Mario is breathing on his own right now and has been taken off of the ventilator...there is another meeting with the doctor today to determine what will happen next.

I was lucky to be able to book our flights on points...I am very happy with Alaska Airlines as this saved us close to $700, money we really couldn't afford to spend. I spoke with Rita and she is praying for a miracle, we all are.

On a happier note, I will be able to spend some quality time with my immediate and extended families. Its always nice to visit with brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces...the children brighten your day just by being there.

Please keep Mario in your thoughts and prayers.

I'll update you when I get in.

All the best,

VP

Good News

Well I got the news from my scan that showed negative for Lymphoma...relief...going now for a complete blood work up ot see what exactly I have growing in me...

Mario's is inubated right now and breathing with the assistance of a machine...he apparently has coughed and rolled his eyes, however the nurses are cautious to say wether or not these are concious activities or simply nerve impulses...there is a family meeting today at 2pm...hopefully the doctor will have some news that will shed light on his condition. Rita is enjoying her time with her family. She and her sister have become good friends over the past few years and have formed a close bond with each other. Please keep Mario in your prayers...41 is too early to leave.

My love goes out to all of you on this American Memorial Day weekend...peace be with you...assalamu alaikum.

VP

When it rains...

Sad news came to us today, my wife's brother had a heart attack last night and is in the ICU :'-(

Although his health has been failing due to extensive dialysis, Rita was not prepared for this news about her brother of 41 years...it does bring home sobering thoughts of our own mortatlity and the fleeting sense of normality we experience when this sort of news comes down the pipe.

Prayers would be helpful for Mario and his family.

VP

Pre-Diagnosis

So I’m preparing for a trip to IRL to celebrate my brother’s 40th birthday and to look after the estate of my Grandfather on my Mother’s side, we should be very excited about this trip. However, I am currently living with a little secret…it’s about the size of an olive and it’s located on the left side of my neck. I say it’s a secret because I have not told my family, save my wife and partner Rita. She so bravely told me that there was no need to worry until there was something to worry about…what a rock! I went for my CT scan 2 days ago and will hopefully have the results for Friday’s appointment with my new doctor…I have been on antibiotics for a week now to see if this is merely an infection of a lymph node…since there is no pain associated with my new little friend I doubt it is an infection. So I am trying desperately to keep positive in the absence of a definitive diaginosis.

Man, life can come at you pretty quickly when the shit hits the fan…and it hasn’t even really hit yet. I’ve flooded myelf with all these different thoughts of what if, reflection of what has been and what could have been, how will I move forward, what is in my future, what is in her future…etc.

I haven’t asked, Why me? I don’t want to be that selfish…I have had a great time so far in my life having done so many great and wonderful things. I’ve travelled to amazing places, made great friends and have had great joy…when I think about it the grass is pretty green on my side of the fence.

I am always thinking of new journeys…this could be the most important one of my life…so if you come across this little note please have a good thought for me.

Thanks,

VP