Today I am in Ottawa getting ready for my daughter’s wedding rehearsal. It is a very exciting time albeit a little stressful. I have shared my anxiety with you about whether I would be healthy enough for this momentous event and almost as important…whether I could find a dress to wear!

As “Mother of the Bride” I play a key role, and there is nothing I want more than to make this a special day for my daughter. She has been a constant source of pride and inspiration for me. She has been positive and supportive through my cancer journey which was not easy for her.

People are starting to arrive today as the rehearsal is this afternoon. Unfortunately it has been raining for two days and we are expecting 60ml of rain again today. The ceremony is supposed to take place outside in the woods…so fingers crossed things will dry up and the sun will come out on Saturday.

Just like the weather, nothing in life is guaranteed. I have learned that the hard way. One day I was a healthy woman, running a successful business and living a pretty “carefree” life. And then in a blink of an eye I was told I had cancer and was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy! Nothing prepares you for the curve balls that are thrown at us in life. All we can do is focus on the challenge, keep a positive outlook and move forward the best that we can.

It was shortly after my mastectomy that my daughter got engaged. I was thrilled, as her fiance is a kind, compassionate and wonderful young man who treats my daughter like gold. What more could a mother want for her daughter?! It was and is the wedding that has given me something wonderful to look forward to. It has helped me to push myself to get stronger, to remain positive and to keep going…one surgery at a time, one hurdle at a time, one battle at a time. My daughter’s wedding is the biggest day of her life and a momentous occasion. Her life is moving forward. Her life is changing. And I am so very grateful that I am here to share in her happiness and to support her as she has me.

On Saturday I will help her get ready. I will walk down the aisle with confidence and I will proudly deliver the toast to the bride. Saturday cancer will not be part of the day. It will not be on my mind. It will not interfere with this incredible day and celebration. Sorry cancer, but you’re not invited to my daughter’s wedding…so piss off!

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