As the bright yellow flowers catch our attention in various outlets selling them during April, the Cancer Month -- buy a bunch, don’t walk past them.
The daffodil became the symbol of hope, strength and courage in the 1950s in the fight against the disease. The flowers were chosen for this spring month as it is one of the earliest ones to appear in the garden after a long cold winter. Just like giving hope for the coming season, it is a symbol of hope for cancer survivors.
There is hardly a family that has not been touched by the “C word” entering their life. It does not ask what age you are or what is your religion or colour of your skin. There are many types of cancer which invade our bodies in some form or another. From some, we are more hopeful for recovery whereas others are not that encouraging.
The most common ones are breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men. These have separate months for their awareness – October for breast and November for prostate.
I am a cancer survivor for more than 20 years. I was fortunate to have an early diagnosis and surgery which gave me an encouraging outcome. When I went for surgery I went with an open mind and told my family “whatever will be, will be.” More recently, I had two cancer scares but the final outcome was good.
I support cancer research but hate to be bombarded with cards and bags asking for donations several times a year. I feel this would be money better spent on what it was intended for rather than these mailings. Different health issues touched my family which require support, so there is a limit for each. What about you?
Last year, a city project was undertaken to plant daffodils along the highway from Medicine Hat to Redcliff, a distance of over 10 kilometres. Some of the early plantings are in bloom and more bulbs will be planted until the project is completed. It should be a spectacular display when finished.
Happy Easter to my Ukrainian family and friends!
PS: The weather has been warm here and last week spring seeding was started in the area including on the Herter farm.
