The Year That Was
Christmas is nigh and a new year will follow quickly on its heels. Time flies, ever faster. Goodness, I almost feel dizzy! At times, I feel I am the luckiest person on earth. Next year I will mark the tenth anniversary of a dire cancer diagnosis. How could I possibly be still here?
2019 has been a splendid year in my life. Almost everything seems to have gone right. I spent the early part of the year giving my NZ sister a hand as she got a new hip. She is now flying on all cylinders again!
Ocumel Canada launched in January. The idea had been hatching for some time. I have met some extraordinary people on my cancer journey. While cancer may have hurt them or their loved ones, they have found ways to change the conversation, advocate for change and build hope. I continue to come across Canadians who get an ocular melanoma diagnosis and need support and encouragement as they try to figure out the best way forward. The more we work together, the faster the storyline will take on a positive tone. This horrible disease will yield to science and hope. I feel the change happening.
In the Fall my son got married in Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast, a dream wedding in a dream location. I also took the opportunity to check in with all of my far flung siblings and some very good friends. I even got to spend time in Ethiopia with a new member of my family! We explored the Roof of Africa, a spectacular and extraordinary place, full of rain and cloud and exotic flora and fauna. Ethiopia is on the threshold of an extraordinary renaissance, constrained only by the old enemies, ignorance, poverty and ethnic nationalism. Will the dream come true? Will a new, prosperous democracy emerge on the last continent to prosper? I will hope for that.
And so, 2020 will soon be here. May you and your loved ones be happy to greet it and may you enjoy family and friends over the coming days. Life really is what we make it!
Love and peace always, Nigel
