2011 was the year when I was reminded (and learned more fully this time) that every moment in one's life counts.
There have been so many friends, acquaintances, students, doctors and businesses who impacted on my life during that time, who I want to thank for their much needed support.
One year ago I was in a hospital in Victoria getting a feeding tube inserted as a last resort to keep nutrition in me as I was unable to swallow food due to the damage the radiation had done to my throat/tongue.
It was one of the worst steps in the long road to recovery. I could have felt very alone and frightened. Due to the love and care that this community has shown me I was able to get through the hospital madness.
A fundraiser community event was happening on that very same day.
Friends from the dance and theatre community worked very hard to create an event that hundreds of community members attended. There was food, theatre, dance, photos and most of all support.
I have no words to describe the gratitude that I feel for the outpouring of love and generosity shown to me and how connected I felt even while lying in a room that defied any sense of normalcy.
I have lived and worked in this community for 20 years. I had always believed that I was very fortunate to live in the beautiful Comox Valley and also to continue to work in my chosen field.
Every little thing we do affects others, often unseen by us, but happening nonetheless. Reaching out and treating people with kindness, encouraging those who are struggling and being honest with your actions will go a long way.
When being dealt the cancer card, the world as you know it shifts. The only way through is to stay positive, be grateful for every step forward, welcome and embrace those who care — as they are truly the ones who give you reasons to live and to be hopeful.
I embrace this community with love and gratitude. I may be without taste buds or saliva right now, but I am grateful for simply being able to swallow and eat food again.
I am back to work and my students and teaching bring so much joy. I am dancing and daring to step out of my comfort zone. I am also challenging myself by singing in a choir — something that was always put off for "one of these days".
I plan to follow up on my plans for travel (Africa here I come!) and I am writing a script about this horrific journey that is helping me put it all into perspective.
Most importantly I live now without letting stress overwhelm me — instead, with gratitude and with joy. I am able to hold a vision of continued health and happiness thanks to this amazing community.
I wish for you all what I wish for myself. Trunks up all the way!
Kymme Patrick is the owner of TheatreWorks.