There is something special about the feeling you get from sitting in a good chair. It might not occur to you, but there are moments in life when sitting in a particular chair symbolizes a significant event. I can still vividly remember sitting behind my desk on my first day as principal at Arthur Pechey, my first day sitting in city council chambers, and my first day sitting on the board of education. My favourite recollections, however, are those when I sit with my granddaughter, hold her, and read to her.
It was the memories that I want to make more of that weighed heavily on me, each time I sat in a chair I never wanted to be in – an infusion chair, a chair designed to allow patients to rest in comfort as they receive chemotherapy in the Victoria Hospital’s Cancer Center. From when I received my diagnosis in March, through biopsies and marker placements, through chemotherapy, and finally radiation, there has been a lot of sitting, reflecting, and fear. When we were blessed to ring the bell to celebrate the completion of my treatment in September, gratitude replaced fear.
Through it all, there have been countless people who contributed to ensuring my care, and that the care of others was as comfortable as possible. The infusion chairs and much of the other equipment that was needed through my treatment was funded through community fundraising efforts and donations to the Victoria Hospital Foundation. To all of our family, and friends, the outstanding medical staff, the staff at the Cancer Center, and all the amazing people along the way, you have all made our journey that much easier.
On behalf of Elaine and I, sincere thanks to all of you, we are truly blessed to have you in our life. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Arne Lindberg