Ever felt like you were at the bottom of a pit with the world dumping crap on you and no matter how hard you shoveled all you got was exhausted? I think it goes without saying everyone has experienced that and/or are presently in that situation. Where do you go for a transfusion of energy and love? It may be church, family, camping or quiet time alone. For me, one of my main sources of energy comes from Toastmasters.
As most of you know, my 44 year old son was in a terrible car accident Sept.5, resulting in him being paralyzed from the chest down. Today is Day 27 for him and still he can not speak nor eat. He may never walk again. We rushed to Vancouver from Saskatchewan where we were still on our trip. Up until Friday we have been camped in Surrey in our rv and driving to VGH everyday to be with Brent and his wife. Of course it was draining and no matter how much online support we received, we still needed “the real deal.” Thus we decided to drive home for the weekend and I would be able to attend the Area Contest Oct.1. It was the wisest thing I could have done. It was 107 days since we’d been home sweet home.
Saturday dawned overcast and raining quite contrary to the usual way we welcome Toastmasters from the island. True to Sunshine Speaker’s reputation, by the time we picked them up 
from the ferry at 11:30 it was clearing. By the time they left for home it was sunny. Amazing!
I received many, many hugs and expressions of concern and love. I needed to be surrounded by my Toastie friends with all their bright energy. Several in the club gave me cards and even very generous donations. When I showed them to Dave, he cried too. Thank you for being who you are. Sunshine Speakers isn’t a church type club that ministers to peoples needs but we sure do stand by each other when the going gets tough. Yes, I came home for a transfusion of Toastmasters.
As I sat with my old friend George Delgatty from Campbell River and compared notes of the family health issues we are both facing we came to the same conclusion: When things get tough,it is not the time to pull awat from Toastmasters. It may require minimizing what we do while carrying an extra load, but don’t quit. For George and I, TM is where we come for refreshment, energy, positive words, and challenge(in a good way). Toastmasters, especially this amazing club, was the best thing about coming home this weekend(besides sleeping in blissful quiet).
I am so proud of the way our club hosted the area contest. A toast to all of you who volunteered your time to organize, plan, participate and prepare. Congratulations Isabelle on winning first place in the table topics. Out of 5 contestants only 2 answered the question, “What is integrity?” Loved your explanation Iz. Also congrats on second place in the humourous speech contest. Don’t suppose you want to take that speech to BC Ferries do you? LOL! Good luck at the Division Contest, Oct.15 in Port Alberni.
The whole day was fantastic. Howard did a great job as chairman and looked smashing too! Thank you everyone for supporting my family in this trying time. I will be back in full swing in November.
Keep on working closely with your executive especially Jennifer as VP of ED. I know from experience what a challenging role she has and how crucial it is to each person’s success. Together we will earn our 10th DCP ribbon June 2012. Yes We Can!!
Barb
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