The bench

At this time one week ago, I had yet to get the phone call with the very sad news.  I had gone out for a short run on the Friday morning and had made a little detour to a ‘memorial’ bench for a little reflection, a little introspection.  As the blog post noted that day, it was all about looking ahead and appreciating life.

We quickly found out that life can change in an instant – heartache, tears, and the realization that tomorrow is not just another day.

So, today, I purposely stopped at the bench again while out for a run.  The sun is shining so brightly this morning and the air temperature is perfect for being outdoors.  Once again, it was just the bench, the trees…and my thoughts.

In my hand, I was holding a memento I had pulled from a box just before leaving the house.  Janice would have had the same one – an Ironman Canada Finisher’s medal from 2007 – her last Ironman, the one that we had all (and maybe 1,000 or so of our closest friends!) camped out in line to register for a year earlier…and one that would have spurred her on to tackling it again, for the fourth time, in 2009.  Yes, whoever coined the ‘Iron Mama’ reference, it’s perfect!

Despite the fact that Penticton will be bustling with athletes, spectators, and locals in August…the quotation by Lamartine becomes more meaningful:  “Sometimes, when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated.”

One thing I know, Penticton is full of benches – perfectly-placed benches situated along the lake - beckoning us to spend a few moments to sit, reflect…and celebrate the life of the one that is missing.   I may just bring an Obus Forme and hang out awhile.

Janice Plewes - The gift of memories

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.  ~Author Unknown

Cameron would like to put together something that the children will be able read and cherish as they grow – memories, stories, and photos of their very cool mom.  So, friends and family are on a mission and are counting on all of us.

If you are able to share the ‘gift of memories’, please read the following from Geoff explaining what you can do:

Hi all, I’ve spoken with Cam about images and stories of Janice and he’s looking to collect as much as possible. The more record of the kids have of Janice the better, when they’re ready for it. 

I’ll be publishing a comprehensive book to act as posterity for the kids, families, and friends. Cam would like the book as substantial and comprehensive as possible. It will include images, condolences, stories, thoughts, prayers, and artifacts from Janice’s life and the past few days. The book will be edited by Janice’s close friends and family.

I want to make the collection of text and images as simple and flexible as possible for everyone who would like to contribute. I’d also like to reiterate Cam’s request for everyone to send as much as possible and as great a variety of things as possible. This is extremely important to him.  

I’ve set up an email account rememberingjanice@gmail.com, as well as a file sharing location at www.rememberingjanice.com *

Please email or post anything and everything you have, and pass this message far and wide to anyone who may like to contribute or be involved. The file sharing location is ideal for print quality images.  Please be sure to note your name and relationship to Janice.

Some of these items will also be included in a slide show at the memorial service, so there is some urgency in gathering items this week. The collection effort for the book will continue for several weeks however.

*recent edit to remove mediafire upload link previously posted.

A gift of memories…well, it really is priceless. 

Janice Plewes – A celebration of her life

Following taken from the Calgary Herald (link) (via legacy.com) today:

PLEWES , Janice Christine (nee Webster) September 9, 1971 - June 4, 2009 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Janice Plewes, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend, in a tragic accident in Penticton, BC, on June 4, 2009, at the age of 37. Janice was born in North Vancouver, and her family later lived in Edmonton for three years before settling in Calgary in 1979. Janice attended the Andrew Sibbald, Nickle, Dr. E.P. Scarlett and Western Canada schools and graduated in Computer Science from the University of Calgary. Janice was an undergraduate co-op computer programming student at Nortel Networks in Ottawa and Renaissance Energy in Calgary, and upon graduation joined Novatel GPS in Calgary as a programmer, testing software used in global positioning systems. Janice and her husband Cameron first met as young teenagers, began a serious relationship as older teenagers, and were married (to the relief of many) on September 8, 2001. Janice set aside her professional career in July of 2004 with the birth of Anna, who was joined by a brother, Andrew, in September of 2006 and a sister, Amy, in September of 2008. She devoted herself to her own young family as she had always dedicated herself to her family and friends. A few years ago, Janice discovered an interest in the sport of triathlon and pursued it with characteristic dedication, enjoying training for and competing in many events, including the Ironman Canada race in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Janice leaves behind her husband and children, parents Gary and Margaret, her eldest brother Brent (Glenys, children Karyss and Kaleb) and older brother Jeff. Janice will also be lovingly remembered by her uncle John Webster (Alison), cousin Scott Webster (Sarah), parents-in-law Don and Betty Plewes, brother-in-law Geoff (Sue, son Evan), and sister-in-law Katherine; as well as by her many relatives, her many friends and countless others who knew her. A celebration of a life much shorter than hoped, yet well lived, will be held at the Anglican Parish of Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 - 8 Street S.W.) on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Canon M. Ansley Tucker presiding. A reception will follow at the Calgary Golf & Country Club (located one and a half blocks west of Elbow Drive on 50 Avenue S.W.). Condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.commemorativeservices.ca . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made, in memory of Janice Plewes, to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8. Telephone 403-955-8818), where a permanent fund has been established in her name. Janice will be forever loved and missed. Arrangements in care of COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Telephone: 403-265-1199. Calgary Family Owned www.commemorativeservices.ca

A smile fades, tears flow – lives changed forever

Janice Plewes  - an amazing athlete, a great mother and wife, and someone who always seemed to be smiling – you’ve left an indelible mark on our lives.

Her life tragically ended on Thursday (June 4th) when she was struck by a car while on a training ride just outside Penticton, BC.  We all know the intersection – amongst vineyards and rolling hills. We’ve all ridden the road numerous times, and while we remain cautious, we never expect that any of our rides will be our last ride.

Apparently, this past week, she and Cam were vacationing in Naramata with their three children – 4 yrs, 2 yrs, and 9 months, and her parents were there as well.

Naramata is just a few kms northeast of Penticton, BC – home of Ironman Canada.  For those who’ve participated in the race, the Okanagan is an area that we all love to visit often - whether to train, race, relax on the beaches, grab some ice cream at Tickleberries, or enjoy a nice dinner at a local vineyard.  Obviously, Janice and Cam were no different.

How lives can change in an instant!  Our collective hearts ache for those close to her, that she has left behind. 

May the empty spot on the bike rack at Ironman Canada in August give us all cause to take a deep breath and celebrate her life. And if we feel the wind at our backs, it may come from something a little deeper than anything Mother Nature might provide.  Janice, you will be out there racing, in our hearts and minds.

Photo below taken the morning after IMC ‘06.  We had all camped out in the line-up for 2007 IM Canada registration.  From left to right: Tammy, Janet, Susan, Janice (pregnant…and smiling!), and Cam.

Link to news articles:

'Iron Mama' inspired others - Calgary Herald

Vibrant Cyclist's death shocks family, friends - Edmonton Sun

Looking ahead

Do you ever notice how easy it is to get caught up dwelling on the past?   Sometimes the past is a positive reference point for the path forward, but it can also be an event, an individual, an experience that affects us in a negative way – something as simple as sharing the road with a driver that lacks common courtesy, a grudge that has gone on too long, or even the experience of being left on hold for a half-hour in queue only to be disconnected. 

I came across this bench this morning during a short run.  I’ve noticed it before and thought it was a odd place for a bench.  It’s situated in the back of a small clearing and the bench is facing a wooded area – no water feature, no flowers, no special rock formations – just trees.

This is the view looking back.  It’s hard to tell from the photo, but in behind is a 4-lane road with a fair amount of traffic.  I’m sure the vast majority of the drivers going by have never noticed the bench.

There was a weather-beaten plaque on the backrest noting the bench was in memory of someone named John who lived from 1912-1981 – a far too-early passing, and the realization that a family had faced the difficult task of facing ‘tomorrow’.

When I sat down on the bench, I realized the placement of the bench was actually quite perfect.  Despite the busy world going on behind, it all melted into the background by the peaceful, serene view in front of me.  Nothing to clog the senses.  It was just me, the trees…and a bench.  I envisioned it as a perfect place to sit and mediate, read a book, or just put my feet up. 

I wondered if John’s family might come here from time-to-time, to ‘remember’, but also to help them move forward.

Hope John doesn’t mind, and I’m sure he wouldn’t…but I think I’ll plan the day from here.  First thing on the agenda: put my feet up and appreciate life.

 

I think one day, I might like a bench too – but with a bit more lumbar support. :)

Foodies, they have different tastes

I happen to work with an avid ‘foodie’ – she loves to cook, to watch cooking shows, to read cookbooks, and to visit restaurants recommended by foodies.  What I love about it is that I get to sample so many interesting foods (the resident foodie guinea pig – and I wonder why the weight is not coming off yet).  But, today, I would add to that list…’strange’ foods, or rather, strange-sounding foods.

What could be strange?  Well, today was the first time trying "Ketchup Cake" (click link for recipe).  We had talked about it recently as it was mentioned on a morning news show (Breakfast Television).

It was like a very moist spice cake with cream cheese icing -  mmmm, cream cheese icing.  The odd thing was the list of ingredients includes red food colouring - I just assumed it was from the ketchup itself.  Apparently not, hmmmmm.

In any case, I love working with a foodie!

Prison perks

I’ve thought it would be pretty cool to ride some of the infamous category climbs and sunflower-lined routes that the Tour de France follows every July. 

Well, little did I know that a forced stay in a French prison may just be the ticket to this living that adventure.  194 prisoners, along with 124 guards and prison sport instructors, are doing just that.  Following a route beginning June 4th, they will be stopping in 17 towns (each of which has a prison), but everyone will be staying in hotels.

Not surprising I guess, but there will be no breakaways allowed!

info via UK Telegraph

Curious to see what they’ll wear…orange jumpsuits or striped jerseys?

Putting the feet up…

Scrambling through thick brush, take a bearing and moving onwards -ends in a little stop at a waterfall for lunch and a little relaxation.  Time to put the feet up and take it all in.

A previous storm has an impact on the forest.  One of many, very large, uprooted trees:

'Frost'-y canoeing - Frost Centre Area

A little nippy with rain to start the excursion. Thankfully thunderstorms passed by the time the gear was packed and we were ready to push off.

Canada has some beautiful spots for canoeing - this weekend it was St. Nora Lake and Sherbourne Lakes.

We had the full spectrum of weather conditions - thunderstorms, rain, sleet, below-freezing temps overnight, and full sun with blackflies on our final day. Got to love the great outdoors!

Mother’s Day…today and every day

My mom always said that Mother’s Day should be every day and not just on one particular day. And of course, mothers tend to be smarty pants when it comes to these kinds of things – ‘mothers know best’. So, even if I haven’t said it every day, I hope she knows that I think she is the greatest mom ever!!!!

Little did I know when I got married, that I would be given a very special treat – an amazing mother-in-law as well (or as I often refer to her ‘mom #2’). I feel quite fortunate!

So, to all the mothers out there…a very happy Mother’s Day today, tomorrow, the next day, and each day thereafter (my mom would approve).

A special call out to Laura. Today she is being celebrated as a mother, but she is also remembering a loss on this same day in 2005. Hugs being sent your way, Laura (and the rest of the Flagg family).

Finally, I did a half-marathon today and when I went to get my car post-race, I saw this scene and just had to share. It seems apropos for Mother’s Day. Enjoy!