#Grateful

When I was 7, I thought I’d never see 14. When I was 14, I thought I’d never see 20. Then I turned 20, then 30 and yesterday I turned 34.Words cannot express how grateful I am that God allowed me to see another year. 

Those who know me well know that I love to celebrate in style. I rocked my new floral dress and did a quick photo shoot out in the freezing cold (what’s a birthday without a photo shoot?).

I spent my afternoon at my favourite spa (the staff at Sanctuary Day Spas really do treat you like royalty).

I ended my day at the Jays game and they won! 

Thanks to everyone who called me, sent me text messages and messaged me on Facebook.

A very BIG thank you to the APC News Crew for putting together a birthday video for me. It was one of the best birthday presents I have ever received.

I had to laugh when one of my girlfriends asked me who was going to make my birthday cake. Why on earth would I ask someone to make my cake when I can make it myself? LOL. Stay tuned for pictures on my SimplyDelicious Facebook page.

I’m looking forward to another year full of baking, teaching, reading and spending time with the ones I love.

Cheers to 34!!!

What are three things you’re grateful for?

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My Dad is a Survivor

Dear Daddy,

This past weekend, I asked our family and friends to use one word to describe you and explain why they chose that word. I chose Survivor. Here’s why.

In May of 2000, you had the biggest scare of your life. You were diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. 

When you told us, I thought you were joking.

I was confused. You were the healthiest person I knew. You exercised on a regular. You ate right. You took care of yourself. I couldn’t understand why God would allow this to happen to you.

Every night that you spent lying in that hospital bed, I lay in yours begging God to spare your life.

Prior to your diagnosis, we didn’t have much of a relationship. We barely exchanged words to one another other than “Good Morning” and “Good Evening”. If you survived this hurdle, I knew this couldn’t continue. Things would have to change.

I remember visiting you in the hospital and couldn’t help but cry. You had lost so much weight. You were so weak. I wanted nothing more than to see you get better.

I’ll never forget the dream you shared with us while you were in the hospital. In your dream, you had the choice to either choose life or death – you chose life. God granted your request and fifteen years later, you're cancer free!

During the past fifteen years, we have become the bestest of friends. You have stuck by me during the most difficult seasons of my life. You are the first person I call when I have a decision to make. You showed me that you are never too old to try something new. You taught me to never give up.

Thank you for raising me to be the woman I am today. Many of the things I have accomplished thus far is because of you.

As we celebrated your 65^th Birthday this past weekend, I was awe as I listened to those who paid tribute to you. The amount of lives you have impacted in 65 years is out of this world!

Daddy, thank you for being a Godly example of what a Man, Father and Friend should be. May God continue to bless you with good health and allow you to see many more birthdays.

Love Always,

Monique

What word would you use to describe your Dad and why?

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