Hello Everyone:

Finally, on a quiet Saturday morning, I have taken down my Christmas tree (it was an artificial and holiday decor). Yes  – I know it’s March — but I liked to come home and turn on the lights while listening to music to wind down. My schedule, not surprising to many of you – is like a tsunami. Constant and hectic. 🙂

Following up to where I left off in my last post when I was in Turin in late January. Our ski group continued on to Mont-de-Lans, France where we skied at Les Deux Alpes. It was so beautiful and the air was clean and fresh. Not to mention the scenery! We went out in various groups with ski instructors twice a day. It was intense but a lot of fun. Those French men…..so complimentary. “Tres Jolie”.”Belle Sourire”. Nice Eyes. Ooh La La!! I had lots of laughs with Pascal, Fred and Cedric – who were the instructors of my Class 2A group. They loved my ski outfits (Jungle Girl. Lady Pink Panther) – everyone asked how many pieces of luggage I travelled with — to which I was proud to say, just one. A really big one! LOL.

IMPACT: Meeting new people and leaving a lasting impression. Where they tell you to “never change”. That you will be remembered by them for their lifetime. It’s amazing that in a matter of days you could have taught life lessons without even being aware – with just simple interaction. I was told that on more than one occasion. The feeling is quite fantastic and special. Smiling. Laughing. Joie de Vivre. Being Yourself. Without Fear. With Abandon. Confidence. To be free to express and be who you are – – both inside and out. It sometimes surprises people – – because they judge. They don’t know what they are missing. But to inspire others to want to try and follow – Wow.

I spent a couple of days on my own in Lyon at the end of the trip. My hotel had an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool and sauna. It was zero degrees celsius (give or take a couple of degrees lower) and in true Canadian fashion – I went for a swim and quick sauna. The locals thought I was very brave. LOL. Enjoyed a wonderful meal at Paul Bocuse. A three-star Michelin restaurant. The staff treated me so well and were very attentive. Maybe because I was the only person dining on their own. :O. They even brought me into the kitchen to meet the chef, and have a photo op. Received a few souvenirs to bring home (the extra-large menu, and 2 napkin ring holders – I put them on my wrists and pretended I was Wonder Woman) haha. There was an afternoon that I was in this amazing food hall (Les Halles Paul Bocuse) and saw everyone having these incredible seafood towers. And for a moment – I was a little lonely and wished someone was with me — to share this experience and also the food – which was too much – – even for me!

When asked what I enjoyed most about this adventure – – I say – the people – strangers, who for a week became friends. And although we may never cross paths again, just knowing that I made an impact is very special to me. I was a little sad when the week was over.

Seems that as I get older, the more good friends I am making. How incredible is that?!

Next post – I will get to the Year of the Earth Dog. Still have to read up on it. But now have to do some housekeeping and laundry. 🙂

Love and Hugs,

Winnie, The Warrior. XOXO

Buon Giorno tutti!

Happy 2018! A little late in sending this out. It has been a hectic start to the year.

Right now I am in Turin, Italy. I decided in the fall to join a ski group who were travelling to Turin (for some sight-seeing) and then to Les Deux Alpes in Mont-de-Lans, France for six days of skiing. A little ambitious for me. But a new adventure.

It’s Saturday and I broke away from the group today in favour of sleeping in. A good 10 hours. Now, having my favourite type of pizza – mozzerella, porcini , parmigiano, con gorgonzola. Except this one is pan-fried rather than wood oven made. Tegamino. And yes, I ate the entire pizza on my own. :p

2017 ended with highs and a deep low. Highs: 1) Making my Presidential ‎speech at The National Club. A proud moment. Although my mother could not be there, my father was. That was special. 2) Volunteering for a ski program to assist instructors who teach kids and young adults with special needs to ski. And, 3) Spending lots of time with many wonderful friends and my family. The low: not seeing and spending Christmas Eve with my mother. First time in many, many years. It was very hard. I had two mini-cries on the 24th and woke up Christmas Day with swollen/puffy eyes. Thankfully, I was with some Warriors throughout the day. So supportive. I am working through it.

Rang in the new year with more Warriors as the Snow Princess. The theme was white, silver and a touch of red.

So blessed to have you all in my life. Wishing everyone great health, happiness, success, love and many wonderful memories and adventures in the coming year.

Stay tuned for the Year of the Earth Dog – February 16th.

Always, Winnie…the Warrior xo

CIAO! CIAO!

Hello Everyone:

It’s Remembrance & Veterans Day today. A day to take a moment to be thankful to all those brave men and women who gave up everything so that we can enjoy the lives we live today. A deep and profound Thank You. The bravery and courage. Lest we forget.

I had dinner earlier this week with David Foster in LA. During conversation we talked about health – which cancer came up and he asked me if I could back, would I wish I never had to go through all the heartache, treatments, surgeries, and sickness. I said “No”. That I wouldn’t have changed that part of my life at all. In fact, I feel that my life and sometimes of those around me are better because of it. As one Warrior wrote to me that she watched a program on Good Morning America about special women with cancer who have an inner light that inspires everyone and she thought, “That’s my Winnie”!. Over the past years that I have been going through this journey, I have been so blessed to  be able to share my stories, feelings, fears and triumphs with all of you.

Life is generally wonderful. Even on the bad days and with my current loss of my relationship with my mother due to her Alzheimers. I do hope that one day again we will be able to laugh again together, but I don’t know what will happen. It is especially sad for me as whenever I have been the most scared, I could always call her. But I know that I have many of you in my life to turn to. (Thank you to those who have offered wine and a shoulder to cry on!).

Good things come in threes they say. How great when there is more! In the past couple of months I experienced acts of kindness that were made that much more lovely because they were random and unexpected. 1. I went to have dinner at La Banane for the first time, and after being seated, the waitress brought over sparkling wine – courtesy of the Chef – from another restaurant that I frequent. 2. At another restaurant one evening where I had met the Chef/Owner at a charity/fashion event, he arranged all the courses and took care of my entire meal and drinks. 3. At a charity event at my Club, one of the members bought a coat that was being auctioned off and gave it to me – for all the things I do. 4. At one of my favourite restaurants in Paris, the Chef/Owner charged us 20 euros instead of 80 euros (each) for the tasting menu meal – just because. 5. In the movie Love Actually they say that the happiest place on earth is the arrival area at an airport. When I came back recently from Europe, a dear warrior came to pick me up so I would have someone there! And 6. I was invited to the True Patriot Love Tribute dinner (honouring veterans) at the last minute and my BFFs came up with a dress for me, tacking and shortening it on the fly so that I would have something appropriate to wear – instead of me having to go to Winners to scour and find something when I didn’t have the time. All very touching and sweet & I am so grateful for everything. *Amazing how everything had to do with food and fashion……some of my favourite pastimes. LOL. 🙂

It was seven years – on November 1st that I shaved my hair off and the world of Winnie’s Warriors came to be.

Thank you all for your love and support. My life is better with all of you in it.

Signing off, “Business Broker Barbie” – my Halloween persona this year.

Winnie, the Warrior xo

Hello Everyone:

It’s been a busy, but overall, a good summer. Spending time with friends and family – from here and far – – a summer full of laughter, special moments, a few tears, some hard times and lots of love. 🙂

I went for my annual mammogram in the middle of August. Haven’t heard anything – so the “no news is good news”. Although I’ve been checking on line for an update of the results of the test – but nothing has been posted. I should just let things be – but I still wrote the doctor……just wanted to make sure. Call me a little paranoid…. The good news when I went for my check-up is that my weight is exactly the same as the year before. Not bad for the eating and drinking machine that I am. :P. Some of my friends are still convinced I have a hollow leg.

The tamoxifen is making me achy all over. Sometimes it’s hard to roll out of bed. But I take a hot shower and am thankful that it is not worse and I haven’t gained 20 extra pounds which is one of the usual side-effects!

I managed this year to book an 8 am appointment and asked for one next year. She told me that that time slot is usually reserved for ’emergency appointments’. But after smiling sweetly, she still gave it to me. Probably because I made her laugh with my line that I had asked my surgeon, Dr. Cil last year, if we could ‘break-up’. Being funny helps. LOL.

As I work to put this cancer chapter of my life in the background; my family is having to deal with Alzheimer’s. What a hard disease and one that I feel is a bigger challenge and more difficult than even having to go through cancer. As one person I spoke to said when I told her I felt that this is worse than cancer, she said, “That’s because there is NO HOPE”. I have to agree. I always had hope, and a lot of it while I was battling and even now for my future of a life without a cancer recurrence. But this is different and it is a sad disease. All I can do is escape every now and then, be there, be loving and Sigh. That is why I am so thankful for my network of my dear friends and family.

I have spent the last few days in Smiths Cove, Nova Scotia (or as we affectionately call it, The Shire), and I have been knitting. If you recall, knitting has therapeutic benefits and can be quite calming. I have knit two scarves, a hat and now working on a pencil skirt. My fortune cookie from today: “You are capable of tremendous creativity”. Yes, there is a Chinese restaurant in Digby called, The House of Wong. No MSG but very salty. 😛

I am always reminded of all the love that surrounds me. I recently received this message from a dear Warrior:

“Words are inadequate to express how much I LOVE & ADORE you! I want to thank you for always being there for us….and for forever supporting us in all our endeavours. There is no other friend like you, and without you my life would be so much less fabulous”. WOW.

To close: to all of you……”Truly great friends are hard to find…..difficult to leave and IMPOSSIBLE to forget”. You all make this a much more wonderful world for me – whether times are good or bad, happy or sad, I always know you are there.

I will continue, to keep you posted (as one Warrior put it), “on the wild and wonderful life of Winnie”. Sometimes it’s really wonderful, sometimes I find it very hard, but generally, not that wild. HAHA.

Much love and lots of hugs,

Winnie, the Warrior XO

Hello Everyone:

It is a sunny, and sometimes rainy Monday afternoon in Toronto. It also happens to be my birthday. 🙂

I’m sitting out on my balcony. It’s sheltered, so I can stay out here and work, read and catch up on things while the sun comes out and while it rains.

A new recent study has come out that said one in two Canadians will be diagnosed with a form of cancer. Good news is that the survival rate on many have gone up to 60%. That’s progress. But still scary all at the same time. Still hoping that they will find some sort of cure in my lifetime but at least if the survival rate can get higher on most cancers that would be something. I’ve heard many stories lately of people just not feeling well and going to the hospital only to find out that they have some sort of Stage 4 cancer and not surviving long after. Still gives me the chills.

I have been told that I need to keep myself near and around water. Best to be in it as well. Calming and to give me strength. Guess it was a way to tell me to exercise and get back into the pool!! I am a Water Ox and sign of the Cancer – sort of water-ish. So I guess it was fitting that I had a small toast for good health to myself on the eve of my birthday watching and listening to the thundering rain on my balcony. Then, at the stroke of midnight – went off to bed. I felt very calm indeed.

On a very happy note, I became the President of The National Club of Toronto on June 21st. The first day of Summer. It is one of Canada’s oldest private clubs that was formed in 1874. However, they did not let women be members until 1992. The women weren’t even allowed to enter the Club through the front door – there was a ‘side-entrance’. I am very proud of this achievement and I have to say at the Annual General Meeting when I was ‘official’, I was a little overwhelmed by it all. Felt a little emotional and almost teared up. (“SUCH a GIRL”.)  Not only making history (as the first non-Caucasian male or female president), but being part of history of a Club that has become a home away from home for me.

The love and support that I have received from personal and business contacts have been incredible and I hope to make everyone proud during my presidency. We had a gala celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday and when I welcomed the crowd, I was received with cheers, claps and hollers. It was quite something. The immediate past-President said that no one ever clapped for him like that, and his 75+ mother said, “It’s because you don’t look like her, dear”. Those were moments that I will cherish for a long time. Very Special. I attach a photo of the evening – my ‘boys’ from Hoax Couture made me an extraordinary and beautiful dress and I felt like Cinderella at her ball. (Luckily, I already had the shoes to match – surprise surprise! LOL).

Six years ago today, I took my first solo trip to Paris to recuperate from my second surgery. I learned a lot about myself and started the long journey of healing and self-awareness; both of which I am always working on, even to this day and likely for the rest of my life.

What I do know and reminded myself of this past weekend, is that I am definitely not “handy”. For the first time, I had to change my license plate sticker on my car myself (for some reason, I’ve always found someone to do it for me….). I tinkered with the cover and plate – and thought it was OK. Only to find out when I got to the golf course later that morning that my back license plate actually fell off. As I was driving around yesterday, I was practicing my look of shock and horror in case I got pulled over by the police. (Bat and Flutter Eyelashes….)

I spent this morning getting temporary replacement plates (they wanted the front one – but I said “obviously I don’t know how to put one on properly let alone try to get one off!!). The ladies at the Transport Ministry were giggling and let me take the new plates without giving up the other one. (I think they felt sorry for me). Then I went to a local auto body shop, smiled prettily and asked for help to put the new plates on. Free of charge – so I let him put on his ‘advertising’ frame on the back – – to remind me of the snafu. Apparently you need a drill! Will have to figure something out when my new GO WMGMT plates arrive. But at least I have six months to figure that out. HAHA.

Take care. Happy Summer and Love and Hugs to you all,

Winnie, the very un-handy Warrior  xoxo

Hello Everyone:

I’m just relaxing at home after going to yoga, watching the Cinderella season of the Toronto Maple Leafs – giving hope to a city of starved hockey fans, having some wine and cheese. Quite civilized I would say!

Six years ago today, I said good-bye to my right breast and my very malignant tumour and lymph nodes. I always feel a little strange and unsettled on this day. It’s an old memory that I would prefer not to relive, but I can still remember every detail of that very long day. So yoga was good for me today. It allowed me to quiet my mind and breathe. I felt a lot more calm afterwards – although I didn’t stay for the meditation part. :O

This year was also Season Five of my skiing. The weather wasn’t great this year but I managed to get out five times. My final ski day of the season was on April 2nd. I also made five new singles/couples – who are now friends. As you get older it’s harder to make new friends, so needless to say, it makes me feel so blessed. I know that to become a better skier,  I need more mileage. So my new friends are thinking about going abroad to ski next year – I think I’ll go with! Besides, I did treat myself to a new ski ‘onesie’ outfit. I think it’s a very European Ski Bunny look!

Nice thing is that many of them golf and that is what I am looking forward to starting again soon. Season 17. Sadly, I haven’t regained my old form from pre-cancer days. But I am hopeful……as always!

I learned that tulips speak to you as they ‘branch out’. These are in my room and I see them when I go to sleep and wake up. They are saying “I LOVE YOU”!

It has been a busy first few months of 2017 – but I am very happy to report that I am CONTENT. 🙂

Hugs and Love to you all.

Winnie, the Warrior xo

Hello Everyone:

Happy March – and, Happy International Women’s Day that was on March 8th.

There are all kinds of love. Love of parents, partners, spouses, family and friends. What is so special is that it is always there. Sometimes you don’t always see it, but you can feel it. And when you do see it – it brings on a warm smile and a nice glow. Sort of like a hug to your heart. I have found that one of the greatest things you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. I think that thought helps me a lot as I go through life…..still single. :O

I have been lucky enough to spend the last week with four of my best friends. And I have to say that I feel truly blessed. It is a reminder that I am never alone. Even though my brother from another mother “Jimmy” teases me relentlessly at times, I know it comes from a good place, deep inside :P. As I have mentioned in previous writings, I know that should I need help, that a call will bring me comfort and care. It is a knowledge that I am so very grateful for.

So to all my wonderful friends and family – here are “Ten Things to Always Remember and One Thing to Never Forget” (courtesy of a Blue Mountain wallet card that I bought at the post office in Carrot Bay, Tortola, BVI) written by Douglas Pagels:

“Your presence is a present to the world. You’re truly one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Take the days one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. You’ll make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many answers. Have courage. Be strong. Wish upon a star, and don’t ever forget…..how very special you are.” 

So as I sit here on my own at Trellis Bay (still in Tortola) at Jeremy’s Kitchen staring out into the bay, watching the boats go by; people eating & chatting together and children playing, (no one else is alone it seems), I feel very much at peace with my inner self and life as I see it.

My outer self with no less than 30 mosquito bites……….well that’s another story!!

Whatever the recipe is for success in life – what cultivates real power is love. You have to try it. You may fail at it. But you try again. But always knowing that there are those core people in your life who love you unconditionally no matter how quirky and retarded you are. 🙂

With enormous affection and love to all.

Winnie, the Warrior. XO

Hello Everyone:

Happy Year of the Fire Rooster which started January 28, 2017.

Personally, I am happy to be through the Year of the Monkey. With all its shenanigans – I’m glad we’re in a new year – in both calendars! So welcome to the Year of the Rooster. 🙂  To all my Rooster Warriors this is for you: (but I think it describes me!!) LOL.

“I am alert. Ready to take action. The first on the scene. The last to leave. I take chances. But I am precise. I know where things belong. I am orderly and fastidious. Nothing escapes me. I am always prepared.                    I never give up or in. I AM THE ROOSTER.”

The Ox and the Rooster are close friends in the Chinese horoscope and this year, the prognosis for the Ox (that’s me) is Good. For career, love, and especially health. Phew and Phew! After the way things ended with my health last year, all I can say is “Wow, and Yikes!”. Super happy to get the “monkey off my back”!

A heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all my warriors who wrote and called me – to offer their support and also scold me for not calling when I went alone to the hospital. I won’t make that mistake again…….actually I hope I don’t have to do that again! For at least a long while. Love you all. And I will, call or text a friend.

I am pleased to report that I bounced back from my little ordeal in a couple of days and did get to the Black and Gold Party. Photo attached as requested and promised. And yes, I am in the photo. :O

I spent the first day of the Chinese New Year doing the Walk for Memories – in support of the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto. Luckily, it was indoors. And it was truly a walk. I could have done it twice. HAHA. The warm up was a bunch of Zumba moves. Either it was too early, I didn’t have any coffee yet, or I seriously have 2 left feet! I really can dance – or at least make a good effort when I do – but Zumba requires much more concentration and co-ordination.

As mentioned in a previous blog, I plan to take Winnie’s Warriors to charity runs/walks where the funds we raise I think will make more of an impact and help raise awareness for forgotten diseases (literally), or at least ones not so much in the spotlight and that are close to my heart.

So wishing everyone a wonderful 2017. May you get what your heart desires, be fulfilled in your life and work, have wonderful adventures and continued good health. And because life is what it is, know that you can always count on me. I am going to be like a Rooster.

Love and hugs, Winnie, the Warrior. XOXO 😘

This hangs in my kitchen. From “Rooster Warrior” – Adrienne Mountain – 2013.

Hello Everyone:

Fitting to end 2016 with my blog #60! It has been 6 years since I started this journey and I wish to thank each and every one of you have been alongside me. I also wish you all the best in the coming year, good health, wonderful adventures, lots of love, laughter and tears of joy. If I plan to publish my book using 100 posts, it may be another 5 years before I can even start. We’ll see. 😉

It has been an interesting year. I have connected with some old friends in a meaningful way and maintained many for which I am forever blessed.

I had a dark day leading to the end of this year. I suffered from extreme head pains (like lightning bolts going off inside my brain) and aches. I haven’t felt this bad since my chemo days. 🤕. Started seemingly out of the blue on the 27th while I was out, my right arm (which I’ve had my lymphedema), started to give me a lot of pain, and started to swell and got inflamed. All the while, I was getting blasts inside my head. My scalp was tender to the touch and my arm was so painful I could hardly move it and driving Junior was a challenge. When I was at home, I felt feverish. I managed to make dinner and play a game of Scrabble, which I lost so then had to kick my friend out. LOL. It was too much. But thankful she helped to clean up and do the dishes. (Even though I refused the help, secretly it was a welcome). I took a warm bath and went straight to bed. Given my personality – I tried to ‘fix’ me – put some Voltaren on my entire arm and put one of my compression sleeves and some Aleve. Well – what happened was when I took off the sleeve, my arm had a horrible rash to go with the pain. Yikes. Not good.

When I got up Wednesday, I was miserable, in a lot of pain, shooting headaches and my arm was more swollen and the rash was none the better. It was quite bad – I called in sick for work and spent the entire day in bed. Returned some emails and spoke on the phone a couple of times but I had no energy. I wore a toque all day and ate 2 bowls of cereal. Didn’t have the energy to do anything else. With my housecoat and toque on, when I looked in the mirror it was chemo all over again. Not sure what was worse – the pain and swelling or reliving the chemo days.

I went to the doctor today. He was a new family doctor assigned to me. He just finished his residency in the US. Gee – I think I’m old enough to be his mother! He decided I needed an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. After all, I had all my lymph nodes removed, and had the area radiated and have had to deal with lymphedema already on this affected arm. The imaging centre was closed until Jan 3rd due to the holidays. I was going to wait but a good nurse warrior pushed me to go an emergency department. After all, I think that blood clots can travel and kill you. I started to agree with her. I had to know – or else I’d be spending the next week or so wondering if I would wake up in the mornings or drop dead. With all the people lately dying of heart attacks, failures and strokes (Carrie Fisher, George Michael and Debbie Reynolds – and who knows who else – we don’t know because they are not celebrities), I packed up my stuff from work and trekked over the St. Michael’s Hospital and braced myself for a 4-5 hour wait.

The whole procedure went amazingly well. And after 75 mins, I was walking to the subway to go home. My guardian angels must have been looking out for me. The Ultrasound department closed at 4 p.m. and I arrived at 3:15 p.m. The triage nurse was great. She called them right away and asked if they could squeeze me in. I sat in the waiting room for 15 minutes before I was whisked to the imaging department where I was seen right away. One of the ER docs came to talk to me just before I went upstairs and told me they ‘bumped’ me up the list. Could have been 1) the imaging department was closing, 2) my cancer history or 3) my nice demeanour and smile?! (Doubt it). Going with door 1 or 2. I’m just thankful they didn’t send me away!!

Bottom line: no blood clot. Phew!! Take some anti-histamines and watch over the next few days to see if the rash gets better and the swelling goes down. I can sleep in peace. Must be some muscle trauma. To be determined. May have to deal with lymphedema again but have to get the rash out of the way. There is a visible difference in the size of my arms now. Hopefully the rash will be just allergic and not an infection. The ER doctor didn’t think so because of the pattern of the rash – and he also ruled out shingles.

One thing though, as I lay on the bed getting my ultrasound done, I felt scared. I felt alone. My eyes actually teared up. The radiologist asked if I was ok. Not sure what came over me. I think while I was going to appointments alone during the cancer days I felt stronger and could deal better because I knew what I was dealing with and why I was going. Now – when I have these ad hoc appointments it’s the scare of the unknown. I am either getting weak and soft in my older age or just not as tough as before. There are chinks showing in the armour.

As my brother summed it up: “So I guess contrary to popular belief – you’re not Superwoman afterall.”
Nope. I’m Catwoman. Meow! Strong but not invincible. And have 9 lives! (I feel I’ve used a few already). Or, “Old Santa Grandma” as Hana called me. :O (Gotta love kids right?!)

My plan is to go to a Black and Gold Party for New Year’s Eve. I had decided to wear all gold and couldn’t think of how to throw in some black (could have been my hair – but I thought I’d go as a blond) – but now, I will add my black compression sleeve – so my outfit will be perfect. 🙂 . I can still do things, just as long as I protect my arm. Carpe Diem as they say! Rest assured I have been taking things easy. And getting more down time and sleep – thanks to the 50 mg of Benadryl I’m taking every 6-8 hours.

Hope all had a great holiday season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
It has been a tough 2016. Can’t wait for 2017. New year. Fresh start. Better health. New hope.

Love and hugs, Winnie….still the Warrior xo

Hello dear friends and family:

Quite amazing how times flies. I think it passes quickly the older one gets. In what has seemingly been just yesterday, on November 1st, I celebrated my 6th anniversary of my hair shaving evening and the start of Winnie’s Warriors. ‎It was a quiet evening with just some family warriors. Being a planner, I’m already thinking about 2020 – year 10. If I have enough hair by then, I might just do it again! Besides, I figure that I’ll have enough content to publish my book so I’ll need a good back cover photo!

It was Remembrance Day here in Canada, and Veterans Day in the USA on November 11 and today is Remembrance Day in the UK and in Ireland. I always want to be grateful and take a moment to remember and honor all those that sacrificed so much so that we can have the lives we do today. It is a privilege that even on the worse days that we can go home to our family, friends and loved ones – or chose to be alone and enjoy the serenity and comforts of our homes.

There is no good time for bad news, but difficult times reveal character rather than create it. ‎We have so much to be thankful for and need to remember. It’s been almost 100 years since the end of WWI. All those real heroes.

It takes someone strong to make someone strong. I am lucky that it is in my blood. My grandfather was being hunted by the Japanese during WWII. The faith and strength my grandparents showed while hiding in the mountains, and protecting their children, including my father, was amazing. I remember listening to my grandparents tell us stories. My grandfather published his memoirs as well. “Refuge and Strength”. I want to start sharing the stories to my nephews and nieces who did not get to meet their great-grandparents, to make sure they know of the sacrifices and horrors that I hope they will never know.

Lest We Forget.

I am no hero. And definitely not as brave. But, I can pretend for a day. On Halloween.

Hugs, Winnie – the Warrior xo

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