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Last October my (almost) 4 yr old grandson was diagnosed with leukemia. What a shock this was and I will admit a lot of tears were shed. I even felt like going into hiding because I dreaded being asked questions or getting looks of pity. In all honesty that didn’t last long because we came from, and our son still lives in, a small community that instantly banded together not only in fundraising support but in moral support as well … I should say communities because this quickly spread out over several.  
So, I have sat back and wondered how I, as a happy grandma whose grandson is doing super fantastic with his recovery, can offer some payback. Sure we can donate to others in need, attend community gatherings, but this doesn’t really offer the payback which is so greatly deserved. I am really hoping this doesn’t break any eBrandon rules but I want to stand on the rooftops and shout out about an gathering going on this Thursday evening in Deleau, Mb. A lot of readers will be wondering where in the world is Deleau … it is surrounded by the communities of Oak Lake, Souris, Hartney and Pipestone (those other super communities I spoke of … but it spread out even further), just off of #2 highway, two miles west of the south #21 junction turning to Hartney (17 miles west of Souris and about the same east of Pipstone and south of Oak Lake).  
This Thursday starting at 6 PM there is a community event with many great things happening including a BBQ fundraiser for the Oak Lake Fire Department (my son is a volunteer fighter and the department has stood behind us all 100%), a bouncy castle and face-painting for the kids, a farmer’s market (all types of vendors welcome, and it’s FREE to set up) The Farm 101.1 will be there playing music and The Deleau Rowdies will be playing the Souris Cement Express in a game of Slo Pitch. This whole evening is FREE … (optional silver collection towards the park … to help keep a beautiful park beautiful).  
My grandson and I (I’ll be wearing my eBrandon T-shirt if you want to say hi) are going to be there and I hope those of you who might be wondering what is so great about small town Manitoba will come out and see for yourselves. It is going to be an awesome evening.  
<:!- W ->:  
 
Edited by Doreen Winona Logeot, 2016-07-25 21:57:28

your grandson is on the road to recovery,and thankyou for the invite,never been to deleau,but,if time permits,im going,love small towns,people are ready to make you a neighbor it seems

great to hear, glad to have you back!

Glad to hear that your grandson is doing well. It is always so hard watching someone you love when they have to go through something like this.  
 
It is wonderful that your community has given such support. It is nice when people come together in a situation such as this.  
 
Sounds like a fun evening on Thursday evening, I hope that many people check it out.  
 
I am thinking a lot of people will be asking Google Maps to help them find their way to Deleau.

it is great to be back. The last five years have presented me with many changes in my life and I will admit that some of the bantering found in some of the discussions got to be a bit of an over-load for me. But I have missed eBrandon, learning about the local happenings, getting info, etc. etc. etc. I have been watching discussions from my iPhone but hadn't set it up yet to log-in so I was one of those lurkers, lol. Hearing about Robert Booth really made me realize what I was missing (hubby reads the obits and I always rely on him telling me who has passed away, but he didn't know Bob or make the connection with Charley Booth). There are a lot of new names out there, but hopefully also a lot of new friends. Yup ... I'm back.

It is so wonderful to see my grandson getting better. He went from not being able to even stand any more to running around like a normal 4 year old. It makes me feel so good that I really do wish I could shout it from the rooftops, lol.

I am just so excited that I can't help myself ... but I will really try to make this the last time. My grandson (I am not posting his name, although it has been in several newspapers and on social media) just started the last phase of his treatment on Tuesday and he is here visiting us until the weekend. Although he is very pale (it is important to stay out of the sun or wear lots of sunscreen while taking Chemo)and has lost his hair (for the second time) he is doing soooooooo well. This phase will last for a bit more than two and a half years but he should be able to go to kindergarten this fall. In the fall he was misdiagnosed as having juvenile arthritis so without proper treatment he got to the point where he couldn't walk, and at the last even stand, any more. Now he can run and play like a normal four year old, and I have challenged him with a race ... but I have to get practising ... he will win I know, and yes, I will be trying, lol. When you hear a person say how resilient children are, believe it, they are. I can't imagine an adult going through this with a smile. Some of the treatments are hard and there are tears at times but "C" doesn't want this dreaded leukemia to come back and he will do what needs to be done.  
 
If you are able to join us tonight in Deleau (please know this has nothing to do with our situation, it is just a community gathering welcoming everyone)as I mentioned, I will be wearing my eBrandon T-shirt, please stop and say 'Hi'

we certainly need a "LIKE|" button for your post!

I have often thought exactly the same thing when reading comments.