09/04/2022
Karma Yoga Class
I am hosting this class for my parents. For my mother, Rosalie Stonehouse, and step-father, Chris Stonehouse, who never ask for help. They face everything life has thrown at the them together, like the true power couple they are.
But things have been really hard for them, and me, not knowing what I can do to support them, have decided to try this.
TRIGGER WARNING (RE: CANCER)
In spring of 2021, my mother was diagnosed with aggressive, stage 4 colon cancer. Over the last year, she has undergone a lot of chemotherapy with no end to these treatments scheduled.
Of course we knew that was not positive but I am always trying to remain hopeful.
There have been many ups and downs through this time. Some cat scans offered our family good news and signs of improvement, other days have been very hard to manage whether physically for my mother or emotionally for us all.
If there was one thing I knew before this all began, it was that my mother is a fiercely strong woman. And my step-father, Chris, who loves her more than life itself, will do anything to make sure she is taken good care of. Both of these things, are even more evident to me now ❤
Chris, lost his job over the course of the pandemic and has been laid off since before my mother began her treatments. So on top of the physical, emotional and mental load they are carrying, their lack of work is compounding to spread their financial resources terribly thin. With Chris home from work, our family is grateful that my parents have been able to spend so much time together this last year, and we find some comfort in knowing she is in his loving hards day-in and day-out.
In August, my mothers oncologist told her that she would need to cease treatment as its no longer effective and her cancer is continuing to progress. Her prognosis is ~3 months, but again I remain cautiously hopeful, and pray everyday that we will have more time with her... Imaging her at her 60th birthday this October, at Christmas with our family and at all of our kiddos, her beloved grand babies, birthday parties.
Of course this has been extremely hard. Yet life keeps demonstrating to me, that when things get hard, I am not alone. These struggles and this grief comes hand-in-hand with love, compassion and support from family and friends.
In some ways, these hard times can be very beautiful.
I felt compelled to share about this now. To hold space for this Karma Class for my parents and to open myself and my family up to the beautiful hearts around us.
If you wish to join us for this practice of extremely gentle and accessible restorative yoga and yoga nidra, you can register here: https://sweetfloweringwellness.ca/products/karma-yoga-class-restorative-yoga-yoga-nidra?_pos=1&_sid=0dfa18aa3&_ss=r.
Please also share this if you feel called to do so. If you cant join but have the capacity to donate to this cause, or wish to send a message, please do. It is so appreciated.
If you are going through a hard time too, know that you are not alone. Sending so much love to you all.
Laura xo
