Thank YOU Team IronBird - BIG LOVE!!!

Rose Elsie Case - role model and guardian angel 

My mother didn't know me as an endurance athlete at all and yet I know she wouldn't be at all surprised that I have the capacity to "endure" great physical, mental and emotional challenges. 

She taught by example. She is the reason I CAN  and I WILL achieve great things in this life.

THANK YOU MUMMY!

I never go faster than my guardian angel can fly

Diana - A sister by birth and a best friend by choice ...
 

Bird (the original) you have been at my side during all my biggest triumphs and defeats. You have always believed in me and my ability to succeed. You've witnessed me sob in pain, sob in disappointment and weep for joy! Tears aside -  No one can make me laugh as hard... With just a look. And often, to the point of no sound and tears.

Nerkle-toed baboon lips (term of endearment folks, really) You've endured a year best described as an "emotional roller coaster" - a mini stroke, shoulder surgery, the loss of Timber and a new job, selling & buying homes, a huge move, renovations and finally a beautiful new country home and improved quality of life. With everything going on in your life, you still found time and mustered enthusiasm to make me feel supported and loved. Your pre birthday monthly countdown gifts on the 19th added excitement to a long hard Winter & Spring training season. That you remained committed to coming to Lake Placid and on top of that surprised me yet again by appearing out-of-the-blue as my Brown Barbie - are illustrations of your loyalty, love and forever friendship. 

Birdface,  our bond is deep and it Is sacred. If it takes me a lifetime, I will try to repay all your remarkably thoughtful generous acts of love. You remain my "Sophie's Choice"...

You, Tin and I began triathlon as team Bluenose Birds. 

You both supported me then too - as the last swimmer to exit the water, having feared putting my face in the lake.

Kristin Kindred spirit ... Immerse your soul with love 

You too had an eventful and challenging year Tin. And yet, you found it in your heart to reach out to me whenever I needed it most. You enrich my life!  

Thank you for introducing me to the Ironman distance via that very first Kona DVD and by fuelling my passion & continuing my education via the intro LAVA mag subscription. Thank you for "being there" for me throughout this journey with random "I love you" texts... buying the "extra gear" for Pitoune and I that greatly assisted us as we climbed "the bears" in the Adirondack mountains... keeping confidences ... providing me always with the best professional photojournal souvenirs

... Kayak support, impromptu BBQ prep & co-hosting, being game to join me on just about any adventure big or small.

Hindsight? Or Insight? In 1986 and 1987 renowned psychic Evelyn Hare - foretold that I would meet long lost friend, who I am now convinced is you - a kindred spirit... kin from previous lifetimes reunited. You mean the world to me. I am so proud of all of your many accomplishments. I am delighted you have come home to live the quality of life you yearn for and so deserve. 

Barry everyone's Big Dawg Daddy

You made the biggest most frequent sacrifices having to live with me. Life with an Ironman wannabe is an endurance activity in itself. 

Thank you for supporting my dream, putting up with listening to my nonstop one-subject conversations, my many moods, crazy long (early and late) days. You picked up many of my chores around the house and often you were left to be a single-parent for Sealey. You were my key kayak support on calm waters and currents with a big chop, wind and rain! 

You have never doubted my ability as each year I tackled a longer distance. 

Thank you for all you've done 24/7. I could not have done it without your support.

Djába (Louise Antoinette Rose)

 &
 Sealey (Louise Holly Rascal Rose)

My two girls who have enriched my life beyond my wildest imagination! 
Djaba literally saved my life! She is solely responsible for me embracing and living a healthier lifestyle. We had 17 wonderful years before she became one of my guardian angels.

 Sealey has taken over where Djaba left off. She grounds me. Loves me unconditionally. Lifts my spirits. Keeps me active. I work hard to provide her with as much in return. My girls both remind me that life is too short - Carpe diem. 

Sylvie

 &
 Dickson

Sylvie's 50th birthday celebration ... Wow! Thank you both for your generous retreat getaway where I was able to keep training in a beautiful spot, partnered with Scott and had a chance to be with my lifelong best friend!

Lisa

Thank you my beautiful forever friend for accepting my passion and supporting my dreams at the cost of our time together over these past few years.  You have always believed in me even and especially when I have lost faith in myself and my ability to cope. And you did it yet again - while I was in Lake Placid. I will always remember your "hug" when I really needed one. Bless you!

Bray

Your IronBird painting is a perfect! I will cherish it and what it represents. Thank you for knowing I would want the names of Team IronBird included. I still can't believe you created that for me and yet, you did embrace being the Bluenose Bird mascot in Tremblant too - amazing! 

I miss you and will always love you - know that!

Sandy

My thank you to you is two-fold Sandy... for your understanding and support of Bird as she supported me in addition to my knowing you were cheering me on! You've never shown an ounce of jealousy and to the contrary have given Bird and I precious one-on-one time together whenever we've needed it. It isn't everyone who can do this and you do it so selflessly. You have been a key person "behind the scenes" througout my journey. It is greatly appreciated.  

Kay

Big sister you were there when this madness began at my very first full marathon in Ottawa and the Milton and Ottawa Triathlons where you were an essential part of the team as a cheerleader and trusty and trusted statisticion. Your presence has been missed but not forgotten. I often think of you during a race.

Roy and Margaret 

My Aussie family aka father and step-mum. What a journey you went on this year - both being diagnosed with Cancer. Undergoing surgery and drug therapy. I am ever so proud of you for coping as well as you did and thank you for sharing the dreadful moments, your optimism, hope and relief. 

You are survivors who know what it means to ENDURE! 

I was happy to learn that this blog often supplemented with the stories of happenings in the family and photos helped to lift your spirits at times. At times when I didn't think anyone was reading it, I knew you were and I soldiered on posting my thoughts, fears, and hopes. 

Thank you again for your generous gift of racing sunglasses.

May you now be blessed with good health, much happiness and many more adventures to places and people you love to visit!

Bear

My newest friend and kindred spirit.

 Our meeting you where and when we did was destiny. I look forward to growing our friendship and to cheering each other on as we embrace new adventures life presents.
  

MY TRIATHLON FAMILY OF FRIENDS 

many of which have shared their knowledge, advice who provided support and self confidence - many are are now forever friends - all can expect an invite to a gathering where I can thank them in person: Ken Grandy, Stacy Juckett-Chesnut, Kevin Besner, Greg Lummis, Karen Beazley, Nancy & Kevin Neatt, Terrilyn Chiasson, Ian McDiarmid, Francine Comeau, Suzanne Ferrier, Kasia Danigier to name a few! More names will be added as my memory improves.

MY  WORKPLACE FAMILY OF FRIENDS 
Merci infiniment pour votre appui, encouragement et amitie surtout Katerine Bernier, Martine Dufresne, Amanda Adams, Cecilia Gallant, Olivier T-Jalbert, Madeleine Daigle, Carole Fournier et Carole Arsenault.