By Nadine Moedt (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: July 4, 2012
Choosing to Smile is a collection of three inspirational life stories of cancer survivors Julie Houlker, Glenda Standeven and Michelle Rickaby.
In the introduction, the authors affirm that their book “doesn’t begin with cancer and it doesn’t end with cancer.” This very well sums up the nature of their collective work; each story in turn begins with a narrative of early childhood, family, love life and defining moments. By taking this frank approach, each author draws in and builds a relationship with the reader that is refreshing. The stories are told without any pretension or posturing. They are simple, easy to read and often touching.
Glenda Standeven was raised in Yarrow. She begins by telling of her first kiss from a boy named Danny. Standeven is raised a Catholic, but she writes that “according to some staunch believers, she is way past redemption.” She relates with keen detail and touching honesty her idyllic life in the country, her friends throughout her time in school and her love affairs. Standeven’s trial began at 32, when she was diagnosed with bone cancer. Soon after, she underwent an operation, losing her right leg, hip and pelvis. The bravery she demonstrates throughout this ordeal is inspirational; nearing the end of her story, she recounts her experience as a ski competitor in the BC Winter Games.
Michelle Rickaby was born in Abbotsford. Rickaby’s childhood will be familiar to many readers. She writes of going to the Abbotsford Air Show and of her first job picking berries when she was 12. Her early years are unsettled. She lived with her father, a single parent, and then had to adjust to his new family. She shares stories of a life with love and loss. The passing of her brother, Jim, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma was particularly painful for her family and friends. Several years after her brother’s death, Rickaby herself was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. She underwent 40 radiation treatments and the removal of her spleen, but throughout the difficult psychological and physical stress she remained resilient.
Julie Houlker was born in postwar England. Growing up, she was known as “Little Julie Smith from Pleasington,” having inherited her grandmother’s petite frame. Houlker’s memories are sharply detailed and captivating; in particular, those of her boyfriend and soon-to-be husband are particularly vivid. Houlker was diagnosed in 1995 with metastatic breast cancer. Her fight was long and arduous, but with her family’s support she stayed positive.
The focus of this book is not cancer itself, but life lived to the fullest despite hardship. What is inspiring about these three women is not that they fought cancer, but what they have accomplished in spite of it.
Standeven devotes hours volunteering in her community and has won several awards for her work, including the Governor General’s Caring Canadian award in 2005. Rickaby went from not graduating high school to getting her university degree and a job here at UFV. She also continues to write; her short story, “My Symbol of Hope,” was published in Canadian Living in 2009. She also travels extensively. Houlker was a member of the breast cancer survivor dragon boat team “Spirit Abreast.” Sadly, Julie passed away in January 2011, leaving behind a legacy of determination that has touched many.
The three women (Houlker posthumously) were given the 2011 Woman of Courage of the Year award in Washington, D.C., because of their inspiring accounts in Choosing to Smile. Without a doubt, all three authors, by recounting their experiences in these pages and by “choosing to smile,” have provided readers with both hope and inspiration.
