It's the last hour of 2008. A year that has been, well, not that great a year. It certainly had some highlights. It started off with a bang and ended on a low note. As I think back on the year, it had many great memories. Even when we had out low moments, there were some memories that will endure that were full of love and hope.

2008 started out wonderfully as we celebrated my brother-in-law Brian marrying Corine in Disneyland. What better place to have magical memories. It was slightly tinged with some sad moments as we remembered the excitement and joy Hannah had when we first went there, but we balanced those with new memories of Allie enjoying her first encounter with Mickey, her first ride on a roller coaster and her first princess dress. The whole Hamilton clan turned out and we had a grand time.

The late winter and early spring were also good. Kathie was doing well in her treatment and the doctors were pleased with her progress. In early April Kathie had her mastectomy surgery and everything there went fine as well. The Doctors were confident they had done what they needed to do.

In late April we had our first big fundraiser for Hannah's Heroes. It was a rousing success and we raised a lot of money  and got a lot of support from the community, friends and family.

May brought the Relay for Life and our now regular entry for Hannah's Heroes. We didn't have a big team but we made up for it in determination to keep going even in the cold dim hours of the morning when it was just Glen and I walking the track.

June brought the Jog for a Jug/Mug event. We had a great turnout of Kids and adult runner. For the first time, we had a trophy for the school that brought out the most kids. Next year we hope to do even better.

The spring and summer were going well and we enjoyed watching Allie at gymnastics. I was entering a new role and doing a little travelling for work. It was a new experience for me. I hadn't travelled for work except to the odd conference now and then and not for at least 10 years. Now I was going away for 4-6 days at a time. It only lasted for 3 trips over a 6 week period but it was enough. By the time September rolled around, the travelling was on hold and my work focus shifted to different things.

The later part of the summer was pretty good. Kathie was doing well and had only a few little hiccups here and there.Nothing we thought much of though. We still travelled a little, camping with friends on Gabriola island and a shopping weekend in Seattle. We also had a great weekend in Ucluelet. Allie learned to surf and fish.

September brought a couple of short hospital stays for various reasons. Only a couple days at a time but it was a sign of things to come. Kathie's blood number weren't great but they were holding steady. Allie started pre-school and was really enjoying that.

The last week of September saw Kathie in hospital for a week but she got out in time to be at the hospital on the day her niece Ashley Hannah was born. Brian and Corine had named their daughter in honor of Hannah and for that Kathie and I were very grateful. But it was only a week later that Kathie started to not feel well. We had our Thanksgiving dinner and the next day Kathie was admitted to hospital for the last time. We got bad news and then worse news. The Leukemia had returned and it was unlikely that anything could be done.

Kathie took it remarkably well. I think she was the stronger one at that time. and for the few hours we had alone we sorted out a good many things. She was happy how her life had gone and knew that Hannah must have needed and wanted her Mommy. Kathie was happy to go. Even though she would leave Allie and I and her family behind, it was her daughter calling that made it easier for Kathie. In a way, it's made it easier for me as well. Allie would need me and I would need Allie.

In the week before Kathie passed away, we had family come in from all over. We each took time to be with Kathie and she was never alone while she was here.

In the days, weeks and months that have followed that day, Allie and I, and our extended family, have received so much love, support and Kindness, that it was truly humbled me. Not only have people just offered words of support and an ear to talk to, they have poured their hearts out and offered much more. We have been offered meals, gift cards to local shops, baked goods, toys for Allie and many other things.

One thing that stood out, was an anonymous person that gave Allie & I something on the 12 days of Christmas. It started one morning when I opened the door to find an envelope on the doormat. It had written on it, "On the first day of Christmas..". On each day after that up until Christmas day, a small package was left at our door. Everything from cookies, a Starbucks gift card, movie passes and small toys for Allie were left. I have no idea who it was and don't know if I want to know. I am grateful to that person for being so kind and really showing the Christmas spirit at a time when my spirit needed lifting.

As I look ahead to 2009, it is with some trepidation.  The last 3 years have been ones of struggle and heartbreak. I can't say, "It can't get any worse", because I know it can. In a heartbeat. I can only hope that it's a year filled with hope, love and better times.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

From Allie and I, Thank you.

Lots of Love

Tore, Allie and Beautiful Angels, Kathie and Hannah.