The big suprise !!!

What a day Shania's Fun Fair turned out to be, it started out with a beautiful introduction by Lisa Dilworth the new Principle at Reesor Park School, Shania and Shannons School. Then Dr Baruchel ( Shania's Oncologist from the hospital for Sick Children) did a moving Speech about the innovative research being done at the hospital and about the courageous children struggling with Neuroblastoma. Also Dru Soo from Rogers television talked lovingly about Shania and her cause. Then the festivities began. First up were the Sizzling Sunflowers, which is a group made up of Shania's friends (Meredith Ward, Jacklyn Lafontaine, Madeline Graup, Natalia Mangos, Jessica Gomes, Holly and Chloe Dyson) and sister Shannon, singing a fun song about Shania. This was written by Elaine Dubyna along with the next song sung by Amy Pipher. These are very touching songs from the heart. Karen and I had soggy eyes listening to these being performed so beautifuly about our daughter. They have a CD done up, with these and the melody that Shania wrote. This was recorded with Ruth, Shania's music therapist and a Harpist named Jacqueline. The final song on the CD is by Shania, singing the song she wrote about her mommy, "I love you forever". We will be putting this CD in Shania's store, with all proceeds going to music therapy at the Hospital for Sick Children. The day started off outstanding and just kept getting better and better as it went along. Seeing all the kids having so much fun getting there faces painted, having their hair done in the funky hair zone, walking around with Circus Du Sala looking balloon hats, playing all the games, bouncing in all of the bouncy castles. riding the ponies from Lionel's pony farm, climbing the rock wall outside in the rain. playing with the exotic animals from Wimz, getting autographs from Steve Thomas and Jeff Keeping. The list of fun just goes on and on. Micheal Burgess sang an incredible rendition of "you raise me up" one of Shania's favorite songs. Wow what a voice he has! Also the Reesor Park Sunflower Singers sang beautifully. Then the big surprise came. Frank Scarpitti arrived and was supposed to tour the fun fair, but instead he wanted Karen, Shannon and I to come up on stage with him because he wanted to do the 50/50 draw and say some words about Shania and her cause. But to our surprise, after the draw and speech, he handed us a gift to be opened. Inside was a sign and on it said " Shania Johnston St" with a Sunflower beside it. He then announced that the city of Markham is going to name a Street after Shania. We were blown away!!! We didn't see this coming at all. A feeling of pride just flooded over us. What a honour to Shania from this incredibly caring community called Markham. I don't think that there was a dry eye in that building after that. I could picture the smile that would have been on Shania's face, if she was still with us. But she was indeed there smiling in our hearts. On behalf of Shania and our family I would like to thank you Frank and everyone in this great community for bestowing this huge honour on our Shania. And as Diane Birrell of the James Fund said, we'll have to have a great big Street Party!!! I could go on and on about this fun day, it had such a special feel about it. But to sum it all up, it was the smiles on all of the kids and their parents faces. That is what Shania's fun fair is all about " Having fun" life is to short not to!!!! All the while helping children and their families suffering from this dreadful disease. Karen and I are going to do Megans walk tomorrow along with Shannon. This will be a day of mixed emotions for us. Mostly sad ones I feel. Shania wanted to do this walk so badly, along with Karen last year. And now she is gone. After that we are going down to the Royal Botanical rock gardens, to Shania's fairy princess falls as we call them. They have the tulip festival going on there now also. It is a sight to see, all these flowering bulbs and the many colours and scents of spring. Shannon gave Karen a pedicure to make her feel good tonight. I think she knows how sad of a day it's going to be for Karen and wants to cheer her mom up. This is very thoughtful coming from a six year old.

Have a special Mothers Day moms!!!
All the best
Love Shayne,Karen, & Shannon