Returning to the Ice: Grief, Gratitude, and Family Traditions

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier

Two years ago, I went to Stars on Ice with a close friend only a few hours after having a CT scan. As we headed to the show, I was waiting for answers and felt both uncertain and hopeful.

That night is one I will always remember.

Soon after, I found out I had reached NEAD, which means no evidence of active disease. This milestone filled me with gratitude and new hope. I later wrote about it on a blog called "I Will Leave a Light On for You."

Last year, what started as a night out with one close friend became even more special. Five of my friends joined me for dinner and Stars on Ice, and a new tradition began to take shape.

That year also brought new challenges as I faced news of progression, but that evening showed me that joy can still be found even when things are uncertain.

This year, we kept the tradition going.

When I travelled to Halifax, I already knew the results of my latest CT scan. I carried a different kind of peace with me, gratitude for good news, for friendship, and for the chance to keep making special memories.

Traditions are very important in my family.

They help us remember where we come from, the people who shaped us, and the memories we hold on to.

My mother loved figure skating. She especially loved watching Elvis Stojko. As I watched him perform alongside Olympic bronze medalists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, I found myself imagining how thrilled she would have been to sit beside me, taking in every moment.

I could almost hear how excited she would be with her signature laugh of joy.

In that moment, I realized that grief never really goes away. It changes over time, staying close to gratitude. It lets us hold on to the light of those we've loved while still finding beauty in our lives.

Now, this tradition means much more than just figure skating.

It's about healing.

It's about friendship.

It's about honouring my mother's memory.

And it's about letting ourselves feel joy again after hard times.

Watching the skaters move smoothly across the ice reminded me that healing isn't just about medical visits, scans, or treatments.

Sometimes, healing is simply having dinner with close friends.

Sometimes, it's sharing laughter.

And sometimes, it's sitting in an arena, feeling your mother's presence next to you as the music starts and the skaters take the ice.

So once again, I left with a full heart, thankful for tradition, for friendship, and for the light that always stays with us. 💙

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/4a7d66_554ed24e712f4d68b13d23210d1f057e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Elvis Stojko, Canadian Olympian, is still rising at 54 Years of Age.