Three women have become life long friends.  They have individual stories that make you laugh and cry simultaneously.  Their lives later become intertwined and they weave a blanket of love and support.

There is always a first step when you realize you need to make changes in your life.  This book gave me knowledge that one has more control over life than I ever realized.  The very simple but extremely effective message “Choose to Smile” was the beginning of a new found strength in adversity and an enlightened path for me.  These three women Glenda Standeven, Michelle Rickaby and Julie Houlker write a very open, direct yet candid recount of their lives both before and after their diagnoses of cancer.
Their stories are inspirational and life changing.  Through sharing with us all their adversities I wonder if they realize what a gift they have given us.  The gift of a SMILE.  Thank you Glenda, Michelle and Julie. 

Liz Webber

I finished Glenda's story the other day and am now part way into Michelle's story. Good job you guys, it's even better than I had imagined. First of all I think I cried most of the way through your story and I'm not sure I know why. I found it to be very moving all the way through. Perhaps because I had already heard most of the
story from you guys in bits and pieces, reading in the proper chronological order helped to clarify everything. When your dad passed away and your sister said "It's 6 o'clock dad, it's time to go fishing" I was overcome by every emotion I possess including the realization of why you and your sister like the Fishin' With My Dad*
song. I'm crying right now as I write this but still don't really know why. Once again I want to congratulate you on a job well done. I've kind of dreamed my whole life about being able to write my life story in a book and have people be interested in it. You have accomplished that in spades, don't ever stop writing.
Fred Webber
*note: 'Fishin' With My Dad' is a song written by Glenda and Fred and is in the process of being recorded. Will post the link when the song is finished.

I just finished reading the book. Awesome!! I cried at the end knowing Julie was not going to make it. She is amazing. I'm just sorry I will not get to meet her.
Your story is mind boggling and I'm so privileged to know you. Michelle's was inspiring, how she embraced life with her new family and her travels.
WOW!
Marge

I have just finished reading a book of inspiration! These three courageous women have gone through much adversity and have come through it all smiling. Choosing to Smile is a book for everyone, whether you have cancer, ill-health or when life has dealt you some bad cards. Every morning when we get up we have a choice.......we can be optimistic or pessimistic........smile or not smile. Smiling is powerful and even when you feel low a smile can make you feel so much better. Remember to smile at other people and make their day :-) I met Glenda many years ago and although we were not in contact for a long time I always remember her making a huge impact on my life. She was always smiling even through some very dark times. Glenda, Michelle and Julie - you are an inspiration to us all! The book is amazing and through laughter and tears I enjoyed every minute :-) Everyone should read this wonderful book.......
 
Kaye Strickland
 
Finished your book about a week ago. Had to let it sink in before saying anything. I've been deeply touched by all of your lives and inspired in different ways by each of you. I know the energy and dedication it takes to put it all together for each book event and I applaud you for the making the effort to enlighten... the world. Now that I've read all of your stories I can honestly say that "I Love You All!"
 
Theresa Chevalier - Author of "Shameful Innocence"
 
This is a book containing the autobiographical stories of three local women who survived cancer and met each other because of it. It's much more than a collection of survivor stories, though. It's a celebration of the wholeness of life.

Each author starts at the beginning; with her childhood and the people, places and events that helped to shape her into the resilient, good humoured, generous woman she would ultimately become. We laugh along with some of their antics during their teens and early twenties. We watch as they begin to pursue career paths, cheering for them as their struggles to find their own purpose begin to take shape. We see them fall in love, sometimes more than once. Along the way we meet the men they marry and the children they give birth to. At times we are moved by the depths of love and courage their partners display.

The common theme running through these individual accounts is that the women didn't let cancer define and rule their lives. But these aren't just three 'brag letters', not everything went right. There was a divorce, significant financial stress and even survivor guilt while they watched some of their loved ones perish from the disease that they were struggling to recover from. Not everyone in their lives was able to be the supportive person the authors needed them to be. The fear and suffering and times of isolation came close to utter desperation at times.

Their determination to live and love their lives is the celebration. We are defined by how we respond to joy. Houlker, Standeven and Rickaby are well defined.
~By Lisa Sehn, Special to the Times May 14, 2010~

   Hi Glenda, Wow I really enjoyed your story, as I am reading it I felt like we have always been life long friends, it was very inspirational and I enjoyed feeling like I was part of your life.  I cried, laughed and felt every emotion along with you, I think my husband gave me some strange looks more than a couple of times.  I enjoyed the other two stories as well and appreciated the outlook on life that each of you put forward.  I feel that having read your book has helped me to understand myself a bit more, even though I have always taken on the positive "I am doing good" attitude it was encouraging to hear other stories of similar journeys. Every one tells me I am strong but I simply feel the alternative is not an option in my world as I have 2 granddaughters I want to see grow up and Joanna (my daughter with the brain injury) would be lost without me. I am grateful that your book has crossed my path, I firmly believe everything happens for a reason at the right time and I am glad this was my time and place to connect with you.  I am looking forward to one day visiting with you one on one and having a good chit chat over a glass of wine... 
Ann McWhinnie (nee:Singer)                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

My Dad passed away in May so my cousin bought this book for my Mom who then passed it on to me.  Although totally different experiences ... any person, whatever they are going thru, can get something from your book.
Thank you for sharing your experiences by writing this.  Here's to many years of happiness and good health to each of you. I will certainly be recommending your book to friends as well.
Connie Pierrot

Hello ladies. I read your book and LOVED it!! ... For me, the message is that we all have the strength to handle whatever life throws our way. I remember being young and discussing cancer and other illnesses with very definitive ideas... I didn't believe for one second that I would have what it takes to engage in such a huge battle. Your book ( and a wee bit of maturity) has made me re-evaluate my original belief system and I know that at the end of the day, I will fight just as all of you and thousands of others have done, and I will have everything already that I need to win. There's terrific comfort in knowing that we don't have to walk alone when the road ahead seems so very dark and frightening...
Paula Mickler

 'Choosing to Smile' is a candid and honest account of the emotional and personal journeys of Glenda, Michelle and Julie. It also made me very aware of the effects their illnesses had on their spouses, children, friends, and people around them. You can't help but be touched and inspired by their optimistic outlook and love of life. I will definitely be reading it again and passing it on to others to read.
Julie Muirhead

 I started reading the book on Friday 23rd July after picking it up from Julie's mums house...I finished the book on Sunday 25th July..what can I say..I could not put it down!!! I read Julie's story first because after all she is my cousin and I wanted to catch up with everything she had done and gone through. All the time I was reading I laughed, cried and at times wanted to give her a big hug..Julie you are so so brave as are Glenda and Michelle, who have shared their stories with us in the hope that it will help others as I am sure it will. I have made a very big choice today and that is to always ...SMILE !!! Thank you for a truly inspiring book  
Lorraine (Smith) Buckley  England UK
 

 ... I have personally known Glenda for over 17 years. However, it was the story within the story that gave me a deeper understanding of all of it, from a very real place.  Julie and Michelle's stories each held a reality that was harsh and head on, as well.  Yet the decisions each of these women made that helped them get through it all had a common denominator.  Choosing to smile at the hardest times was their way. It teaches all of us that choices give us power. Personal power can move us forward no matter what. Glenda, Julie and Michelle, hero's in their own right, are great teachers to us all.
Thank you all so much,
Cathy Clark, Chilliwack
 
 
Just finished reading the wonderful book written by yourself, Julie and Michelle. Michelle's dad, Howie, sold me
the book at a party I attended. (Wonderful man). It was perhaps the best $20 I ever spent. Inspirational, uplifting. I want to thank the three of you for baring your hearts and sharing your stories of courage. I will pass my book on to others to read...and certainly keep it in mind when it comes time to choosing gifts to buy.
Thank you again for a wonderful read.
Blessings to all three of you. I wish you great success in your future.
~Karin~
 

Meet three amazing women through the pages of their book and in person at Yarrow Days (June 5). Written in the heart-to-heart manner of women speaking to each other, it’s like an afternoon with your best girlfriends. Except the girlfriends have all wrestled with the beast we call cancer. Glenda grew up in Yarrow and Michelle lives here still. Shockingly personal, shockingly personable, Choosing To Smile has received international media attention. One needn’t be touched by cancer (but who isn’t?) to receive the message of hope and inspiration this book provides.
 ~Yarrow Newsletter May 2010~

I could not put the book down and I laughed and cried alternately - my family thought I had lost it a couple of times - but I just smiled at them!  How strong and courageous you all are, not only as survivors, but also to have put your stories out there for the world to read.  Since I read the book I have bought 3 more copies to give to friends and relatives who are cancer survivors - I hope it helps them choose to smile.  Since I have read your book, if some daily triviality or major issue starts to get to me I find I am able to choose to smile, and that's a much more pleasant option than letting it get to me  - thanks so much for the inspiration. 
Keep smiling!!!!

Take care
~Linda

These 3 amazing ladies have written an inspiring, incredible, interesting and informative book about their life lessons, laughs, loves, losses and living through cancer.Everyone has been touched by cancer and everyone will be touched by this book! Share this book with those that choose to smile and those that could use a good reason to smile more.
~Feather Janz

I started to read Choosing to Smile on Mon May the 3rd and finished it on the 4th. When I started it I could not put it down. It brought a lot of stuff up for me. I spent alot of time crying while I was reading. I was in Glenda's support group in 1996 to 1998 and know what a great person she is. When I first came into the group Glenda asked me "what gifts has cancer given you" I really thought I misunderstood her, (gifts) then she asked me to make a list. I thought about it for a couple of day's before I realised that cancer had given me quite a few gifts. One was the value of relationships, in life material things can be replaced and do not touch your soul. People can touch your soul and you can not replace them. Thank you all for such an incredable book. I wish you all the best on life's future journey.
With Love,
~Johnny Battaglio

What a wonderful read!! I couldn't put this book down. I loved the honesty, the humour, the tenacity and certainly the inspirational message. This book is such a great reminder of how our attitude can affect every decision we make. This is notjust for cancer survivors; in our lives we all have things to overcome. Choosing to Smile outlined 3 actual lives which have shown it is not only possible to rise above difficult situations, but to move well beyond the pain, hurt and fear and live rich,full lives. I quite honestly loved the courage that the authors showed not only in their own lives but in their willingness to put their stories down on paper for all to read. If you're looking for an encouraging story that provides readers with hope,Choosing to Smile is the book for you. Well done ladies. Keep up the great attitude. God Bless and good luck.
Love Taryn

http://www.totallytaylord.com/choosing-smile

Debra Taylor

How great it was meeting you for the first time especially after just completing your powerful book last week.You girls are AMAZING. I am Zone Captain for the 3rd year (reluctantly) for the Cancer Society but somehow after listening to your stories,it has become easier.Thanks

Kathy Marks

I want to sincerely thank you for your wonderful book.  You have touched and made a difference in countless lives. Parts of your book had me laughing and parts made me cry. Choosing to Smile has been more than an inspiration to me! 

Deb Newby

I read it from front to back in one night with both tears and alot of laughter!  Well done on deciding to tell your life story it was one well worth its weight in inspiration!! Your book will be forever cherished.

Jayda Wilson

Thank you for committing your stories to paper and choosing to do so with such intimacy and candour. Your book was not only highly engaging but provided a much-needed injection of positivity into what has proven to be a very difficult month for me. Your stories are a testament to the fruits life has to offer to those who can maintain a positive outlook. It is both uplifting and inspiring to spend an hour or two with voices that are so life-affirmative. Best of luck in spreading your empowering message!

Michelle 
 

My reaction after reading this book?  I smiled of course!  What beautiful stories about life before, during, and after cancer.  The three stories fit perfectly together; I cried at times, but I also felt invited to laugh along with Glenda, Michelle, and Julie.  This book is for everyone, whether you have experienced cancer or not—you simply can’t help but be moved and encouraged.

Love ya!   Kimberly
 

Ladies.........your book had me laughing and crying. And "Little Julie Smith", I could really identify with the early years in England!! What wonderful inspirational women you are, (Oprah should really hear about this ya know). I really could not put the book down. All your stories really tell the strength of the human spirit and determination of just ordinary women like yourselves. Your innermost personal feeling and thoughts were so aptly described, the stories would be an inspiration to any woman who found herself in the same position.

Stay well. Love and Gods' Blessings to the 3 of you.

Gillian Youngberg
 

Everyone needs to read this book whether they are living with cancer, living with someone with cancer, or none of the above. Each story was so well written I felt like I was right there with you in every moment from childhood to the present. The message I got is that when you smile, you feel better;and its contagious. Life hasn't thrown me too many curve balls (yet??) and you better believe that for as long as I can remember, I've given thanks for this and just for life in general. Even so, your book has inspired me to smile even more and change a few priorities in life. Not only have you inspired people living with cancer, but you have inspired those (me) living without to live the best life we can and not wait around to live only when it might be taken away from us. I've heard it before, but reading your stories, for me, made it more real.

Kara

 ….I have learnt so much from your stories that it has truly given me a whole new outlook on life and raising my baby girl.

What was so incredible was while I was reading your book on the beaches of   Puerto Vallarta I was realizing that Michelle was talking about this exact town.  I can say that I could feel them here, and found myself wondering if I had gone to any of the places that they had.
 
I have not been able to get (your stories) out of my mind since that night at the (West Coast Women’s) Show. I am really hoping to hear Bonnie's story and am praying that she is the one that gets to tell it out loud.

I would like you to know that you have truly taught me a lot, and have in some unique way helped me learn a lot about myself, and with all this I am learning to deal with my mother’s cancer that she didn’t win. I am able to see that she was even stronger than I thought and that I have her strength with me every day.

I so look forward to one day meeting you again and getting to hear you speak.

Thank you; thank you again ….
 
Candy
 

To three very brave & courageous ladies, Glenda, Michelle & Julie

I enjoyed your book so much. It took so much of all of you to share your stories. We all have things to carry in our life and you ladies carry it so well. It gives me so much encouragement. Please pass on to Bonnie that she is thought of as well even though I do not know her and do not know her story as I know yours.
Thank you again and will keep in touch and I promise to promote you book in any way I can. If I meet someone who can not buy it for any reason I will share my book with them.
I am praying for all of you

Love Doreen Giesbrecht (I also like to smile)

 Finished reading your wonderful book that must have been heart-wrenching for the three of you to write. Your courage and determination are really unbelievable. Most of us spend time complaining about a sore back or a headache that changes our day......GET OVER IT ! I can't even imagine going through anything like you all relate so beautifully and still Choosing to Smile. I admire you and wish you all a healthy future. 
Finished reading the final chapter at two in the morning, it's one of those, "I just cannot put this book down" books. Congratuations to you all and your many friends who are going through this terrible disease.
Just shows what family support and a group of just the right friends can do to deliver the courage and love needed to live through these trials.
Live on and keep sending the message that anything is possible, one day at a time.  

Gord Wallace

 I picked the book up and read it cover to cover in four days because it's a page turner! I am absolutely and utterly amazed at all that you women went through and how you have used your experiences to get to where you are today. Thank you for sharing your life stories with me. 

Lorna Dyck - Chilliwack

  
 
I spent the day reading  your wonderful book.  I just couldn't put it down and I have to admit at times it brought tears to my eyes. You three women showed remarkable courage through such adversity.  It is amazing what the power of positive thinking, determination, and a smile can do. I found it very inspirational and now instead of letting the small "inconveniences" of life get me down I will "Choose to Smile" instead.

Gloria 
 
Thanks for your book "Choosing to Smile" I can't put it down - so inspiring and touching. I love your book-you women are so inspiring!!!

Karen H 
 

 
I just finished reading the book (took me a couple days and I read it straight through) and I can't tell you how inspired I am. I cried (tears of happiness) at the end of each story....oops, crying now as I write this, but again it's tears of happiness, awe (for the amazing strength all 3 of you have), and pride that I have the pleasure of knowing you. Thank you so much for sharing your story - it was so beautifully written, all 3 of them were - such an honest and beautiful account and I know that you will touch the lives of everyone who reads it. I know that I'm going to share it with friends and family for sure!

Congratulations!
Lindsay
 

I JUST finished the book. I have been reading nonstop. Great job! I feel like I know all of you much better now and understand the bond you have with each other. It's hard to hear about medical procedures, but it seemed much easier in print and in the context with the rest of your lives. Feel proud, you deserve to be.

Bonnie
 

At first I didn't want to read it since I watched someone I loved fight cancer for years and the last thing I needed was to re-live "it".  I am so glad I did read it - it really spoke to me that when tragic things happen in your life, its one thing to survive and a totally another to live the future without fear.  All three of you have done such  good job of making the most of life when you are given such a challenge.  I struggle with this myself as I raise two special needs kids on my own.

Thank you for writing this book!

Melanie
 

Choosing to Smile is a wonderful story of three amazing women who have inspired so many people, and reminds each of us how fragile life can be. They all are courageous women who have been led to understand and teach us the importance of perserverance. Choosing to Smile truly is a source of inspiration to anyone who has had to deal with the challenges life brings. Cindy Papale, author of The Empty Cup Runneth Over/breast cancer survivor.

Cindy Papale
Author of The Empty Cup Runneth Over
www.theemptycuprunnethover.com
 

  These beautiful brave women will inspire and give hope to everyone who reads this book.  Their stories are an uplifting tribute to life. Their perseverance and determination to enjoy every moment to the fullest, no matter what comes their way, is a testament to who they are.   Their stories have truly inspired me.

                                                                                                               
Patricia San Pedro co-author of "Dish & Tell" by the Miami Bombshells
  

Hi Ladies
 I am so pleased to be able to help others who help others. You inspire many who are going through so much and you even inspire people whom MAY go through something like this. I never take for granted the things I have or at least I try not too and I think that ALL Women know that it could be one of us one day. It scares me because I have young children. I hope if it does happen that I have your strength. So now I am going to wipe these tears from my eyes and choose to smile.
I look forward to meeting you all and I look forward to buying one of your autographed books at the show.
 
Best regards,
Shawna Norwood