The Stroumboulopouli

The Stroumboulopouli

The place to get the latest news on what’s coming up on #Gtonight. Find out what Canada’s boyfriend is up to. Share stories, pictures, favourite tv and radio episodes.

CBC TV & Radio shows plus HNIC

His work with Artists for Peace and Justice

UN Ambassadorship for The World Food Programme

Showing posts with label June Callwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label June Callwood. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

'The Hour' of Influence

Watching television is a generally passive and in some cases a mindless activity. Many of us were told by our parents not to watch too much TV because it will ‘rot your brain’. There are a number of guilty pleasure offerings that deliver an enjoyable viewing experience, a fun escape and nothing more. In my opinion, not only is that acceptable, but totally cool… especially after a particularly challenging day. My favourite is the totally silly, endlessly watchable Kenny vs. Spenny. I trust you have your faves too.



But the question I pose to you is this. Has watching television and The Hour specifically, influenced you to turn passive viewing into action? When has something you’ve viewed on The Hour compelled YOU to get off your ass and do something in your own life? The blog group had been rolling this topic around for a while and after an email prompt from Erin – thank you Erin - here goes.

The Hour is a blend of sociopolitical figures discussing topics of National and International import, film makers, authors, adventurers, advocates, athletes and entertainers. Sprinkle in some pop culture, some feature pieces by the Hour’s contributors and even a short form ‘dramatic serial’ in the form of ‘2' and there you have it. Not an easy balance. Not always a perfect balance. But a sincere attempt to serve up something thought provoking and entertaining. Perhaps it’s the asides or the offhand comments by George or his guests that resonate with you most?

Many people were touched by the June Callwood interview - the last she granted before her death. Did it spur an action? Maybe you cried. Called your parents. Made a commitment to volunteer. Smiled quietly to yourself when the soup of the day was squash. On a deeper level, perhaps you realized that maybe instead of believing in God, you simply believed in kindness too?



So… spill. What action or actions have you taken as a result of viewing The Hour? Did you check out some new music, a book, TV show, film, begin paying closer attention to hard news, researched an NGO, or perhaps decided to 'Drop a Disc' to share your passion for music? Maybe you were even encouraged to vote – though if you live in Ontario, clearly not.

But I digress...





Sunday, April 15, 2007

June Callwood - About Cancer, Death and Her Outlook on Life

Recently, The Hour aired June Callwood's last interview. She was a journalist, humanitarian, social activist and she died on Saturday, April 14th. She was 82 and had been dealing with inoperable cancer since 2004. You can read a news item about her life and accomplishments from the CBC here and her Wikipedia article here.

George's interview with June resonated strongly with many viewers. They spoke about her experiences with cancer, her outlook on life and death, and her marriage. I thought I would take the time to write down a few of my thoughts on this interview and how it made me think about my own experiences with cancer and death. Please feel free to share your own experiences and reflections in the comments.



First, some background. When I was 19 my father was diagnosed with colon cancer which had spread to his lymphatic system. He was 49. He had surgery and then chemotherapy. He went into remission for about a year and then the cancer returned. It spread to his liver as colon cancer often does. He did various chemotherapy treatments, he fought hard, but then there came the point where there were no more drugs they could give him. He died on November 25th, 1995 at the age of 54.

As I listened to June talk with George I was reminded of what my family dealt with as my father had cancer and ultimately died because of it. I thought about the relationship I had with my father and how I wish I had more 'deep' conversations with him. We did talk, but I was just entering my adult years, not even considering myself to be an actual adult. I was busy with trying to keep it together, paying my rent, getting an education, figuring out how to be in a meaningful romantic relationship. When we spent time together we spoke about my life more often than his. I think that was important to him - to know how I was and that I would be OK.

Sometimes though we did talk about his cancer ,and much like June and her statement about her body "I'm a mess", his attitude was a mix of honesty, humour, and frustration. About his actual death though, he was less candid with me. I think he was trying to protect me. I do know he spoke about it with others. I think for many speaking to a stranger about your own imminent death is different, easier than speaking to your own family about it. I think that may have played a role in why the June-George interview was so compelling.

I find it interesting to see how different people handle their own mortality. I think part of it comes down to personality and temperament and part of it comes down to your age and life experiences. I used to think that when I was faced with death I would be accepting. That all changed when I was 30 and I came down with a mysterious and rare autoimmune disorder. I was near death as the doctors tried to figure out what I had. I was scared and definitely did not want to die. What is great in theory is not so great in reality. I was humbled.

My grandmothers both died well into their nineties. Both had said that they were ready to die and I believed them. I think when you have had a rich, long life and then the body starts to fail you your perspective on death is different. After dealing with my own illness and fear of death, this is what I hope for. Certainly, June's attitude and how she expressed it during that interview reinforces this in me.

On a bit of a different, but not necessarily lighter note, I really appreciated hearing her talk about her marriage, about how things changed over the years, and how the hardest part of dying was worrying about who would take care of her husband. One of my professional interests is romance, relationships and intimacy so her words were such wisdom to me. And sweet and real too.

"He's neat. Oh, I wanted to marry him before I met him." - June
"You're still with your husband." - George
"63 years. We haven't had a fight since last night." - June

And beyond all this talk of life, death, cancer and marriage she spoke of what she believed in - kindness. That was good to be reminded of.



June Callwood on The Hour

about assisted suicide (air date November 16th, 2005)

about child poverty in Canada (air date February 23rd, 2006)

final interview (air date April 2nd, 2007)