LAC LA BICHE – Helping her husband as he battled through terminal cancer inspired a Lac La Biche County woman to write a book and share her story.
Lisa Dribnenki began writing ‘Every Perfect Possibility’ nine months after her husband, Brian, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The book was printed just prior to Brian's passing in October 2024. Brian had a rare non small cell lung cancer, which affects non-smokers.
“I felt strongly that our story would be cherished by many family and friends who watched him battle cancer with unshakeable courage and spirit,” she told Lakeland This Week.
The story of ‘Every Perfect Possibility’ centres around Brian’s terminal diagnosis and the decision they made to live each day believing in the power of possibility. The story, she added, is one of hope, devotion, and gratitude.
Despite setbacks that the Dribnenkis faced, they turned to their faith over fear and found blessings even when experiencing burdens.
“The story is a testament to the human spirit, courage and the will to live,” she said. “Every day he battled, I was reminded how precious life is.”
The book is also a snapshot of their lives.
“We did have a big and beautiful life together and I wish I could have written a different story without cancer in it,” she said.
While Lisa is the writer of ‘Every Perfect Possibility,’ Brian was the author of his story. His name is listed on the front cover of the book alongside Lisa’s. She explained that she was honoured to write his story and pay tribute to Brian and this part of their journey.
“Long after we are gone, I want the next generations to know who he was and how hard he fought for his family,” she said.
Writing has always been a passion for Lisa, who journals her feelings as a form of therapy. While journaling, she felt as though she was being pulled to write the story of her and Brian, to help others understand the complexities of cancer and the need to find, keep, and build hope during times of crisis.
Lisa wrote a manuscript, which was sent to a publishing company. The publisher responded positively, and the couple set forth to publish ‘Every Perfect Possibility.’ At that time, Brian was still doing quite well, and the family remained hopeful in his healing.
While she had done other writing, this marked the first time Lisa wrote and published a book. Writing this book, she said, gave her something positive to focus on even on the hardest days of the journey.
Having the energy to write was at times a challenge, she continued, adding that at the time, it was critical for her to spend time with Brian and their family.
“There were many times that I was not in the right frame of mind to write but felt a strong push to get the book finished,” she said. “I truly needed to lean on God during this time and see the future as powerful and full of possibility.”
Near the end of the completion of ‘Every Perfect Possibility’, Brian had many setbacks and appointments. She had to rely on the project manager to finalize the details for her and keep things moving while she focused her attention on Brian.
“Brian did get to hold and see the book before he passed away,” she said.
Since releasing ‘Every Perfect Possibility’ last year, Lisa has received many encouraging messages from people. Many of these folks have stated that the book is well-written, and after reading the story, they more appreciation for their spouses and partners.
“Some have said that it's easy to get caught up worrying about the small things in life, but the story brought perspective, self-discovery and growth,” she said.
Lisa's book can be purchased at Reminiscence Flowers & Gifts (Lac La Biche), Lac La Biche Massage Therapy Clinic, Harmonic Egg Plamondon & Health Store and Heaven Sent (St. Paul).
