Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Deb, Regan, Brennan & Megan...
Don was a gift to all who knew him. Your family is one that we have always admired. The way you all interacted with each other was so beautiful to see. In a world where often families don't connect with each other, yours was a testament to what a family should be.
Regan, Megan, Brennan...you are your father's legacy, what he has left here on this earth. You are 3 of the most beautiful, loving, talented children and it was obvious that your father loved you all very much. He would want you to live the best lives you can, to never doubt yourselves or what you have to offer this world. He would want you to save every happy memory of him in your hearts and remember how he made you smile. The 3 of you are the beautiful seeds he has planted on this earth. Honor him by growing up strong and proud of who you are. Be the same gift to this world that he was.
Deb...to lose a spouse, your partner, the one person in this world who held you above all others, that knew you better than anyone...there aren't words to express your grief...and the grief of those who love you and want to take away your suffering. You and Don had a beautiful marriage. We always looked at the two of you as the standard...what we aspire to in OUR marriage. You are suffering his loss in a unique way because you loved him in a unique way. Make time for yourself to be alone with his memory and remember that he will always be with you in your heart.
Our trip to Canada in August would never have been as amazing without your family to show us all the hidden beauties. We will always remember that trip and feel honored and blessed that we could share with you what would be Don's last family vacation.
What do you even say to express our deepest sympathies in your loss? Some people live to be 100 and don't bring to the world all that Don did in his short years on this earth. We will choose to remember him in the way we always knew him...funny, down to earth, generous, kind and one great cook of Alberta Beef Steaks!
I am sure you remember sitting at your campsite and speaking of the Poplars and the beautiful sound they made when the leaves gently brushed against each other. I suspect Don died surrounded by the poplars. We hope they sang him home to a peaceful rest.
