Going through an experience such as losing a close relative that you love is very difficult. Support from family and friends is very much needed and so welcomed.

DR and I received many loving notes from our family and friends that were very touching, they were very much needed and appreciated. Thank you also to all our online friends who have shared on their messages, their feelings and their thoughts.

Who surprised me the most though were the younger family members DR and I know and how well versed they communicated with us, how eloquent they were for such “young” people, who are unfortunately very often more identified with parties and their own young lives.

The day after DR passed, we received this email from my niece Max (20 yr) who lives in Vermont:
Dear Ted and Michel,
I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything we can do, you know we are here for you.
Stay strong. Love you guys!!
~Max

Then yesterday, Ted’s nephew, also named Max (12 yr) came to me with a copy of the Toronto Star that contained DR’s dad’s obituary. He asked if I had read it, I said yes and then he said:
This is a very nice article about him. I’m very sorry that he died

And then this morning, after returning from a camping trip, my nephew Shaun (18 yr) sent this email:
Hey Guys,
Hope you’re doing well. I heard the bad news and I just wanted to say how sorry I am about your dad Ted. I know he was like a second dad to you Michel. You must be going through a lot at this time. Just stay strong! my thoughts and prayers are with you guys and your family Ted.
Talk to you soon,
Love,
Shaun

I can’t totally remember how I wrote and spoke when I was 12 or 18 or 20, but I’m fucking impressed by these 3 guys today. They have given me another proud reason to call them family.

Also, a friend who really knows me well sent me this, following a much longer email of condolences and thoughts:
I know things are really difficult right now but I just wanted to send a little something that I think might make you smile.

And it worked… Nothing makes me laugh harder than someone falling down… well, ok, maybe farts are just one notch funnier.

« »