Condolence: My father

These past few weeks have felt like a bad dream that I’ve been waiting to wake up from. In my fathers case, I’ve truly understood how fragile life can be. It was just the other day I looked into his green eyes with the hope of returning him home to live a new life post surgery, although I’m certain it would of been a hard one. I’ve come to terms with this, and though the realities of death are sudden and hard on the people who care and love him the most; It almost seemed like the only better option for him. My dad was introverted but also a fighter. I know he fought hard to stay alive even though everything else in his body was failing him.

Ive wondered if I’d ever have the relationship I’ve always wanted with him. Despite my many attempts, it seems it wasn’t in the cards for us. At times, it saddens me to think of this, but over time I’ve come to accept who my father was.

My dad loved watching movies, playing video games listening to podcasts, stand up comedy and I can say my love for music came from him. I remember the days he would pick me up from school always in a different car- and me feeling like the kid with the cool dad.

The days we would drive around in his mustang and be blasting music so loud and making me feel embarrassed.

My most fond memories of him would be when he’s was approaching and you could hear his loud footsteps, how when you would hug him smell his strong cologne on him, how he got mad when I touched the thermostat because he couldn’t stand the heat., lastly, and probably the most unforgettable memory would be his humour

Till the days before the surgery when he could still communicate with us, he was still making jokes. I remember mom putting some lip chap on him and him going itsbeddalikethis. And this came naturally to him. He was always that intimidating tall guy that I wouldn’t dare talk back to. But also that funny sweet guy that gives the best hugs.

My father, will be greatly missed. Though he isolated himself from everyone towards the end of his life. If you’ve come to his viewing, I thank you for that, that means that he touched your life in some way or another, that you’d miss him in some way or another.

May his spirit live on, through our memories of him.

Condolence: The Michael I knew

Have you met the Michael I knew?
The Michael I knew would be there to lend a helping hand
Just ask, and you shall receive
The Michael I knew was fun loving, loved family and loved life.
Would lift people up in time of need, avoided and abandoned conflict.
The Michael I knew would travel from one part of the world to another
To help a family member in need, often saying family is family, that’s the Michael I knew.
The Michael I knew had flaws, we all have them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone...." John 8:7
This is what I know about the Michael I knew:
The Michael I knew became a broken man when he was betrayed by people he loved and trusted.
It hurts
The Michael I knew lost faith in humanity, became a reclusive private Michael. If only you knew the pain, trials and tribulations of the Michael I knew.
Then Jesus said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Mathew 11:28
The Michael I knew heard it and took the call, he is at peace at last.
Goodbye Michael, you will always be remembered.