Sad news.

With my father's abrupt passing on Thursday (June 24), I won't be blogging for some time. Just as my Star colleagues don't write about such personal matters in our paper, I won't do so here. Suffice to say I'm always moved to tears when I read independent blogger Warren Kinsella's tributes to his remarkable dad. I don't know Warren, but I'll ask him to be a proxy in this regard. My sense of loss and of great good fortune in the father I've had is reflected in Mr. Kinsella's writing. Besides, there are some things I have to figure out, as I guess must of us do at such times. I look forward to being with you again soon.

Comments

[JR Jake]

I am sincerely sorry David. If there was anything I could do to help you understand the process of death and funeral arrangements, taking care of loose ends, allaying the heaviness in your heart, etc. I would be more than glad to sit down with you and even help as I could. Condolences my friend.

[Warren K]

Mr. Olive, I am very sorry to hear this sad news. But I'm glad that what I've written about mine is in some small way helpful.

I didn't know your Dad, but I know - as do all your regular readers - how proud he must have been to have such a gifted writer and thinker for a son.

Best to you and yours,

W

[CQ]

From this reader of yours, my sincere condolences over your personal loss.

[Johnnyk]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I hope he didn't suffer.
Best wishes to your family.

[skdadl]

I am so sorry, David. I agree that your dad must have been proud of having such a son, and I hope that that thought is company for you too.

Best wishes to you and your family and friends.

[MLC]

"Even when they are gone, the departed are with us, moving us to live as, in their higher moments, they themselves wished to live. We remember them now; they live in our hearts; they are an abiding blessing." (-the New Union Home Prayer Book) My condolences to you and your Mother.

[Rob Graham]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mr. Olive. Take care.

[Wascally Wabbit]

David - sad news indeed!
I don't recall you writing about your father in the past. Maybe it's an appropriate time to use your talent to do just that.

[Boff]

Having not checked in at EB for a week, I was saddened to read of your father's passing, David. Blogging is a very personal medium; as such, once can't help but feel a connection and an empathy surpassing that which normally abides between reader and writer. I'll certainly echo one of the comments above: your father must have been very proud, indeed. I'm looking forward to your next entry, whenever that might be.

[Caroline Kalaydjian]

I have been a little out of touch with all things electronic, due to elderly parents issues myself. I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your father, David. My condolences to you and your family.

[dolive]

Thank you all so much for your kindnesses, now and earlier. As Boff says, this is a personal, if not intimate, medium. Because of your feedback I'm able to be more constructive.
Mom and Dad provided me an exemplary childhood despite - or perhaps because of - each being hard of hearing and pretty straitened financial circumstances. They overcame, as the WASP city in which I was born did, the prejudices and conventional wisdoms that, once removed, saw us become among the most culturally diverse of cities.
I imagine half or more people reading this blog have worrisome issues with their beloved parents. We're deterimining now, my Mom's doctors and I, whether she can remain at home alone without her caregiver husband. I know you are stuggling with similar painful questions.
There are countless books on this, countless websites - all well-meaning and helpful. But in the end the decisions are lonely ones, even with your best high-school friend stroking your back as a remarkable neighbour implores you to eat something after a four-day famine you haven't noticed you've been on. As I write this, July 5, it's been one long uninterrupted day since Dad passed June 24. I don't pretend to have sorted it out. It was a shock in every way. But I'm so strengthened by your good wishes.
On top of everything else, my desktop expired, with its Fort Knox of wildlife, landscape, skyline and "fun" pictures. I pray these can be retrieved when the Geek EMS arrive Wednesday. (I'm writing this on the backup laptop.) In the meantime, EB will take on the text-heavy look of more earnest sites, and my apologies for that.
I was asked once, Why all the "kitty-cat photos" on your blog? (And polar bears, and giraffes poking their necks into formal dining rooms and mutts catching frisbees and so on.) I could only cite that noted philosopher, Jane Pauley: "It's difficult to be upset when looking at a sleeping cat."
I especially commend Caroline above. There is a time to disconnect and deal with important things. For that matter, to disconnect and just dwell on what you think of yourself and this moment in your life. That is what I'm doing now. I've been surprised at how much there has been to learn.
Bless you all, David