Death in the Family

I have your voice mail messages and e-mails — lots and lots of them. Thank you.

Many people who follow this blog have been very curious, quite concerned and just wondering where I have been the past couple of days.

No stories. No blog updates. Quiet. Very quiet. And, that's exactly right.

Some people even heard a reference on the radio last Sunday in Toronto to a tragedy in our family. That prompted more calls.

Last Friday night, having had a pleasant time speaking with students and staff at Parkdale Collegiate (my alma mater) and then having attended the Ontario Catholic Classic girls volleyball final at Loyola High in Oakville, I returned to the Star to write my story and put together the nightly package of high school results.

Then came the telephone call. Get to the hospital — and fast.

I moved quickly, but not quickly enough. My mother-in-law had passed away. These things are not expected. For our family, twice in 13 months. My mother went to her Eternal home in January 2009.

Yes, I have been away on what you could call bereavement leave. I have been spending time with the family mourning the loss of another special woman. My mother-in-law was a well-educated woman — a mentor for the family. It's hard to believe that Laura is no longer with us physically, but will always be there in our hearts and spiritually. Recalling special times, reciting prayers at services and even waking up in the middle of the night, I am still wondering — did this really happen?

What about my visits now to her? The stops to bring coffee and chat. Yup, even about sports. It's gone. Just like it was a year ago with my mother.

Well, it can leave you emotionally drained and with an empty feeling. It can also leave you thinking about how precious life really is and how we should be making the most out of every minute of every day.

I'll be back in a few days. Just had to let you know that the family is coping — and we "thank" everyone for their kind words, thoughts and more.

Comments

[Larry Gill]

Ourf condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family.

[D. Coleman]

May your family be blessed and God help you deal with this loss. Youy are a valued piece of the high school sports community and at a time like this you should that there are many people who are thinking about you.

[Carl McCourt]

Our sympathies and prayers to you and your family.

[Big John]

Sorry to hear about the loss in your family.

[Kennedy]

David, our prayers and blessings to you and your family. There are many people thinking of you during your time of sorrow.

[Big Mac]

Just read about your loss. We hope you can find the strength to get through and remember the good times.

[Mr. and Mrs. Larry Reynolds]

May the support of those around you be your strength.

[Mr. Rose]

Condolences on your loss. Hang in there.

[Don Simmonds]

The Uxbridge Tigers families send their sympathy at this time of loss for you all....please tell your dear wife we are especially mindful of her at this time.

[Mr. Green]

I was thinking the other day that far too many times we are caught up in who wins games and what this student does and we forget to see the entire picture as you said. You have given athletes, some who might one day be at the Olympics, a chance to be recognized in the newspaper and often on the same pages at the professional athletes.
I read this blog all the time and see there are people who agree with you and others who just can't stand you but I really do believe fail to realise that we all have opinions and often the truth is hard to dispute.
And we have been spoiled taking things for granted because the Toronto Star newspaper and you have been there for us day after day. I can just imagine the grief you have taken from people and now to have to deal with two deaths in one year.
My wife and I just wanted to express our sincere condolences, me as a coach and teacher, to you and your family on your losses. I only hope some of my fellow teachers and coaches can take a minute and do the same during this difficult time for you and your family.