Dear Don and Michelle,
I am so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Aunty Josie was such an amazing woman, and even though I haven't seen her in many years, she has always been close to my heart. I have so many memories of your folks throughout the years, and I am so grateful that they were part of my extended family. Your mother's devotion to her family was so strong, and I still remember her siblings – visiting Henry and Laddy and Phyllis, and hearing stories about her family and the Mundare days. I remember being a pre-teen suddenly learning that you all had lived in NYC, and as I've always been obsessed with the real NYC experience after having a penpal from the city, your mom patiently answered so many annoying questions for me – I am sure it was annoying as all hell, but she told me so much about those days, and I will always be so thankful for that. Weirdly enough, I was just talking about your folks a few weeks ago, and all three of you kids. Dianne's ex-husband passed away a few weeks ago and we all got together after the funeral, where Dianne asked if I wanted this picture of Uncle Frank and Aunty Kay, and I was so excited, because I had looked for that picture forever. Anyway, I reminisced about that visit they had that summer, and then I went on about how I was so excited to have Kay cook an authentic Italian meal at Michelle's house, which led me to talk about Lorne and Don, who I believe were sharing a house at that time and how my Dad was always so proud of Don and how kind Lorne was and how my mom always called him "Lorney", and the memories came back like it was all yesterday.
I have so many memories of your mom. I remember taking my wife to see them in the 90's and my wife thought they were the sweetest people with the best sense of humor. And I have to tell you both this – on my wedding day, it was the first time all four siblings had been together in many, many, many years. We weren't sure if your folks were coming, but on my wedding day, my dad stopped in at my house that morning and said "someone saw Mike and Jo eating breakfast with John and Cookie so they are here, and I know this is your wedding day, but trust me, I am even happier and more fulfilled than you are." I still tear up when I think of that. The last time I saw your folks was at Uncle John's funeral, and I still chuckle at all the laughs we had. Terry and I were trying to explain about how you could book rooms for somewhere on the internet and your mom asking if the internet was open in the evenings. This led to a discussion where none of them could understand how it worked, and it was funny and sweet and awesome. Anyway, this is rambling and not the way I wanted to send my condolences, but please know that my heart is heavy for all of you. I am so sorry that I can't be there on Friday – it breaks my heart knowing I can't be there to share in your grief and a celebration of life well lived.
Please keep in touch dear cousins - I am so, so sad I won't be there for you all, but know you will be in my thoughts.
Rob
