a few words on my father

I would like to say few words about my father.  Before I do though, I wanted to express my deepest thanks to all of you for your support during this difficult time and though this has been so important in the past few days, I also don’t want to lose sight of the fact that this support has been ongoing for us.  I have lost track of the countless hours that people have spent keeping my dad company in the hospital both here in Sault Ste. Marie and in Toronto.  The countless hours spent giving support to my mother, my brother and I. 
I know my father appreciated it and so do I. 

When my father’s condition was worsening, a friend of mine who could see worry on my face said, “Your father is a great man.”

I was confused because this person had never met my dad so I said, “You don’t even know my father.”

He smiled and said, “I know you and so I know the kind of man your father was.”

And that is really what I’d like to spend a few minutes sharing with you.  I had originally wanted to share some stories about my dad when I started writing this but I will leave that for us to share with each other through today and in the days to come.  I have reflected a great deal in the last weeks and especially in the past couple of days about what I feel was my father’s greatest gift to me.