March 15th – My Dad entered “Hospice” care. Hospice care is an amazing thing. It is not a hospital, it is not palative care. It is caring and warm and loving and above all dignified. My undying gratitude goes out to our Hospice caregivers/workers.
March 17/18th – St. Patrick’s Day. My favourite day of the year.
I gave a “Good Bye” speech to a group of people that mean a great deal to me and who I admire immensely.
Received phone calls, messages and cards reminding me it was my birthday. Hmmm.
March 26th – Started judging Promax/BDA 2011 India. I love judging all the Promax/BDA competitions. It always amazes me the caliber of talent available all over the world. (I have to admit I had forgotten this was in the mix.)
March 30th – Started production on the most current issue of our book.
My Dad passed away.
March 31st – In Production
Continued judging the Promax/BDA Awards.
April 1st – In Production
Completed judging the Promax/BDA Awards
April 2nd – In Production.
Baby Ellee Rose had her 1st birthday party. Nothing feels better than holding a baby. Especially Ellee. It was a wonderful celebration of life and all that is good about it. The hope & promise of the future and what it will hold for this wonderful child. Ellee out did herself performing as she reveled in the cards, gifts and love showered on her. Oh, and cake. Did I mention the cake? She really enjoyed the cake.
Ellee is truly one of the great blessings in my life. Thank you Ashlee for bringing her into our lives.
I really like attending the Lacrosse games with my family. I have to admit this night I only attended so that I could scream out loud at the top of my lungs and know one would notice. Very therapeutic.
April 3rd – In Production.
The afternoon was spent at the funeral home visitation for my Dad. There was a wonderful turnout of friends and family to share their sympathies and support. I thank you all for being there.
The evening visitation started with a “Poppy Service” provided by the Veterans. What an amazing service. My Dad was a Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He would have been grinning ear to ear with pride watching my nephew (his grandson) and his wife, who are both currently serving our country, and my brothers who are also veterans, participate in this moving ceremony in their uniforms. We were all allowed to participate by placing poppies with my Dad. I can’t thank the Veterans enough for providing this honour for my Dad.
Of course, there was again a wonderful turnout of friends and family and I again thank you all for being there.
April 4th – Dad’s funeral. Bagpipes, tributes and more poppys. A celebration of the life of a man I loved and admired with all my heart. Along with many others, I will miss him more than I can say.
In Production.
April 5th – In Production.
April 6th – The final steps of Production.
Finished a large format print job that has been set aside this past week.
I was to attend the retirement party of my dear friend Line today. I had been looking forward to celebrating with this amazing woman as she moves on to the next exciting chapter in her life. I know you will forgive me for not being there, Line, and you know I love and admire you.
Final changes to book.
The book is finally uploaded to press.
April 7th & 8th – My gift to me.
I am closing the door, turning off the phone, turning off the computer and taking two days to be by myself to do what I need to do for me (I’m sure tears will be involved). No cause for alarm or worry. I just need to do this for me. I will see you in a bit.
It’s all good.
