Monday, January 14, 2019
My heart goes out to you Leslie and Bill. I know what it�s like to lose your dad. It so special that your kids got to know their grandfather and I'm sure they have many special memories of him. Aunt Helen, I can't imagine what it's like to lose your husband and best friend. I hope you find some comfort in the special times and memories you and Uncle Al created. I have many fond memories of Uncle Al, most of which involve my dad. I always loved it when Uncle Al and Aunt Helen came to visit. It always meant lots of chocolate chip banana bread, fresh tomatoes and lots of laughs around the pool. I loved hearing childhood stories about Uncle Al and Dad growing up together in Toronto and all the adventures they had over the many years they were friends. One of the fondest memories I have of Uncle Al is when I went on my �first date� with Kevin. Mom insisted I introduce Kev to Dad before I left with him. The problem was Dad wasn't alone. He and Uncle Al had been out at the pool all day, kicking back a few cold ones. Kev showed up in a full Adidas, polyester suit and were met by Uncle Al and Dad in their short swim trunks and dress shirts. They harassed Kev a bit about his outfit (not sure whose outfit looked funnier) and Uncle Al gave the usual �God is watching you� lecture before they let us leave. I was mortified (we were only 17 at the time) and I'm surprised Kev didn't run the other way after that. Uncle Al was Dad�s closest friend and I will always cherish the fun memories and special times I spent as a child along side Uncle Al, Aunt Helen, Mom and Dad. They were a foursome to be reckoned with and I only hope Uncle Al and Dad have found each other in the afterlife.
