Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone. After having a few beautiful sunny days, we’re back to snow on this Monday. Big, chunky, fluffy snowflakes falling again. There’s really only one question to ask – Why?
On one of the nicer, sunny days in late September, our son’s memorial bench was installed by the City of Calgary. I couldn’t wait to get over to the park and take a look!
We walked through the ravine.
Past the Crowchild Twin Arenas, where this little guy had burrowed a home into the side of the hill and found himself a great spot in the sun.
Once at the park and playground, there was Mike’s bench, just where we wanted it to be.
The bench overlooks not only the playground, but also the baseball diamond and a really beautiful vista.
We chose this spot for Mike’s bench because he was so very happy playing in this park…behind the houses where we used to live. He and his friends, especially his little buddy, Sanjeev so loved this place.
Sitting there in this beautiful, peaceful place I just cried and cried.
We were so grateful to have found the exact place where Mike’s bench should be. Hopefully, lots of kids and their parents will sit there while they’re at the playground or playing baseball or walking their dogs. It’s such a privilege to be able to remember our lovely son this way.
Kim
It’s a beautiful spot.
Thank you so very much Jocelyn.
This is beautiful
This world is very large and yet sometimes can be very small. I share your pain. A very long time ago we went to the same grade school, Hillhurst Elementary. You were a year or 2 ahead of me. I was in the same grade as your brother Darcy. A few years ago I found another childhood friend that moved to Paraguay when I was about 10 years old. Alice is now a teacher down there. She told me about your blog not long ago and I joined and have read about many things including your son.
My first born and daughter was born in December 1979 and passed away from a car accident in the spring of 1999. I was living and working in Toronto at that time. It was a long and very hard plane ride to Calgary that eventful weekend. A couple of years ago I lost my second husband to cancer.
I just want you to know that there is at least one other person who can so completely understand what you are going through. I am so very glad that you can walk down to that bench and remember all those great times. The tears will never leave you but there will also be smiles along the way when you think of him too. If not now then someday. Laila
Laila – how wonderful and amazing to hear from you! I totally remember you. I’m so very, very sorry for the losses you’ve suffered in your life. Alice was such a great friend of mine until grade 7 and then she and her family moved to Paraguay. We still keep in touch – not as much lately, but it’s about time I wrote to her.
Laila – did you also live on 11th Street N.W.? Kim
Such a positive way to remember your son and to have a place to sit and recall the fun childhood times he had at this park. Wishing you peace.
You picked the perfect spot for a wonderful tribute to your son!
Your tribute to your son is so right in all ways. Thank you for sharing the park and the bench and your inner self with us. Much love to you and your husband, Kim.
Thank you so very much Elizabeth.
So sorry for your loss, May you find comfort during this difficult time. Your pictures are beautiful. I love the picture of the snow.