Dear Dad, I have been putting off writing this because it makes me feel the inescapable absence of you. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye and neither I think were you. How do I sum up your life, our life together in one mere letter. As I try to do so I am reminded of …
My English was hardly efficient when I first met Doug 30 years ago. Strange enough that he had found way to connect with me and became a big part of my and my family’s life. Doug used to stop by our farm on his way back from seeing his family in Vancouver. His eyes lit …
Doug was my brother and only sibling. Growing up together in the 1950s and 60s was really different than now. Parents would kick you out of the house in the morning and tell you to be home by dark. Stay out of trouble was more of a challenge than a caution. We lived in a …
Grief is taking me through layers of history with Doug who I met when I was barely 20. Our lives changed forever when Nadja was born and we never looked back. My parents and siblings welcomed him for he clearly enjoyed their hospitality, exuberance and warmth. He naturally became part of our French Canadian clan.At …
Doug had a unique place in my life, and in our family; his compassion, empathy, wisdom, and worldliness were a constant source of comfort and inspiration. He was one of the few people I knew that, when I was facing a physical or life challenge, did not give unsolicited advice. This is a rare and …
Reflections on my relationship with Doug Graham, my true father and hero. by Lane Chevrier I met Doug when I was 14. It was my third foster home in as many years, and I was a misguided, troubled kid with a lot of anger and hurt. I was certain that in a year I would …