Christmas and Lost Ones

Fule for Thought

 

My mother and father immigrated to Canada in 1950 after WWII. They met in Calgary of all places, married and settled down in Canmore. Later, they sponsored my mom’s youngest brother Leo, and he also came to Canmore.

There, they helped him learn English, got him a job with the mines, and helped him get his Driver’s License. He even lived with them for awhile, and my mom did some “behind the scenes” matchmaking (a later column?)!

My dad and Leo were like brothers, or best friends. They would fish together forever, if they could, and playing pool was another of their loves. Fast forward to July, 1997. My dad passed away suddenly of a heart attack on July 1.  

He had called the night before when I was out shopping with my daughter. Debbie asked if I wanted to call him back, and I said: “Nah, I’ll call him in the morning.” 

There was no “morning” for him, as that was when he died. He had died loading up his truck and boat for a fishing day. Of course, we did discover he had also packed tea and whiskey in his thermos, and one can of beer (essential fishing supplies for Joe)!

But, I am saddened by the fact that had I gotten off my butt and called, I would have been able to talk to him one last time.

On our way to Canmore later that morning, we had to stop in Calgary to tell Leo. I had rarely ever seen my uncle hurt so badly … he cried as if he’d lost his own brother, and I guess, in a way, he had.  

Later that year, at Christmas, Leo started a family tradition. At the Christmas dinner table, he opened a can of my dad’s favorite beer and set it where Dad used to sit. Every Christmas a can of beer is set at dad’s spot, and my uncle talks of him.  

14 years later, Leo continues the tradition, and a place setting for my dad as there again this year. 

I know many of us have lost people over the years, and some have only been recent. I hope you were able to keep your lost ones with you this Christmas, and that you all stay healthy and safe. From my family (and Brodie the Wonder Dog) … Merry Christmas.  

(“Fule for Thought” is a slice of life humourous column that will appear in the Strathmore Times, written by long-time resident, town councillor, high school teacher, coach, husband and father of two – Pat Fule. If you would like to get in touch with Pat, you can send him an e-mail at Pat.fule@shaw.ca)