12 long years17/10/2009 6:14:22 PM
Dear Dad,
It's that time of year again. 12 whole years and it still feels like yesterday. I hope they're treating you right over there. How's the food? Do they let you keep the bananas until they are overripe?
Life here is ok, more or less. Cynthia is doing her best and managing very well. Sarah is turning into the most beautiful young woman. You'd be proud of her, she's a good girl. She came to visit a while back and it was so nice. A bit weird, but still so very nice. Conor is still at McGill and getting a solid B+ (I think his GPA is 3.4 something last term) and Ryan is still far and away. I miss him too, though I imagine you must have felt the same when I disappeared on you at that age. What is it I wonder that makes our children repeat these behaviours? Did your Dad miss you when you joined the Navy?
The good news is that I have work, great work, in an environment where some people are really struggling. And you know how cold and viscous Toronto can be. I seem to be swimming upstream and doing well. I miss Montreal a lot, but now that I feel the sting of winter wind I find the prospect of a Toronto winter at least bearable.
As for the boys, Noel is his ever self and liking the new sheila he and ella just brought into this world. Brian is staying sober and keeping afloat which is fine and perfect and good for him. Kevin is going through a hump with work at the moment but it's just a blip in his continuum. He and Cheri have done very well for themselves. Liz is doing great, as usual and you would be proud of her. The patch is still spinning and yet she has more work than a person can handle. Way to go, hmm? I think she is beginning to accept the fact you aren't coming back which is great. Same with Mom. She's tired, you know, Mom is. Tired of keeping it all together I think. She really should just let go a bit more but this is a great sign. And you know Kane women, sure and she'll be living to 100.
Speaking of coming back, are you sure about this? I mean, is there some way I could talk you into coming back - even for a while? Like a short visit maybe, couple of days at the lake with a bottle of Irish and the setting sun? Damn, I sure could use some face time with you, Dad. It's so hard, keeping it together. And you are probably the only one in the world that understands.
Anyway, I'm rambling now. Take good care of yourself. Say a prayer for us here and know we miss you terribly. Still.