Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Referral and Remembrance

I would like to link you in the direction of Michael J. Solender's blog Not From Here, Are You? There you will find my mild rant humourous/serious essay entitled 'Canada and America: The Great Divide'. Also at the NOT you will find Cathy Olliffe's fanciful tale 'The Power and the Glory'. The photo of her in her Canada-esque spring attire is very nice too...please check out the stories, an 'All Canadian Week' duet you won't want to miss.

On a more serious tone...I've never dedicated anything to anyone before, but I'd like to dedicate the Canada/America essay to an old co-worker back in Ontario. I received word yesterday afternoon that he had passed away 2 weeks ago. RW and I had worked together for about 14 years until he was forced to retire due to health reasons. That story seems appropriate as his mother's family were Quakers who moved to the Kitchener area from Pennsylvania in the 1800's. His father's side were English royalists and he was a proud Canadian who lived life on his own terms, even to the detriment of his health. RW had no family: his parents were long dead, his brother, who did not have children, had passed away last year. He had never married or had children either and died alone. I felt compelled to mention him today. He won't be forgotten.

10 comments:

Rebecca Nazar said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure RW would've enjoyed your essay, I did.

Karen from Mentor said...

I enjoyed both of your essays and left you and Cathy comments at The Not. MJS is so cool to do special events like Canadian Week.

I'm sorry to hear of your friend's passing. It's lovely of you to remember him here like this.

Cate Gardner said...

Sorry for your loss, Alan.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Awwww, that is so sad, Alan.
It's nice that you will carry his memory.

David Barber said...

A well deserved dedication. Sorry for your loss, Alan. I will pop over to The NOT and have a look.

Best wishes, David.

Laurita said...

Sorry to hear about your friend, Alan. Your essay was very good, a lot of interesting thoughts.

Aaron Polson said...

A thoughtful dedication, Alan. And the essay was spot on.

Katey said...

Americans are very confused by Commonwealth-type countries, it's true. And Commonwealth-type countries are confused by us-- but really, we're confused about that too.

Sweet dedication.

Michael Solender said...

All the more poignant given the circumstances. my condolences AD, a fine tribute at the NOT.

Alan W. Davidson said...

Thanks, all, for the kind words.

Many thanks to MJS at the NOT for hosting the Canadian week and allowing me to post my essay.