My friend Gerry

Nothing and no one disappears completely from our lives... These people and these moments are transposed into our hearts and live there forever. All we have to do is close our eyes and let our memories flow, and suddenly we feel as if those people who have left us and meant so much to us are right there with us again 

As the holiday season approaches, we seem to be thinking more about those who have passed away in recent years. They're more present than ever in our minds. 

In the fall of 2023, Brandy, a four-year-old Maltese that I've walked every day since, simply popped into my life and introduced me to her humans, Gerry and Diane, who were each battling a terrifying enemy: the cancer. In November 2023, both were admitted to hospital, and we thought the end was approaching.

I visited Gerry daily, as he was missing either a charger for his cell phone or a warm sweater, but above all, what he was missing was company! I was learning a lot about this big-hearted veteran whom I liked, and who reminded me of my late father.    

I was reporting my observations to his niece Trena, who lives in Ontario. After a two-week stay in hospital, he finally made his way home, motivated by one ultimate goal: to return to his native Newfoundland. I hoped he'd be able to go one last time.

Some people didn't understand his enthusiasm of living with this goal. What are we without a dream?

At Christmas last year, I was fortunate to met a wonderful family because of him. They welcomed me with open arms and showed me the essence of the holidays: giving !

In the winter and also in the spring of 2024, I saw him practically every day on my way to get Brandy for our walk. He was always cheerful and caring.

His physical condition deteriorated, and eventually he went into palliative care. I used to visit him with Brandy.

He thought his trip to Newfoundland was coming up, and I kept telling him it would be a wonderful one.

I'd like to believe that on June 2, when he left us, he flew to Conche, Newfoundland, the destination that made him so happy, his ultimate goal, and that he was able to see his beloved land again but also his loved ones.

A bit like snow that turns into water, a person's soul comes alive in our hearts when their body dies.

I'm grateful that life brought Gerry into my path, and thank you for being my friend!