Another May 26th has arrived, with no Birthday Boy to celebrate it with...but if Darrel was still here, he would certainly be a Birthday Man! Though I'm sure he would have snuck a beer (or more) before today, he would be able to go out to a bar and legally drink with his friends for the first time legally tonight. I've never been a Drinker myself (except for that one weekend at Sauble Beach...Thanks Michelle), so the stereotypical Father and Son sharing a drink together likely wouldn't have happened anyways, but I probably would have made an exception on this particular day. Like so many things, I'll never know.
Many people On-Line have been complaining recently about how they feel cheated and disappointed about the Games of Thrones Series Finale last weekend...but at least the characters from Westeros were given some kind of a conclusion to their saga over the eight Season run of the show (whether you were satisfied with it or not). Darrel was not even given eight years with us...leaving us with Pages..No...Chapters...No...BOOKS left unwritten! The Series often foreshadowed what was to come further down the road, but when Darrel was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at only the age of 5, there was so much potential that was to remain hidden, and never given a chance to reveal itself to anyone. There will be no Brienne to complete Jaime's entry in the Kingsguard Chronicle, or no hope that George R.R. Martin will give the story arc a different ending when he finishes writing his final two books. I've always had high aspirations for Kira, Lauren and Darrel, but with my son's journey coming to such a premature end, it is almost impossible to guess what the roads he was meant to travel down could, would, and more importantly...SHOULD have been.
Since my last Blog, both Kira and Lauren, as always, have continued to make me proud, as they blaze a trail on their own into the future. Kira has now completed her fourth year at Brock University, with Honours, and will be back in St. Catharines in the Fall to attend Teacher's College. With all the recent cuts to education by the Ontario Government, I hope the situation has reversed itself, or at least been stabilized by the time she graduates in two years time. Lauren is continuing her Millwright Apprenticeship in Guelph, and has been enrolled in more courses at Conestoga College for the Fall Semester. Keeping her passion for the Sport alive, Lauren's Baton Evolution from Athlete, to Coach to Judge has happened since my last entry. Though she no longer needs me to drive her to the Competitions, or be there in the Stands to cheer her on, I still pop in to the odd event to catch up with the extended Superstar Family, and see Judge Lauren in action too. THAT is what Family is about...being there in the Good Times and the Bad, regardless if you are asked to be around, or if your presence is really required at all.
Today will be a day of McNuggets and Memories, and a day of Tears and Smiles. Remembering the day Darrel was born is forever linked with the day he died...and all the far too short time in between those dates are treasured memories to me, and my family. So Raise Your Glass to Darrel today. Though he could legally have a beer now, I'll stick to his old favourite...Apple Juice.
Happy Birthday Darrel
Love and Miss You Little Man
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Our Darrel's Playground Website surpassed 47,000 Hits on May 21, 2019. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by. Obviously there isn't much new content anymore, but the Visits are appreciated all the same.
International Neuroblastoma Awareness Week is coming soon: June 10th - June 16th, 2019
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