Saturday, March 19, 2022
Dear Uncle Mel, so sorry for loosing the love of your life. I wish we could have made the trip to be there with you.
I remember as a kid so excited to jump on the train to visit all my aunts, uncles and cousins....what an exciting time. Aunt Doreen's smile was contagious and she was so kind. It was so cute to watch mommy with her sisters....especial her baby sister Doreen. Mom and her would put their heads together and hug like they never wanted to let go....it just warmed my heart. Her hugs and kisses were given so freely I have wonderful memories to cherish.
I had no problem giving up my bedroom when I lived home and Uncle Mel and Aunt Doreen came to visit. Mommy was always so happy to host any of my Aunts and Uncles from away, the preparations and pre cooking was a lot of fun in anticipation of having them come to stay with us. Mommy was always so excited and the anticipation of the visit made it even more so... we made sure we took in the time together and cherished it when we could. From going to Prince Edward Island to walking on the bottom of the ocean floor at Hopewell Cape.
Living away for more than 20 years, I was fortunate to come up to visit with Aunt Doreen and Uncle Mel not only sitting around mom and dads kitchen table talking and laughing but also at the family Reuinion in 2014 that cousin Shirley Ann Eady put together. What an event it was AMAZING!! Daddy wanted mommy to see her baby sister as one of his wishes to take his whole family on an RV trip to visit. Memories cherished forever! Complete with live music where mom and Doreen danced and sang together. To see my family like this was a gift, especially the two sisters, laughing and having a drink, with not a care in the world and smiles plastered on their faces as they held hands or hugged each other. Priceless!!
I remember at the end of the night, how lovingly uncle Mel took her by the hand to lead her home that night....I never dreamed I would never get to see her again.....but that is how life goes. We do have the memories, all the while knowing the love she gave us will remain in our hearts forever, as they live on in their children; that love we carry with us in our hearts everyday, and memories that will be cherished forever!
I have great memories of visits to Auntie Alma and Uncle Bobs where we all gathered under the big tree; the more the merrier attitude; the time I drove from Saint John NB Straight through in my new sports car with a friend of mine making it in 12 hours... to spend time with them all. I remember going to bed as the party continued and then getting up in the morning to see they had kept it up all night long... I remember the train trips to take mommy up to see her family, and road trips with Stewie and Nancy driving....cherished memories forever!
I was born in Renfew as well.....so the town where they were raised has special meaning to me. My heart breaks but at the same time it smiles as I can only imagine the huge family reunion going on right now with the clan. All the brothers and sisters welcoming Aunt Doreen, dancing, singing and hugging as they are all together again in the promised land.
Rest in Peace Aunt Doreen, Love Darlene and Tom MacLean
