Before I came into Dion's life he had been with an older woman that didn't treat him right AT ALL. He stuck with her for a few years a made a go of it but finally enough was enough. I think he only had about 6 months of freedom before he snagged me up, so rightfully his parents were slightly skeptical the first time we met. They didn't want to like me. You see, they are such good people that they go into everything whole heartedly and if shit was going to hit the fan it would be too hard on them as well. Makes good sense really.
Our first meeting was right around Christmas 2006. I think we went over for supper - must have been - I can't really remember (for good reason that night!! ha ha!) All nerves aside and everything, things were going very well. A bit later, Uncle Barry showed up! He is Sandi's sisters husband, and one of Kelvin's best buddies for more years than I've been alive! For anyone who knows what I am talking about, knows that I was in for one heck of an evening! Over "cake" Kelvin and Barry got carrying on telling stories from the old days that would shock any of us!! It was just awesome. It made me instantly feel like a part of the family, and even though he wouldn't show it, I could tell Kelvin liked me right away. As we got up to leave, Uncle Barry gave me a huge hug and Kelvin didn't get up (which is totally cool, for anyone who has met my dad they will know I am very used to this type of behavior).. but as I passed behind his chair at the kitchen table I gave him a big ol' squeeze from behind anyways!! I knew we would be able to be buddies. And we were... if nothing else there was always hockey or football to talk about, I was even able to score him some hockey tickets from time to time which bodes really well for daughter-in-law points... and he would tease me quite a bit often making me feel like a dumbass but it was funny, and I knew it only came from love!
I was there in the moment that Kelvin passed. He went surrounded by loved ones who were yelling how much they loved him and asking him to wait just a bit longer. What more can a person ask for I guess? We also knew he was no longer in pain at the time and really just didn't want to suffer anymore. I did my share of yelling too but mostly I just watched in disbelief. I couldn't process what my eyes were even seeing, it couldn't be... it just wasn't happening....and then just like that, time stopped. Time literally stopped. I guess maybe thats what happens when you're hit with something like that, nothing else mattered. He was just a baby. 54 years old. A year ago he was perfectly full of beans. 3 months ago he was maybe not feeling the best, but was up and about and working and playing with Saydee. He caught the flu. It was a flu bug that really got him int he end. The Type one diabetes had his body worn down a bit already, and the cancer no one knew he had took away his immunity, but it was catching the flu that got him. Once he was in the hospital which was ridden by other bugs he didn't stand a chance. It just doesn't seem fair. All the good ol' souls seem to get taken at such a young age while all these pricks in the world get to live on. I am truly heartbroken. I am heartbroken for his beautiful wife Sandi (mom), Jacy and Jacinda (bro and sis), my sweet sweet man Dion, all of his close friends who's outpouring of emotion was so so touching, and also for myself. I will miss Kelvin.
So farewell dad! I love you and miss you. No need to worry, I will look after your boy and the rest of the family. We will watch over each other and celebrate in your honor! We all know you wouldn't want a bunch of sad sacks hangin around. So here's to good times with family and friends, tea time, watching the Flames make a run for the cup (we fricken hope anyways - maybe you can help us with that hhmm?), and most of all YOU and a life well spent! A true 'good ol' boy' that I feel honored to have known. Rest in Peace.
GO FLAMES GO!!
