Part 9 - Loss, not lost

This past weekend my little family ventured out to Campbell River. Just for two days, but an adventure none the less. On our way home we drove right on past the Naniamo ferry terminal and kept on going until we hit Victoria. We stopped at the Royal Oak Memorial Park where we searched and searched through stone after stone, until we found the right one. For the first time I was standing at my Grandmother and Uncle’s headstone. It only took seconds before I was overcome with emotions. All at once I was sad, proud, and honoured to be a part of such a strong family. The dates are what hit me first. Eddie was only 8 years old when he drowned while on a family vacation in Saanich. 6 months later Nelda learned she was expecting baby number 6. Only 10 months after Marie was born Nelda passed away a few days after her 35^th birthday from stomach cancer. In less than 2 years my dad and his siblings had lost their oldest brother and their mother; my grandpa - his son and wife. I cannot even begin to imagine that kind of loss in such a short time, the strength that this family has is astounding. I felt a wave of pride as I thought of what Nelda would think now of her children, her grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. As I stood there looking at their little stone I thought about my aunts and uncles, about the legacy that she left behind. I can only hope that one day when I'm old and grey haired I can look back on my own life and family and be as proud of them as I felt she would be of hers today.