Vince, he was a hoot. He was so funny, I suggested he become a clown. One of his favourite jokes was, 'Why don't sharks eat clowns? Answer: Because they taste funny!'  Anyone who met him loved him.

So good to hear that you can be strong! The love is there, and the memories. Bernie was so funny I suggested he become a clown, and he said, 'Let's go!'  Took him to a place for a wig and makeup, and he made money selling ice cream to kids in Montreal, and got employed by the Alouettes for their games! When I flew him and his dog with a puppy for me up to Calgary, I said that's not the puppy I wanted! I wanted the all-black one to go with my outfits!'  He said in his deep voice, 'This is your dog!' He knew something. To this day Lucky is the sweetest, kindest companion I could have. The gift that keeps on giving.

My favourite saying: 'Memories escape my eyes and roll down my cheeks!'

Vincent, I lost my live-at-home son five years ago, and only we know the emptiness they leave. Bernie died on the Saturday night of a long weekend, and I didn't even know 'til the TUESDAY AFTER, where they had taken him! I know the feeling of the empty house, his dogs waiting for him, wondering if there was anything else I should have, or could have, done. Fortunately I hit on a great funeral home which asked me to 'identify' him a few days later, and he looked better and I was able to say goodbye in a more dignified setting than the Hospice allowed.

I recently moved house again and have a large plastic container of his belongings that I cannot deal with. I don't know how to throw things out that were valuable to him.

Hope this helps you to know that we are in this together. AND they are probably much happier where they are, no more sickness or physical problems to worry them.

Pray for him every night, and know that he is better off.

David.