Daryl Wood's Blog

With so many friends and family loving and supporting me I thought I would be prepared for Doug’s birthday this Sunday, July 28. How many times did he and I give his birthday when entering hospital and labs over the years. July 28, 1943 is stamped permanently in my brain. It is sometimes bittersweet.

And now, as the date approaches I have vivid memories of his 80th birthday celebrations last year. It started off with a few neighbours and grew into some family and friends nearby. Doug wanted a little gathering so we didn’t make any big announcements. He liked quoting Jack Benny and saying he was 39 so it became the 41st celebration of his 39th birthday. And then 70 people showed up. He was very humbled and grateful and at his best that day. Even though he couldn’t eat any of the delicious food his daughter and son-in-law prepared or drink to any of the toasts, he reveled in the stories and laughs and appreciation for our guests. I have all the pictures from that day to show what a wonderful tribute it was to Doug and his infectious smile is everywhere.

One year later, I am struggling to make meaning of my life without him. So I decided to send the following message to the people in my contact list:

“Hello everyone, Sunday will be Doug’s birthday and I am remembering how grateful and humbled he was last year to celebrate his 80th with friends and family. In his usual humorous way, he said it was actually the 41st anniversary of his 39th birthday! In memory of all he gave to us I’m inviting everyone who loved him to do a random act of kindness on Sunday. There are so many simple ways that we can bring joy or ease the suffering of someone else or just make people smile. I am betting that we can make a difference collectively in honour of someone who made such a difference in our lives. Thank you and may you be blessed with peace and love in your heart. Daryl.”

The response has been so much joy that people will get to once again, honour someone they loved, admired and cared about. Some people were able to join me for a memorial cruise on a tour boat in Tobermory in June. For them, and everyone else, and for anyone who knows the power of kindness, this is one more way, that Doug’s inspirational spirit lives on.

Yesterday I donated $81 worth of groceries (frugal shopping filled TWO large totes) to a Food Bank where we had volunteered years ago. I’ll be ramping up on Sunday to be the best representation of Doug’s beautiful heart wherever I go and hoping this eases the pain of his loss. May you spot kindness along your path today and always.