Home for the Holidays

Today Elizabeth Edwards died.

Yesterday Mark Dailey succumbed to cancer as well.

They were four years apart in age, both battling illness for several years.

Each was a high profile person in her/his own circle.

Mrs. Edwards was a mother, attorney, author, and the estranged wife of once presidential hopeful, John Edwards.

Mr. Dailey was a husband, father, more than a thirty year veteran of Citytv as the news 'voice' of Toronto, and a former police officer.

They were both American born.

There are many people in this world who die on the days leading into Christmas.

My father was one of those, albeit sixteen years ago on November 24th.

Christmas was his favourite time of year.

As difficult as it is for loved ones left behind at this time of year, eventually the treasured memories one has of celebrating festivities of this season in past years will overshadow the heart-wrenching grief and void felt without this important person's tangible presence on earth.

I recall thinking at the time my father died, and subsequently whenever I hear of others who die during this season, that they have gone 'home for the holidays' where I believe they are welcomed with more love, light, warmth and peace than we can imagine,

. . . . a reunion of souls fit for the 'stars' . . . .