Kim and I sat together on his patio one sunny Ontario afternoon. He and my sister-in-law, Shalley, had just moved into their renovated bungalow overlooking Rice Lake. There was a flurry of people arriving; loud chatter and food being prepared for the masses. It was a typical day for Shalley, her desire to celebrate each moment morphs a quiet family dinner into a community potluck every time! I enjoy this but it was a new concept for Kim, a quiet and gentle soul whose love for Shalley brought him many new adventures.
He looked over at the semi-organized chaos and said to me, “is it always like this?” I patted his hand and said, “yes, always, but you’ll get used to it”. His face was thoughtful. He took a sip of his beer.
Kim did get used to it. In fact, he relished in it. The open-door policy to which a non-stop parade of family and friends would land to bask in their hospitality. Kim, in his chair, engaging you in light conversation of an array of topics, a good and insightful listener, always with an “oh yea” affirmation accompanied by a soft chuckle.
Kim’s way of letting everyone else take center stage while he cheered and applauded you makes you feel special. His quiet demeanour refreshes you. Young and old love to be close to Kim-his soul inspires.
And like he lived; Kim passed one beautiful morning. Quietly, peaceful, in his favorite chair with his dog by his side. It was unexpected. But then Kim was an unexpected bonus to our family. We will miss his physical presence, the escorted country-side tours in his Model-T car, the afternoons hanging out in his man-cave.
Family and friends will gather to share stories and celebrate the person he was on earth. As the crowd grows bigger, the laughter and conversations will rise to the heavens where Kim will be watching. Perhaps with a cold beer. I can hear him say, with a warm smile, “it’s always like this”.
Thank you, Kim, for motivating the rest of us to appreciate the beauty of a sunrise, the wonders the day might bring, and to understand the peaceful joy of a sunset over the still lake. I look forward to visits with you from your new realm.
Beautifully captured. His “oh yea” affirmations will come to us often. 🙂