Last night, while many of you were toasting to the start of 2010, I found myself reflecting back on the last week of 2009 and not feeling much like celebrating. So many things have happened in the last few days that it has taken me this long to process them, let alone to be able to write about them.
On Sunday, my dad suffered a mild heart attack. After 2 days in the hospital, and some shuffling of his medication, he is back home with us. But it was a scary few days.
The news of my dad came on the heels of some news we received less than 24 hours prior to that about my brother-in-law, Robin. My in-laws called to tell us he had passed away. The events surrounding his passing are still not 100% clear, as we await a full autopsy report from the coroner. But it looks as if he suffered a seizure. For those of you who don't know, Robin was in a bad car accident 5 years ago which left him with a C-2 spinal cord injury. Because of its location, Robin should have been a quadriplegic. But by the grace of God, he was able to still have movement in his arms and could use his hands to a limited extent. His determination to defy the odds served him well over the last few years, allowing him to live alone and have a fairly normal life. He never let his situation get him down, which amazed me. I can't say I would have remained as upbeat had I been in his shoes.
He was not only a feisty guy, but also one of the most warm-hearted people I have ever met. Robin was known for helping others out, even perfect strangers and homeless people he met on the street. He would give you his last dollar if you needed it. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for you. At the time of his passing, he was allowing a homeless man he had met on the street to stay at his place. How many of us would have done something like that? If we're honest, we'd have to say not many. But that's just the kind of guy Robin was. He was grateful for what he had and wanted to share it with others less fortunate.
As I downloaded this photo, I began thinking back on the first time I ever met Robin. Because my husband's family is mostly from Western Canada, we don't see them often. When I first met Robin, he didn't embrace me and welcome me to the family, as I was expecting. In true Robin fashion, he pulled my hair (which I was wearing in a long braid) and said to me "I always wanted a sister so I could do that." So in true Shari fashion, I punched him in the arm and said "And I always wanted a brother so I could do that."
While I am saddened by his loss, I have decided to live my life the way Robin would want us to: with determination, good spirits and love for others. I love you, Robin. May you find rest and peace with God.
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