10 years ago PhotoChat 4 came to an abrupt end when my best friend, Sean, passed away and my father was dying of cancer. This month marks the 10th anniversary of Sean's passing. Lara and I agreed that there was no better way to begin our next conversation than with a tribute to Sean and the person who loved him the most in this world, his mother, Deedi. This was Sean's bedroom and the location of the last image I took of him in PhotoChat 4. It is also the location where the image of him hanging on the wall behind Deedi was taken. This room is filled with so many memories of hanging out, watching t.v., laughing, crying and debating. The sound of Sean giggling to Jon Stewart & The Colbert Report, of the Oilers playing and skate blades cutting the ice. Helping Sean with morning stretches and laying him into bed at night and the "doughnut" that positioned his back having to be adjusted just right. Positioning his water glass and straw, the remote and cordless phone, the backup cell phone and respirator; the check list is still in my head. I can smell the meal Deedi is cooking us (so many wonderful meals!) and hear Oprah on the t.v. Deedi was a fantastic advocate for her son. When Sean was small she worked night shifts as a waitress and bartender so she could be home with her son in his waking hours. Deedi later owned one of the best restaurants in Edmonton. As a single mother with a disabled son who was often in and out of hospitals, I truly don't know how she juggled it all. I admire the work, dedication & determination it took. She's a strong woman who raised a strong son. I imagine it was lonely & isolating at times and it's so rewarding to know that she found a partner in Keith. The memory of Sean's speech at their wedding makes me smile. Deedi raised Sean to be independent and thoughtful. As much as we took care of Sean's physical needs, Sean took care of all who loved him. He is deeply missed. It's been a grief filled 10 years of recalibrating life without him. I think Sean would be proud of his Mom and the person she is today. Those close to him know that we wouldn't be where we are, or who we are, without him. I like to think he'd be proud of all of us.
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