Dear Dave,

It’s approaching Christmas time again. Those of us with younger children feel an additional rush of excitement as we watch them absorb the magic of the season through elves on shelves and letters to Santa. People are busy, but it’s mostly a good busy; wrapping presents, fighting with the tree, and wrestling with lights. It all seems worth it when the egg nog is poured and a light snow is dusting the lawn. We have a couple scented candles that alternate our evening mood, between a pine and a pumpkin spice scent. Most importantly, it’s a time to celebrate friends and family. As thankful as we are for those that are close to us, this year we’re missing someone.

It’s hard to believe that the morning of Dec 19 will mark one year since we became aware of your passing.

There have been few events in my life when the world has simultaneously come to a screeching halt yet time seems to be lost. Weeks and months were a bit of a blur, and motivation was extremely difficult to find. You were a teammate first, and due to your open demeanor and unflappable style, quickly became a respected friend. I’d known you for close to 9 years, but others could attest to decades of service to the practice of pharmacy in Newfoundland. Now that I think of it, you shared so much of yourself with so many people over the years, the fact that you were a pharmacist was just one small piece of the picture.

When I visited your territory in the spring, there was something ethereal about retracing the path on the west coast and opening the audits you had begun just weeks and months prior. Reading your comments was difficult, and discussing with your team the action plans you had created. For that week, I was away from my family and in a new part of the country. Although I had a job to do, it never felt like work. In fact, the tasks themselves merely served as a reason to engage pharmacy staff, and speak openly about how we were feeling. They painted a picture of someone so patient, so encouraging in every interaction. In every store, they were gracious and thanked me for my visit, even when the results were underwhelming.  I still keep in contact with some and plan to continue. I hope they all realize just how much they helped me overcome my sadness.

One year later, we’re stronger than ever. Change is inevitable, and you are a constant reminder that silver linings are always present on even the darkest of storm clouds.

So tonight the team…check that…your team, will be together once again from across the Atlantic provinces. We will raise a glass, not in mourning, but to honour your impact on each of us. I’m working on my best Neil Young and Bob Dylan impressions in case we happen to grab some guitars and sing along your some of your favourite 70’s folk rock.

We’ll do our best to celebrate to the fullest. We will cherish the times we have together and laugh about this crazy road we travel called life.

Rest easy my friend. Until we meet again,

-Dev

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.