Let me tell you...

Even through the thorniest of times, I cling to the fondest memories that developed from them.

I remember the fury that stemmed from a sibling harmed. To this day, none has earned the right to exact contempt (for any flouting) on my family.

When I went through the horror of losing my best friend, my brother who had experienced the same thing years before was my support. I remember vividly the moments leading up to the news and the moments after, I remember how good it felt to have a friend who was my brother.

When I went through the dreadfulness of responding to an accident that saw some people very close to me and my family depart this life, I remember being the same person as there had been for me for the one who needed it most. I recollect the way we bonded in a way that most people will never have the prospect to experience.

When I went through the many failures of my life, it was these people who were there to support and love me unconditionally, and optimistically look ahead to what I could accomplish and know that all of the success in my life, somehow stemmed from their guidance.

But the thing I remember clearest of all the things in my life, was when my own personal injury (stay with me here it was an actual physical injury) saw both my parents in a capacity that no parent ever anticipates. I recall the look on their face when they saw me immediately after the incident; one, the look of horror that their baby had been hurt, like the mother of a newborn after baby’s first fall. And the other; the calm collected look of reassurance that nothing could be so bad that you ever gave up. I remember to this day the sight of the headlights following the ambulance 300 kilometres to the hospital where I would undergo 8 hours of surgery. I know not a wink of sleep was had that night.

I know that this is uncharacteristically “un-funny” but some things just have to be put to paper. Besides, not everything is a joke.

This is less of a Father’s day tribute and more of a family tribute. I have a great life and I couldn’t have asked for better.

Told you I can write more than dick and fart jokes.