Dear Paul

Dear Paul,

I would find it impossible to do a regular blog entry today without referring to you, so I thought I would write you a letter before even trying.

I miss you very much. I was talking to your Aunt Rosie (aka my mom) last week and I said something to her that I haven't been able to shake ever since. I don't remember what life felt like before your accident. I hadn't thought of it in quite that way before; it just came out in our conversation. It is a truth that has stayed with me since.

I put your picture on my blog for a few of reasons. First, I can now go and look at it any time I need to from anywhere, which is pretty cool. Second, this picture has come to symbolize for hundreds of people, the importance of considering organ donation. I added a link to your website to my blog last night. I hope that people who read this are curious enough to go and take a look. This is one of the most positive things that has come out of our loss. I am so proud of your family for their commitment and determination.

Most importantly for me, it is the picture that cemented for me forever the value of a picture of a loved one. The last time I saw you at Joan and Fred's, you had just returned from Ireland. We went through your pictures, trading stories about our favourite place on Earth. Now, that is a great memory for me to have!

I won't go on any longer, or I will risk turning this entry into a puddle of tears. I will be thinking of you.

Love always,

Your "coolest" cousin,

Laura

PS. Go Leafs Go!

PPS. A couple hours after writing I thought of another picture that helps me remember before. As you know, we still get like this sometimes, most recently at your race weekend in Ottawa last May. :) LOL