I have tried to write a short story so many times today, thinking of each and every one of you !! I so much feel your pain, as if I was a part of your family myself. I have known all of you now for 57 years , my first Canadian friends :})) 

I was about three years old and being allowed to play in our backyard with my youngest brother Ashley and twin sister Susan and being told not to talk to strangers.  I heard a kind voice saying hello to me through the fence. She was a bit older than me and I said I was not to talk to strangers and she replied my name is Vicky. I told my mother and she introduced herself to the lady next door, who I only knew as Auntie Jean,  she was a  wonderful  woman !! We began playing with each other almost every day for many years to come. Our mothers became good friends enjoying an afternoon cup of tea. I always remember Auntie Jean telling us that we had better go home because Uncle Alex would be home from work soon. We would go home, and I would wait in the livimg room , looking out for Uncle Alex to come home. He wore a uniform with a hat, I asked my grandfather why he wore it. He told me that Uncle Alex was an important man, a man whom deserved respect as he was a firefighter. A man who goes to work every day helping and protecting people, putting his life on the line everyday that he goes out. Although he was not a captain yet , he was in my eyes, especially when he wore the hat !!!

Although it was the seventies when we became adoescents, we all had our own visions of what we thought life would be and went our own directions, as crazy as they may have seemed. I never stopped thinking of you and trying to find you girls. I gave up on Johnny marrying me . lol when I was 12. Anyway you have made it back  into  my life now,  I  am so happy that when we did see each other again, there was still a sisterhood.<3 

Uncle Alex was a very hard worker, not only being a firefighter, a father, he would take a second job to provide for his family of nine, food on the table , a roof over their heads, we were just ignorant to that growing up . He has now gone on the last journey of his life, to join the love of his life,  Auntie Jean <3 where they can join hands and watch over you from above.

Already experiencing your loss , I can only say we all need time to grieve and we all grieve differently. It may take longer for one than the other when you are from such a huge family, hopefully peace will be your direction and I am a phone call away if you get the urge. You are all in my heart <3

Love always,

Viv