Dear Graham Family,

It is a spectacular day in Toronto without too much humidity: a wonderful day for the quickly arranged memorial for John for those in the area.  Toronto has a ravine system which is gorgeous to walk through, and John and Gillian did exactly that in their time since moving here in the Fall. This made the path outside the Brickworks Park a perfect place to gather in the shade of the trees. It is a short walk from our own house.

The Brewin clan is large, and all are extremely fond of John, of course. Their hearts, like ours, are broken, and there was an immediate urge to hold a gathering to honour him and tell some stories.  I so wish you could have been there. I really look forward to our own family gathering. 

Susan had written a wonderful eulogy to John and I was honoured to read it (my first crack at public speaking). It garnered some wonderful laughs and insight into John as a kid, and of course tears. Thank you so much to Susan for helping me to represent our own clan.

Others told wonderful stories about John. This is one of the best parts of a memorial - you learn so much more  more about the person. Poetry was read. Both Danielle and Iain spoke. Iain thoughtfully mentioned our side of the family as an large and important part of the picture, but not able to be there today.

It was lovely.  It was casual.  It was full of humour and it was painfully sad too. I love you all and I so look forward to the larger gathering to follow. 

Jacqui