To the kindest, wisest, most humble and loving man I have known and I had the honor to call my papa. You have been my pillar, my guide , my example of courage , dignity, integrity, hard work and humility. My number one fan. You are the first one to believe in me and to tell me, as a girl child, that I could accomplish anything and become anything I set my heart on. You taught me the value of having a word, in you eyes the only measure of one's character.
" You are your word. What you say you will do, you must do, at any cost, by any means necessary" you used to tell me. These are words you lived by and you sure did, showing us all by example by being there for me and so many others to not only share in our joys and but also carry us through our struggles. You taught me to detach myself from all things material of this world, long before I became a doctor and learned that lesson on my own. All the worldly things: the honors , the medals , the titles, all the accolades you accumulated yourself during your brilliant career, you told me will come and go, but could never measure up to simply being present for those you love. Just being there. You moved with ease, grace, charm, patience, and compassion through any situation. In all simplicity and humility, without fanfare. You so loved life and fought valiantly to stay with us as long as you could, because you knew how much we needed your wisdom and your love. Thank you for all the precious life lessons . Thank you for being there, not just for me, but for all of us who crossed your path and were blessed to share a part of the road with you. I will find a way to resume our daily conversations, thanks to the very notion you inculcated to me first , then to your grandson Remi : " Difficile, mais pas impossible". You can go in peace now mon Papa cheri. Ta fille Sylvie