Thursday, December 9, 2010

An Ending :: North Vancouver, BC :: Documentary :: Day 343

This photo may not be any good on it’s own, it probably doesn’t tell a story, and I highly doubt it would mean anything to a stranger. But to me, it’s the best of the bunch. This is the last photo that I will ever take of my Dad, and in this photo, his hand is still warm.

This post is hard. The most difficult one yet.

My Dad was taken off life support today (by our choice), and shortly thereafter, passed away. There was no suffering, no pain, and I feel such immense relief that he is finally at peace. It’s been over a year of horrible pain for him, and today, it’s finally over. There is beauty in that. I’m not going into more detail here, this isn’t the place. What’s important to know is that he did not die alone and that he was very comfortable when he did.

I had always thought that my Dad would see the end of this Project 365, but I guess it was never meant to be. I am OK with this, but it sure makes me sad all the same. Whenever I enter a hospital, a Ben Gibbard song plays softly in the back of my head. I can’t tell you how many times it has happened this week. The last few verses are what stand out for me.

“But I’m thinking of what Sarah said, that love is watching someone die”

If you know the song, you will know exactly how I feel. The song ends with “So who’s going to watch you die?” I feel blessed to have been able to hold my Dad’s hand, in the presence of of my brother, Mom and God when he died. We stood around him, comforted him, cried together, and read from the bible.

What makes this so much easier is knowing that there are no regrets or hard feelings between my Dad and I. We were friends, good friends, and we both knew it. The last time I saw him outside of the hospital was at my house. He had given me a high five and a big smile. That is how I will remember him.

If you are reading this and feel moved in some way, please leave a comment below and show your support. Say anything. Tell a whole story. Heck, try to make this blog crash! My Dad would read this blog every night and I know that he would have gotten a kick from knowing how many different people he has touched.

Thank you.

See you tomorrow, with another photo. A happier one I think.

74 comments

link to this post

email a friend

sueg - Keith that is so incredibly beautiful, touching and moving. Your Dad would have been moved to tears with your beautiful comments and heartfelt love for him. God bless you immensely and we will always remember Dad for his enthusiasm for life, his incredible love for his family, and his loud boisterous and sometimes ‘cheezy’ zest for life. He really did love life! THANK-YOU!!!

Chris G - Keith, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss…Your dad was one of my best friends and I will miss him very much…He taught me so many things but most of all was how to be a better person. Love to you all…

Donnalin - I am writing something because our family loved your Dad so much. Grayson and Rylan were remembering how he would always have a joke for them and made them feel special. I remember him for his kindness and laugh. He would often tease me about getting a new washer and dryer, one with a steam cycle, he sent me ad’s from the Sears online catalogue and would tease Chris about being slow to get me them. Lo and behold for Mother’s Day this year I got them and I promptly sent a picture of them to him. I sure that made him smile. We miss him here a lot and are sorry for the loss your family is feeling right now. He certainly taught us that being kind and gracious was the greatest gifts anyone could give and receive. God bless…

Matt - First off,I’m sorry for ur loss.my heart goes out to you and ur family at this time.I agree with Sue,the words are beautiful!
I only met ur dad a few times.But one thing stands out about him everytime he came by the town home was how happy,smiling and friendly he is.Always knew my name and the kids and made sure to say hi when he was over.don’t know how to end this,I’m a guy with few words,and not good at it but felt I needed to say something.love to your family,let me know if I can do anything for you.xo

Suzanne - Maybe I can start off by saying how incredibly saddened I am to hear of your loss. I know that you have an amazing family and you have, and always will be surrounded with love. At a time like this, we remember the important things in life; family, love, friends, and faith. Your parents raised a wonderful son, and you now raise three beautiful children. Your father’s legacy lives on.

ted - Keith, I am both saddened and relieved for you, your family, and your father. It is great to know that not only he is no longer suffering but that he is enjoying a more pure joy than any of us has felt here on earth. When I think of your dad, I remember the time we were driving back to your place and you pulled a wickedly stupid left-hand turn in front of an oncoming car, not realizing that your dad was in the car behind us. Normally, when I was around, your dad hardly said two words but when we all arrived at your house at the same time, he was out of his truck faster than lightning and I thought he was going to choke you to death. I remember thinking, “Whoa, what was that all about?” Now that I am older, and a parent, I recognize what that was all about: Love. Now he waits for you and the rest of your family, surrounded by love and more able than ever to watch over all of you. Please let me know details about the memorial service.

KimmyG - I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of this family. Today is a sad day for so many people and especially for Susan, Kevin & Keith. I will always be thankful for the talks that my dad-in-law and I had. He always had so much wisdom. I will also always remember “Curiosity kills the cat” That quote forever changed my life. Thanks Bumpa.

Denise - Keith and family,

I got teary eyed and emotional reading your blog. My heartfelt condolences goes out to all of you at this difficult time. It is so hard to let someone you love go away. I know how it’s like and time will heal the pain. Even though he’s gone, his spirit will live and he will always look down on you guys showing his guidance. Remember the great memories, look through photos and remember the laughs to brighten the day. We’re all here for you guys if you need anything. Take care. *hugs*

Jane - I’m so, so sorry to hear this news. But like you said today, it wouldn’t be right to see him suffer. This past year has been an emotional one for you and your family and the next while will be hard but know that you have a lot of love and compassionate friends around you. I’m one of those friends Keith. You’re a very caring person and you sure must get that from great parents. Good memories and great family ties. That’ll keep you going. Take care of yourself Keith and don’t hesitate to contact me if you guys need anything at all. Bless you all.

Tracy - Tears fall from my eyes as I read your beautiful words and wonder how your heart is… I’m imagining all of your gorgeous work, especially that wonderful portrait of your father with the most authentic kindness in his eyes. I saw so much of you in that portrait, and understood where your kindness came from. Love emanates from your work Keith. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow (344) will bring. Sending you strength & love my friend.

chrissy Vix - So very sad yet you carry such strength & love with your words. I’m so sorry for you & your family’s Ioss. I too have tears falling from my eyes and a tight throat as I read this and take it all in. You’re Dad was a beautiful man. I was just talking today with a co-worker who enjoys looking at your photos & she asked about your Dad. I told her to look up a specific past photo where I said you caught the beauty in his eyes so perfectly. (One of my favorites.) If there’s anything I can do let me know. Sending you and your family the warmest of love. Your Dad was lucky man to of had you. xo

uncle glenn and auntie leslie - Our dearest Keith and family.
Your photo represents to me the strength that Brent held within himself all his life.
Keith, you caught a moment that others only have in their memories, of a time we have gone through ourselves. Knowing how much love you have for someone to help them along on their journey.
Your father, our brother, our sons uncle and a special grandfather. Brent was a wonderful, kind and special person. We will only have wonderful memories of him.
As we sit at the our computer, a photo of your mom and dad with Uncle and I look up at us.
There where so many great times spent together over a hot cup of coffee and goodies, (ony time we drank coffee usually).
Or when uncle and Brent went hiking around or working on projects together.
We know that our dear brother is looking down on us now, with one of his cheeky smiles. Thinking of something to say or do, which will always bring laughter and giggles from ourselves and everyone there.
Good bye Brent, we love you.

Poul - Poul- Keith, I am so sorry for your family’s loss — Your Dad truly was one of my best friends -but most of all the best Boss and co-worker I have ever worked for — we are all going to miss him – He is with God now whole and complete no more suffering
God Bless

Misty Wojak - Keith I understand your peace and your pain. Your photo was almost “Christ like” if that is ok to say. It is in these thin moments when God truely touches every part of us. Your Dad was you and is you because you are a part of him. I did not have the pleasure to meet him but after meeting his son I can tell he was a great man.
Our family is thinking of you and praying.

Tanya - I am so sorry for your loss.. I did not know your family, I stumbled upon your blog from a website. I will say that in the few moments of reading it, it brought the realization that I needed about life. That it is precious, short and you need to embrace every moment of it!

May your father have peace, your family closure to grieve and may 2011 bring you many new blessings! GOD BLESS!

darlene - I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but I’m relieved that his suffering is now over. My husband, John and I have known Brent and Susan for over 40 years, and while we didn’t always stay in touch, when we did get together it was like no time had passed at all. As a young teenager, Brent was always coming up with some crazy scheme. I remember one time when he convinced the four of us to hop into two rubber rafts and paddle across English Bay to the Planetarium. This might have been a good idea if it was during the day, but it was in the middle of winter, in the pitch dark, one raft started to leak and we had no lights on either boat. Halfway across the Bay we noticed a very large ship bearing down on us without any idea that two rafts full of fools were directly in their path. We set new world records in paddling and made it safely to the other side. Needless to say, we found another way home. My memories of Brent are happy ones, he was filled with “joie de vivre”. He will be missed.

AndrewM - Keith – praying for you and your family. I’ve enjoyed reading about the relationship between you and your dad – I’m sure he was extremely proud of you. May God surround you and yours with peace this Christmas, Keith.

Terry, Francine, Josh & Luke - Opening your Fall Seven project has become a part of my daily routine. The pictures make me laugh, smile, and I am always in awe…I knew from today’s title that this would be a sad one. I was talking to the boys earlier this week about your Dad. They both said, “He’s so nice”. Sometimes life isn’t fair.

We feel blessed to have a connection with the Galick family. You are all so wonderful!

Kevin - Keith thank you for such a beautiful and wonderful thing you did for dad and our family, love you for it, it touched the heart of many just like he did.

Koralee - Keith, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through. Your last photo of your dad’s hand and blog entry really moved me. It makes me reconsider what is really important in life…relationships. I know your dad is looking down from heaven still reading your blog and will definitely see the end of your photo project. You and your family are in my prayers.

Lorne - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. My life, because of my working relationship with Brent, has been enhanced beyond words. May Brent RIP finally.

o - this photo of your Dad is truly the best you have taken. i woke up today remembering a day years ago that your Dad & Mom spent hours trying to find me at my pumpkin patch in California. i had just sat down to rest after set up and they popped their heads in my little work shack. i was so happy to see them! your father was a sweet man, you are lucky to have had such a special father.
much love,
o

Paula - I am so sorry for your loss…touched beyond streaming tears, to heartfelt joy knowing how much you all loved your Dad!!!

Marcie - I am so very sorry for you and your entire family to hear of the passing of your Dad. It’s very obvious in your words and pictures what a beautiful, loving family you all are. He must have been a very proud man. Take comfort in one another.

Alina - I will always remember Brent by his sense of humour. He always made me laugh even when he was in pain. That’s who he was for me, a happy, always laughing, tremendously loving man and tremendously loved man!

I remember how enthusiastic he was when he explained to me what he did for work. Teaching the children about the City Plant and the processes of it. I remember the twinkle and love in his eyes. I got he truly loved his career.

I will honor his life by being fully in love with my career and making people laugh.

Brent, you will never be forgoten or ever really gone. You live on in our words, our thoughts and our actions.

Rest in peace

love
Alina, Meri, Ross and Kevin

Lana - Keith, I am just so sorry that your dad’s year long struggle has ended this way. I would really have loved to have met him, because of who he was and because of who you are. It takes a really special person to become a dad whose adult son still knows his dad hung the moon. This came through every time you spoke of him, and his love and pride in his family shone through in the pictures you took. I opened my computer this morning and this photo took my breath away, because I knew what it meant, and because I have often taken pictures of my own dad’s hands, as they say so much. He was very lucky to have had all of his family with him, allowing him to let go and finally stop fighting, and I know this must bring you peace amongst the sadness. If there is anything at all I can do to help you through the next part, I am a phone call away. Peace be with you.

Brandon B - Keith,

My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

I sometimes get lost staring into these remarkable photos and forget why you started this project. I’m sure you fathers is very proud of what you’ve accomplished and is smiling down from heaven.

Thank you for allowing me to follow your blog over the past year.
Your love, affection and thoughtfullness is commendable and you are truly inspirational.

Much love and respect,
Brandon

Rhonda - Keith, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I can only imagine how much you will miss him. You and your entire family are in our thoughts as you go through this very difficult time.

As I look at this picture, it reminds me of the last days I had with my own father whose hands I held till the end. When I think of his hands I can conjure up a vision but I am never sure if I am remembering them quite right. I wish I had a picture just like this….

Jen & Shane - To the Galick family,
I’m glad you were all able to be by Brent’s side and comfort him and eachother and my heart breaks for your loss. He was such a wonderful part of our family and every bit of his presence and personality will be greatly missed. Thankfully, he’s in peace now.
Love to you all and you are in our hearts.

Curtis - Keith,
I just spent 20 minutes transfixed reading the last 10 or so posts…you have generously invited us into your process of saying goodbye and i feel richer for it. May God walk with you through the coming weeks.

Deanna - I knew what I was looking at when I viewed the image, I got the news here at work. I lingered on the image and got choked up. I didn’t prepare myself properly to read your text. That’s what did it for me. It was always clear when you spoke of your Dad, your family, that you are close. So many families are not. My heart goes out to you Keith and to your family on this news. Nothing is more important than family. Be strong. I will be thinking of you…

Juanita - I too wasn’t prepared to see the photo or read the heartfelt message you have written. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your dad but based on who you are and your words – he must have been an amazing man. My tears are shed for your loss and the sadness your family is feeling. We are all thinking of you… God Bless.

Juanita - Lorraine – Thinking of you Keith and your family at this time. Your photo is worth a thousand words – stories , memories and life with your Father. Thank you for sharing in this diffucult time.

Troy - Keith, I cannot find the words to express my sympathy for you and your family. What you have done here with your photos for your father is one of the best ways to show your father your feelings and assist him in garnering strength. Both Erin and I offer our condolences.

Alex and Judith Gehrer - Keith and Family, our most sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. Although we hardly knew him, we knew him enough to recognize the special person he was. Brent was a good friend and mentor to our son Chris and for that I will be eternally grateful. Our prayers are with all of you at this time.

cliff - I’m sorry for you loss, Keith. You’re father was a great man whom I’d admired, looked up to and respected; and he is someone who I will miss greatly. Thank you for sharing this with us. Your project over the past year has allowed the rest of us a special opportunity to share in the highs and lows that your family has gone through and, when it’s all said and done, you’ve ended up creating something very beautiful and poignant. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Pardeep - Keith, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I never met your father, but listening to you speak about him, and seeing the fine man that you are, I feel that he was a remarkable man. Your post reminds me of the last moments I had with my father, and I feel that he like yours took comfort in knowing that when he said his goodbye, he was surrounded by family and loved ones to make the journey comfortable.
My thoughts are with you at this time.

Tracy - Keith – with a very sad heart….I am soo sorry to hear of the loss of your father. This has been a rough year for you all. I know what your dad and family meant to you and soo many more people have learned that just from reading your daily posts. You certainly have inspired many:) I am in comfort knowing that your dad was in peace and surrounded by love with his sons and wife.
Your dad raised two very incredible son’s — he will live on in you both!! Much love and blessings to you and your whole family xoxo

Michaela and Pat - Keith and family – we are both so very sorry for your loss and our hearts go out to you and your family. I was deeply moved by your message and the picture of your dad’s hand. It sounds like your dad was an incredible man. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Sheena - I am sitting on my couch with tears in my eyes after reading your post. Now with a son of our own, Joe and I have always said we want to be the kind of parents where our kids respect us, but want to be friends with us as they get older. It sounds like thats what you and your dad had and my heart goes out to you and your family. I am thankful that you had your family with you during such a hard time. Thinking of you.

Nina - When I read this post I am reminded of my dad who passed away in January. He too passed away after living with cancer for several years, and his last days were similar to how you describe your dad’s. With a sad heart my thoughts are with you…

Mary Renvall - Touch the hand of love .What a beautiful picture Keith .When I saw the picture I thought of your Mom and Dad holding hands . Your Dads warm smile handshakes and hugs to greet family and friends .Hands for work and a tickle for the kids .Your Dad will be missed by all .Great Brother in law .Take care and thanks for sharing . Love you!

Theresa - Keith, I worked with you dad. My prayers and most sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. He is a special guy. Aside from work we always talk about family. He always tells me how bless he is to have a wonderful and caring family. I want to share to you an excerpt of his e-mail that he sent on June 2nd.

“We have at our church when the service begins the pastor says “God is good” and the congregation responds “all the time”. Then the pastor says “all the time” and the congregation responds “God is good”.My wife was sending out over 1500 emails alone for people praying for me all over the states and world. We have received cd’s, photos, letters, phone calls from people everywhere offering to help us. Very moving! But the best of all is my younger son on Jan 1st. this year launched a new web site in honour of me. He takes a new photo everyday and posts it on http://www.fallseven.ca

Bye for now Brent

We will miss him ….

Moe - Keith, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.

Christa - Wow Keith. You always seem to amaze me with your beautiful words. You are the one who remains so strong comforting me when it should be the other way around. Your dad was an incredible man who raised a pretty amazing son. I will miss him terribly. Love you for all your hard work Keith.

Monique - I am so happy for your Dad. As he is a Christian, he is finally at peace with the heavenly father. He’s is no more pain and will wait excitedly for all his children, YOU! to one day see him again in Heaven. What a wonderful reunion that will be. I feel sad for you, having to let him go at this time and I cried when reading your post. I’ll always remember him smiling as he prepared the “lord’s supper” for us. Praying for all of you!

Love from one of your “sisters in Christ!”

Curtis, Tara, Cayden and Noah - Keith, we are so sorry for your loss. You are an amazing person with your talent in photography to your strength in this hard time. We have been moved from day 1 with your project and continue to be inspired by you and your family.

I remember calling your house as a teenager, your Dad answered and mistook me for another friend who lived in the interior. We chatted for a while and then he asked me how the weather was, I said ” probably the same as at your house”, of course he realised then that it wasn’t who he thought he had been talking to, we had a good laugh about it. From that day on everytime I saw your Dad he would ask me how the weather was and we would laugh some more.

Take comfort in remebering all the good times you shared with your Dad. Our thoughts are with you.

Laura Watson - What an emotion-provoking photo Keith. I’m so sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with you and the family.

Sharon - Keith, your photo is so powerful! i have a lump in my throat reading your words, and Im so sorry for your loss! i truly wish it could of ended differently, but am so glad he knew the Lord where you will be reuinited one day. Your family is amazing and I am so thrilled to have gotten to know you guys over the past couple years! Our prayers continue for you guys as this journey is long, and the grieving process is hard.

Tammy Cranston - Keith, Les and I are so sorry for your loss. I cried as I read your beautiful words about your Dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Michele - My heart is aching for you. I only met your dad once but I feel like I knew him well through my brother, Chris. He adored your father and spoke so highly of him, so often. It sounds like he passed away surrounded by immense love and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.

Trish - So sorry for your loss, Keith. Knowing that he was such a huge influence to you in your life and the building of your character, it is obvious that he was very special. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ed Z - I’m very sorry to hear the news Keith. I hope you and your family can remember the best of times with your Father, despite the pain you must feel. I’m sure that he must be very proud to know how much he’s touched your life. And from the comments on here and Facebook, he’d be even prouder to know how much you’ve touched the lives of so many other people that they would share in your pain. I just hope we can lessen that pain, even if its only a little. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Uncle Bruce - Keith, a really good photo! I was holding your Dad’s hand earlier in the day thinking how similar our hands were, but still different. Similar in shape but his were larger. Calloused but gentle. They told a lot about his live.

I said in and earlier email to your Mom, that I don’t really believe people die, that they live on in lives of people they touch, both directly and indirectly. They live on in their children & grandchildren, and so on down the generations. When I look at you, Kevin and all the kids, I see Brent. His smile, his laugh, his wonderful sense of humour. We may miss him a lot, but he will always be a part of our lives forever. Your Dad touched a lot of people.

Love & hugs to all

Bruce

Barb Hinsche - Keith, you have grown into such an incredible man, your Dad will be certainly smiling upon you , wonderful blog and tribute, Thank You for sharing with us all, hugs from far away, Barb, Jason & Tasha

Mona - Keith, it made me really sad to hear about your dad today. I have been wanting to post something on here all day, but didn’t know what to say. I really feel for you and your family. Whenever a friend loses a parent, I am reminded of when I did too. After it happened, there was this eerie feeling of “maybe he’s just gone to the store and he’ll be back soon” It lasted for a while. As cliche as it is to say, it really is true that time heals. I think it’s neat that your dad liked to read your blog and follow it’s progression. I’m sure, in spirit, he will see it through. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Tasha Hinsche - Hi Keith,
I know it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, your brother or your parents, but you’ve never been far from my heart. I think about you all often and wonder how you’re doing. Your mom has sent me some pictures over the years of you and Kevin’s families and I must say, damn fine looking ones at that. I’m really sad to hear of Brents passing……but for him to be in peace now is comforting. I spent a lot of time with your mom and dad as a little one and feel very privileged to have done so. They were great baby sitters to me and great friends of our whole family. He will be missed by so many people in so many places.
I was looking through my baby book the other day as I am filling out my new daughters, and saw that my mom had written that you and Kevin were my first friends as a baby. I miss you all with my whole being and wish I could give you all a big hug right now.
I was at your place in Likely a lot and have very fond memories there. I remember eating money cake at your birthday parties, eating chives from your mom’s garden, your dad hanging in his upside down back fixer-upper, the accordion, and countless hours of playing upstairs and downstairs and in snow tunnels in your front yard. Then memories came back of us visiting you on the lower mainland and us having a pillow fight in the dark, for some reason and me getting a smack across the nose so I was down for the count with a nose bleed. It’s been many years, but to me it doesn’t feel that long ago for some reason. Maybe because you and your family are some of my first memories……I hold them near and dear to my heart.
Please give your mom and brother a big hug from me, I am thinking of you all. Love Tasha

Sara - Keith!!!! This post / photo beyond moved me!! These tears can’t stop rolling down my cheeks!! Your dad is so proud looking down as your friends/ family read this!!!
Amazing!! Ahhh– mayy– zing!!!!!
Hugz!!

Marie - In talking with christa lately and not knowing your dad personally It is evident he has been an amazing man in the lives of many. Praying for peace, strength and His grace to hold up your family during this time… In the hours, days, months ahead . The grim family

Laura Howe - Dear Susan,Keith,Kevin and all of your family,
Keith,you may not remember us, but we remember you and your family well.
I am your Uncle Glenn’s sister-in-law. Your Aunty Leslie and I came over on November 12 to visit your Mom and Dad at their home. I am so glad that we were able to visit them. I know how special your Dad was,he was always loving, spirited, and immensely proud of his family.
My husband and I both do photography, and when I saw your photo of father’s hand,tears came to my eyes. I too have a love of photographs of hands.To me hands tell one’s story, their energy shines through. May your beautiful photo of your father’s hand hang large and true on a special wall somewhere in your home. This photograph that I see before is a symbol of his love, compassion, and strength. They tell me his unique story of his life; Keith, He held you for the first time with these hands, he hugged you, cradled you,lifted you, carried you, picked you up when you fell, with these hands. Yes, your dad shook a finger at you when you needed it, with these hands. These hands prayed for you the first time you walked away from his protection,to cross the road on your own.These hands prayed for you the first time you went to your first teenage party on your own, and the first time you drove the family car on your own. Above all these hands,your father’s hands that you held for the last time will hold you to his heart forever; they will guide you, gently touch you,and hold your hands and heart always. He will lovingly kiss the hands of you and your family when his family touches this loving photograph.He may of left this earth, but he has not, nor ever will leave any of you,
Our love, and condolences to each and everyone of you, please hug your Mom for me.
In sympathy,
Laura and Gordon Howe.

Kim - Keith,
Not everyone has the chance to say “thank you for sharing your life with us” before our loved ones move on. From reading your blog regularly it seems that you told your father that every single day. More of us could learn to do that with our loved ones. My sincerest sympathy with you and your loved ones during this time.

Sue Myers - Keith, This photo is rich … it shows strength and simultaneously, a gentleness. It is like your father is passing these qualities along, handing over the reins so to speak. I remember telling you once how I felt your parents had done such a wonderful job in raising the person who had become you … and I repeat this. In you, your father has left a wonderful legacy.

I am so glad he passed surrounded with such love … how could he not … he created it… and I am sure the warmth of that love will beat down upon you and your family helping you all through this most difficult time.

You are in my heart and my prayers.

chharnjeet - Keith I cannot even imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I could not stop crying when I first read your post. It was truely touching. I was at a loss of words thinking I would come back to comment, but there are no right words to say. All I can offer you is my support. Your parents did a great job in raising you, your father must have been so proud of you. Project 365 must have meant so much to him. He was so fortunate to have his family right by his side. I am sure he is at peace right now, as difficult as it is for you and your family, you will always have all your wonderful memories to cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Jon - Keith, I think this photo speaks wonders all by itself…but even more so with the story behind it. It shows a life lived, while having a peace about it at the same time. I’m sure you will look back to this photo countless times. It’s a special one.

Your photography has inspired me for the months I’ve been reading this blog, but your humbleness has inspired me even more. Take care, friend.

ruth jarvie - Well my darling Keith, aren’t you a great great tribute to your father, I can’t explain the love beauty in the photo you took of his hand. When my cousin Laurie called me to tell me about your Dad’s passing, I felt so much anger and sadness for your Mom and his children/grandchildren, Mormor and Morfar, but thank God you took every moment you could to make the memories and let him know how you felt. We, Tom and I, Laurie and Bob, Wendy went to supper at your Mom and Dad’s summer 09, we never knew about your Dad getting sick. You could see in their home what love and artistry is in your family. It always drove me nuts that your Mom could build houses, boats at probably 10, 12 years of age. We grew up, Mom, Uncle Dan, Uncle Steve in Immanuel Lutheran Church (Finn/Swedes) confirmed with Mom and Dan. Mom and I were best friends, we lived close, went to same elementary school and Highschool. You know how quiet your mother is well she used to terrorize your greatgrandmother (who had the suite upstairs in their home). She would stand at the bottom of Farmor’s steps, after sneaking in her door, and throw sugar lumps up the stairs and Farmor would keep looking around to see what was going on, then of course she’d figure it out and we’d all kill ourselves laughing.
Another thing your Mom did was she was sick one night and was supposed to babysit at the neighbors so she asked if I would. I arrived at the house next to our old elementary school McBride, the kids were in bed, I was told where the snacks were and sat down to watch T.V… I believe it was just invented (I knew you were thinking that Keith). Between the kitchen and the living room was a swinging door, it was behind where I was sitting, I heard it swing and all of a sudden the biggest Great Dane you’ve ever seen was licking my face. Did anyone tell me there was a dog in the house? Did I have to change my pants?

I am so glad you have your Faith to help you along the way, I know that your mother couldn’t endure this without you and Kevin, your wives and those grandchildren she told us so much about and made your Dad’s eyes even brighter. I didn’t know your Dad that well but I’m pretty sure that what you saw in his kind face, his eyes and his words told it all. love ruth.

Kelly - Keith,

My pulse slowed when I saw your dad’s hand because I knew before I read your post what the words would tell me. I never had a father like yours, and today I realized that having a loving father is all I’ve ever wanted. Your father raised you to be a man in his image. And he did well, very well.

Please continue to share your wonderful stories with us.

Thank you Keith for letting me know what a wonderful man your dad was. It helps a great deal to know there are really good fathers in this world.

Kelly

chrissy Vix - Hey Keith I just thought I would share a msg I received from a friend the day after you posted this picture… (you have a lot more fans than I’m sure you’re aware of

Darlene December 10 at 6:45pm
Hey…I’m just sitting here crying because I just read Keith’s blog about his dad. I was so sorry to read about him & I went & looked for the picture you were talking about & I think I found it. I can see what you mean about the smile in his eyes. I know I don’t know either him or his family, but his pictures & comments have told me a lot about them. I’m so sorry about this news…

(She was referring to a photo of your Dad.)

Charlene - I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. I worked with your Brent (on occasion)- what a wonderful man always happy and helpful in his way. We often talked about family – his grandchildren and my young family… he will be missed.

Nancy - I’m a complete stranger who stumbled upon your blog because a facebook friend shared your site. I then stumbled upon the photo of your dad’s hand. It’s a wonderful image! a story can be told from this. I’m so sorry of your loss. I’ll be thinking about this image as I go to sleep tonight.

Kim - keith, my heart sunk when I heard the news about your dad. I’m so sorry for your loss. We all know how much he meant and will always mean to you. I did not know your Dad but I do know that he was very loved by his family and friends and he also loved you all. You’re words and pictures are absolutely beautiful and I feel so honoured that I had the opportunity to be a part of your Project 365.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Big Hugs. xo

Cindi - I was so very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He is no doubt still enjoying this amazing project of yours and breathing inspiration into your work. I could really appreciate your post as I too was with my mother when she died (20 years ago this coming April). I was only 22 at the time. She was only 60. My sister, Dad, and I were all there with her, holding her hands, hugging her, kissing her…crying and saying good-bye. I felt a certain peace come over the room when she left. She could rest now. It was certainly the most intense experience of my life. I thank you for sharing about that song – I had never heard it and I love those verses. I miss her so much – that never gets better. But at the same time I feel she is with me all the time. I wish you and your family peace and for those amazing warm, loving memories to fill your lives and hearts always. ~ Cindi

agnes - Oh Keith…. Tonight was the first night I’ve been able to catch up on your blog since I’ve been away. When I got to this post, my heart dropped. I never met your father, but reading your posts gave me a glimpse of what he meant to you and your family, and the love you have for each other that endures. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Amar - I know this was written a while ago but I am just reading it now…with tears running down my face. My heart goes out to you and your family. So sorry for your loss. I wasn’t going to comment, but then I read your line:

“If you are reading this and feel moved in some way, please leave a comment below and show your support.”

….so how could I not comment.

Also what when you say: “We were friends, good friends, and we both knew it.” Any person should be so lucky to be able to say this about their father.

Naresh - you touched my heart….

Thank you

Fall Seven | A Project 365 Photography Blog

An Ending :: North Vancouver, BC :: Documentary :: Day 343

Recent Comments