Personal – John David Hickey

In the aftermath of the 2016 American Presidential election, Canada needs to be the strong, united nation now. The world will be looking to us for strength, for guidance, for leadership. We need to be The Beacon on the Hill.

Our leaders need to be strong and hold true to Canadian values. They need to protect us and to inspire us, and in turn, we need to support our country and keep it on the right path.

We the people also need to be strong. We need to not give in to fear or hatred or intolerance. It is 15+ years of fear, hatred, and intolerance that have led to this moment.

As Canadians, we need to rise above these base emotions and work towards better solutions. We need to let compassion guide us, rather than letting fear control us. We need to consider our second impulse rather than acting blindly on our first impulse.

This is Canada’s moment to shine, to provide the example, and to offer shelter and compassion to those who need it. We have a long history of doing that and we cannot afford to be less now.

We need to be more. We can be more. We will be more.

Dear Dad,

It was 9 years ago today that you closed the workshop for the last time and moved on past the Veil. 9 years! Someone was asking me about you just the other day and I said “He passed just a couple of years ago… No wait… It’s been almost 10 years!” Amazing.

In some ways, I’ve had lots of change in my life, some good, some bad, and some things have made me stronger, ever-striving to be a better man. Some things have not changed at all, but I’m happy to say that those aspects of my life are what make me happy.

You and I were very different people, but it’s also easy to see that I was your son. You created beauty with your hands, while I used my voice. We are both loners at heart, but we loved the company of good people. If we saw a need, we responded immediately and do what we could to meet that need. You taught me that lesson and I’m forever grateful to live by your example.

You were loved by all who knew you. I knew it back then, but I see it now too when your old friends see your face in mine: their expression softens, and smiles are spiced with nostalgic tears.

Today, I want you to know that I’m living a good life. This past weekend, I had a bad fall, but I was immediately supported by friends and loved ones, new and old. They made sure I was safe, held my hand, soothed my fears, and told me to shut up and let them take care of everything.

Friends, family, love, and community. That’s what you taught me Dad, this is your legacy and I’m living it. I love you, and although those were not words we said to each other often, it was a sentiment that flowed unabated not only between us, but through us, and outward to make this world better.

Rest well. I’ll be thinking of you today.

Your son,

David