It is times like this that one is at a loss for words. Imagine.... me speechless.
I came across this quote from a book entitled “Unweaving the Rainbow” that a father used as a eulogy for an unexpectedly "early” death (18 year old son).
“We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky ones. Most people are never going to be born. The potential people who could have been here in my place but who will in fact never see the light of day outnumber the sand grains of Arabia. Certainly those unborn ghosts include greater poets than Yeats, scientists greater than Newton. We know this because the set of possible people allowed by DNA so massively exceeds the set of actual people. In the teeth of these stupefying odds it is you and I, in our ordinariness, who are here.”
Maurice, our parents both beat the unbelievable odds and attained Life and passed on to us the right combination of their DNA to give you and I Life. Any other combination and it would be others in our place! I celebrate that combination of DNA because it gives me (a lucky one) the opportunity to know you!
Your brother, Doug
Doug -
I love this philosophy on life and death and I truly hope this has brought comfort to you in these last few days. We really are the lucky ones to be alive and able to appreciate this wonderful earth we live on and all the amazing souls with whom we share it. “In the teeth of these stupefying odds” – like-minded souls have somehow found each other, joined families, formed circles of friends, shared ideas and inspired each other to become even better. Maurice inspired us all – to appreciate the earth more, enjoy life and care for the defenseless. I wish I could have known him beyond his beautiful images and inspirational philosophy on life, but I am so happy that our paths crossed. I believe I am a better person because of it.
- Paulette
Thank you Paulette for those wonderful words. You are correct in that the quote I used has indeed comforted me on a number of occasions.
Friday April 15 at 11:30 PM Maurice took his last breath after a 6 month battle with cancer. His beloved wife and a favourite niece were at his side. We celebrate the joy, wisdom, and dry sense of humour he brought to our lives. He will be missed by all who knew him!
Curiosity today pushed me to click on these comments. I was shocked to see these messages. I only just discovered Maurice's photos earlier this week and they brought me such tranquility and wonder. I am so sorry to learn that this special man has transitioned to another plane of existence. His photos are magical and his heart clearly was pure. I really enjoyed the writing beneath his wondrous images and looked forward to seeing more of his work. I am so sorry but know his work will always be there to remind you of his presence. I have experienced the loss of several loved ones in the past year and wrapping myself in the warmth of their imagines and my many fond memories has seen me through. What a gift he left us!
Dear Karen,
Our thought and prayer are with you. Maurice will be missed by all of us ....
It is times like this that one is at a loss for words. Imagine.... me speechless.
I came across this quote from a book entitled “Unweaving the Rainbow” that a father used as a eulogy for an unexpectedly "early” death (18 year old son).
“We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky ones. Most people are never going to be born. The potential people who could have been here in my place but who will in fact never see the light of day outnumber the sand grains of Arabia. Certainly those unborn ghosts include greater poets than Yeats, scientists greater than Newton. We know this because the set of possible people allowed by DNA so massively exceeds the set of actual people. In the teeth of these stupefying odds it is you and I, in our ordinariness, who are here.”
Maurice, our parents both beat the unbelievable odds and attained Life and passed on to us the right combination of their DNA to give you and I Life. Any other combination and it would be others in our place! I celebrate that combination of DNA because it gives me (a lucky one) the opportunity to know you!
Your brother, Doug
Doug -
I love this philosophy on life and death and I truly hope this has brought comfort to you in these last few days. We really are the lucky ones to be alive and able to appreciate this wonderful earth we live on and all the amazing souls with whom we share it. “In the teeth of these stupefying odds” – like-minded souls have somehow found each other, joined families, formed circles of friends, shared ideas and inspired each other to become even better. Maurice inspired us all – to appreciate the earth more, enjoy life and care for the defenseless. I wish I could have known him beyond his beautiful images and inspirational philosophy on life, but I am so happy that our paths crossed. I believe I am a better person because of it.
- Paulette
Thank you Paulette for those wonderful words. You are correct in that the quote I used has indeed comforted me on a number of occasions.
Friday April 15 at 11:30 PM Maurice took his last breath after a 6 month battle with cancer. His beloved wife and a favourite niece were at his side. We celebrate the joy, wisdom, and dry sense of humour he brought to our lives. He will be missed by all who knew him!
Curiosity today pushed me to click on these comments. I was shocked to see these messages. I only just discovered Maurice's photos earlier this week and they brought me such tranquility and wonder. I am so sorry to learn that this special man has transitioned to another plane of existence. His photos are magical and his heart clearly was pure. I really enjoyed the writing beneath his wondrous images and looked forward to seeing more of his work. I am so sorry but know his work will always be there to remind you of his presence. I have experienced the loss of several loved ones in the past year and wrapping myself in the warmth of their imagines and my many fond memories has seen me through. What a gift he left us!
Dear Karen,
Our thought and prayer are with you. Maurice will be missed by all of us ....
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