On Sunday, April 17, the 10th anniversary of my father’s death from stage four lung cancer, my mother and I placed a floral tribute on his memorial bench on the seawall in Qualicum Beach. And someone took it.
There was no mistaking it for a memorial tribute as we included the memorial my brother had placed in the newspapers. The bench is just in front of the so-called ‘eagle tree’ — the locals will know it well.
What I cannot fathom is why anyone would take it?
My dad thought this place was paradise. The bench was initially a gift for my mom and dad’s 50th anniversary. Then when my dad passed, the plaque was changed to reflect what my dad wanted it to say. Now my mom goes there to remember him.
The red rose of Lancashire (which is where he was from) is often placed on the bench to remember my dad when family members visit from out of town, or on special days like birthdays or Father’s Days, but because this was the 10th anniversary and because this is also Cancer Awareness Month, we felt a larger bouquet was appropriate.
So, to whomever is enjoying our father’s tribute, we hope you feel the love it was intended to inspire.
Karen M. LambertQualicum Beach