(Originally published in 2015)

Although we are second cousins, I had only met her twice in my life – once in Calgary, when I first met her at my Aunt Jose’s condo in 1974. And then again, in the early 2000s, when she visited my Mom and us in Langley

Aunt Josephine was my dad’s second-oldest sister, who had lived much of her adult life in Calgary.

Diane, whose photo I do not have, was several years older than me and Patti’s Mom, her oldest child. She also had Jimmy, a son.

I will never forget when Aunt Jose stayed with my parents in Georgetown, Ontario, in the early ’70s, while Grandma St. Andrews was dying in the hospital.

Diane had also been staying with my parents but had returned to Calgary to be with her husband, Morris, and their two young daughters – Corri, the oldest, and Patti.

After Diane returned to Calgary, her brother Jimmy came to stay at Mom and Dad’s place.

A short while later, my Grandma passed away.

The funeral was held at the Union Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario, and a small reception was held at my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Joe’s home.

We had just gotten there when the phone rang.

Diane’s husband, Morris, had shocking news:

Diane had just been killed during a bad snowstorm. The car they were driving hit a snowplow on the highway, and Diane’s neck was broken.

I cannot find the words to express how devastated everyone was, except Aunt Jose, who had not yet been told.

It was decided to contact a doctor and have him there while Aunt Jose got the news of her daughter’s death.

It was the first and only time I had ever seen my Dad cry.

The sky began crying that moment for everyone.

Imagine burying your mother and then learning that your daughter had been killed on the same day!

That sad day was in 1973, and a year later, I visited my Aunt Jose at her condo in Calgary. While there, I met Corri and Patti, my second cousins.

I used to have a photo of Corri and me sitting on a lounge chair in my parents’ backyard when she visited a few years later with my cousin Donna Bickell, but the photo is hiding somewhere in my stuff.

But here is a photo of a get-together we attended at Aunt Jose’s place in 1988:

I remember that the visit was during the Western playoffs against the Canucks and Flames, and Jimmy and I had bet each other on the game.

The Canucks and I lost the bet, and Jimmy won the bet.

I am embarrassed to admit that I do not remember all of Corri’s children’s names, but I am sure they are grown and have children of their own.

********

Several weeks ago, while scanning some forgotten photos, I found a picture of Patti, who had visited us in Langley during a visit from my Mom in the early 2000s.

The youngster I met in 1974 was now married and was living in British Columbia.

So, I searched for her on Facebook and found her page!

I sent her a friend request with a short message, and was thrilled when I got a reply from her.

UPDATE: Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Patti included some photos and a video of her family; we have been exchanging updates on our lives.

When I began to write this story, I sent Corri a Facebook friend request. A short time later, I received notice that Corri had accepted my friend request.

Both Corri and Patti have aged very well—they are both beautiful!

And so are their grown children!

Although I plan to update this story with some photos in the future, I did manage to copy a picture of Corri and her son Steven.

********

I am also scheduled to go into the hospital in New Westminster tomorrow morning to biopsy my lungs.

I spoke to the surgeon last Friday, and he indicated that they would be putting a camera down my throat and into my lungs. And although it will be under conscious sedation, I need to be awake while they attempt to put the camera into the lungs.

I have had this done twice before, and it is an excruciating procedure. Usually, a couple of nurses are trying to hold me still while the doctor inserts the tube with the camera into my lungs.

I had to be there at 6:30 AM and was advised to be there for approximately five hours.

But then I will be able to return home, to be with my dog, Holly Golightly.

My fingers, arms, legs, and eyes are all crossed for good luck.

But I am not afraid—only the good die young (and I am not good or young).

UPDATE: Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Today is Patti’s 59th birthday, and I am re-posting this story about her.

I copied a few of the photos from Patti’s Facebook page:

I’m not sure about some of the people’s names pictured.

Happy 59th birthday, Patti! I hope your day is filled with lots of friends, family, laughter and love. I also hope all of the candles fit on the cake! Hugs and Love, Danny

Dedicated to Patti

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

You know it doesn’t make much sense
There ought to be a law against
Anyone who takes offense
At a day in your celebration
‘Cause we all know in our minds
That there ought to be a time
That we can set aside
To show just how much we love you
And I’m sure you would agree
It couldn’t fit more perfectly
Than to have a world party on the day you came to be

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday

I just never understood
How a man who died for good
Could not have a day that would
Be set aside for his recognition
Because it should never be
Just because some cannot see
The dream as clear as he
That they should make it become an illusion
And we all know everything
That he stood for time will bring
For in peace our hearts will sing
Thanks to Martin Luther King

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday

Why has there never been a holiday
Where peace is celebrated
All throughout the world

The time is overdue
For people like me and you
Who know the way to truth
Is love and unity to all God’s children
It should be a great event
And the whole day should be spent
In full remembrance
Of those who lived and died for the oneness of all people
So let us all begin
We know that love can win
Let it out, don’t hold it in
Sing it loud as you can

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday

Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Ooh yeah
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday…

We know the key to unity of all people
Is in the dream that you had so long ago
That lives in all of the hearts of people
That believe in unity
We’ll make the dream become a reality
I know we will
Because our hearts tell us so

Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday
Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday

Songwriters: Stevie Wonder

Here are other songs I’m listening to: These Songs Will Make You Smile Today.