I’m sure many of you who are active on Canadian Parents have heard about the loss of one of members. Darlene Gillis aka Kimberhockey mom, tragically lost her life as a result of a car accident July 12th. Today, she was laid to rest.
I never met Darlene - and truth be told - I hadn’t corresponded with her in sometime. But it didn’t change the sheer shock I felt when I read the post *Sad News* - I kept reading Darlene - killed - car accident. I didn’t matter how many times I read those words - I couldn’t comprehend it - I couldn’t wrap my head around it.
Darlene joined CPO back in 2006 and dove right in. She was posting all over the place - adding a laugh, sound advice - or just a hug if that was all that needed. I loved reading her posts - but even more I loved her quick wit and lively sense of humor. During our banter sessions - she always put a smile in face. In fact - I remember one conversation we had about cheese - yes cheese - and only the two of us could end up in stitches over a conversation to do with cheese. Behind the scenes Dar and I had several PM conversations - some light hearted, other’s more intent and involved. I could always see her warm heart and smile - and sincere desire to help. There was no mistaking she had a heart of gold, as a friend, as a family member and most importantly - as a mother.
I try to live my live with no regrets, but as of today I can say I have one - never having the opportunity to meet Darlene and letting our good times get lost in life and being busy. It didn’t occur to me until hearing of the devastating news just how much of an impact she had on my life - even if it was only for a brief time.
Dar - I miss you, more then you could ever know. I am proud to have *known* you and am sad that we will never laugh over cheese again. Loosing you has been felt through the CPO community - and from various things I have read - you left a positive impact everywhere you went. I truely admired so many things about you, the ability to pick up and keep going, to have such an optimistic outlook but mostly, the love you had for you boys - I can only hope to ever be half the mother to Myles that you were to your boys.
RIP my friend - you are never gotten. Oct 20, 1973 - July 12, 2008
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
Thank you for posting this Mandi. Is this a picture of Darlene? My thoughts and prayers go our to her children and family. What a terrible tragedy. Please let me know if you have her mailing address.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
Thank you so much for sharing - it is amazing what connections CPO has given to so many of us - even when those connections remain online. Cherish your memorie of Darlene. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and to her family.
Warmest,
Helen
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:07 am
Dar was a vibrant addition to our community, you could see the smile on her face even in her written words. She will be deeply missed!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:57 am
It really is a reminder that these people we meet here at CPO are REAL…
That we become friends online and that while we may never meet words and friendships last…
It’s such a tragic situation…
August 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
As Darlene’s sister, I want to thank you so much for the kind words. You would have loved her but she lives on in her boys.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Thank you - again my deepest condolences on your loss. She was an amazing woman!