Friday, February 19, 2021
There are no words to fathom losing James. Shock and sadness don't go far enough. As parents, we can't help but reflect. Not only on James’s life, but on the lives of our own children, as well. On those that helped them in quiet, ordinary ways. My memories of James are just that. His quiet kindnesses. The selfless and seemingly effortless way he brought joy. Ways in which he probably wasn’t even aware. James played hockey with my daughter, Sarah, on the SMS Modified Hockey team. At the time, Sarah was only one of a few girls playing. She is shy by nature, and playing a sport that is mostly male didn't help. That's where James stepped in. He was welcoming when other teammates were unintentionally dismissive. They might not have noticed, but he did, and he went out of his way to make sure Sarah was included. He trained and worked with her as he would any other teammate. He made a difference in Sarah's life, helping make hockey fun, when it could have just as easily have become a chore. James was all these things, whether he knew it or not. Quiet. Kind. Giving. He will be missed, and the memory of his ordinary kindnesses cherished...at least for us. Rest in peace, sweet boy. Marianne Morea and Family
