I just left the funeral home in Bonavista. The father of a good friend passed recently and I joined the community to pay my respects, take time to remember a great man, and regale in the many yarns he could have shared with all in attendance. This story says a lot about Derek Hayley and the people of Bonavista.
On our drive from St. John’s this morning my wife informed me that we had “chipped in” on a care package that the Bradley family sent to Derek’s son Josh and his fiancé Roxanne; a feed of Marsh’s chicken and chips, a home made dessert, and a large pizza and garlic fingers from PK’s Restaurant. Brilliant, I thought, and thanked her for being so attentive with this explanation.
How often do we offer a hand to those most directly touched by tragedy? Remind them to call if they need anything – or extend our condolences with a promise to deliver on any bidding. Seemingly unaware that the bereaved are too shocked by their loss to make any kind of request. Why not circumvent the offer, and instead fulfill a knowing need by taking action and providing a true comfort and convenience; Food, eh boy!
She shook her head and looked at me in disbelief;
“Andrew, everyone does that in Bonavista. They could operate the fish plant’s cafeteria for a week with the variety of food they’re after receiving. That’s how we give at home!”
Josh laughed when I told him this story. Then he looked at me with the same impish grin he shares with his father and exclaimed;
“You wouldn’t believe it, Andrew. I’m after putting on 10 pounds when it felt like a lost a hundred. Everyone is thinking of us, eh boy! Subway sent down a bag of sandwiches. PK’s sent 18 pieces of chicken. The crowd are delivering coffee like we was putting out a fire – buckets of it! Sure there’s enough desserts at the house to fill every cavity in Bonavsta. Not fit I tell you.”
Not fit?
Now that’s what I’d call ‘Food for Thought’!
Go safely Derrick – God speed!
