Our Family chain is broken We little knew the day that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again. By Ron Tranme

I would like to share who my son Glen was. Glen was my first born child, He was an agile child, running before he could walk. His motor skills were exceptional, every sport he tried he excelled at with speed and agility that just came natural to him. He was always happy, full of love for me and everyone in our family. He was curious, adventurous and full of energy, wearing a smile that was so contagious, you couldn’t help but smile back when you looked at him. Growing up Glen was known for his charm and charisma. He lived life passionately. He was always very social, engaging and outgoing. His contagious smile lit up a room. I didn’t realize how many friends he had until his funeral when people of all ages came to pay their respects. I was greeted by an elderly woman whom I had never met who proceeded to tell me how amazing Glen was to her. It made me reflect on the numerous times I witnessed Glen holding doors for the elderly and physically challenged, the numerous times he offered help. My heart would beam with pride and joy at the selflessness of my boy. For this is who he really was. Glen had a caring and compassionate nature. His love for animals was truly exemplified by the times he would come home with strays asking me to keep them. He was always so gentle and nurturing to animals and had zero tolerance for those who abused them. Glen trained his cat Dopey to kiss on demand. Dopey even knows the difference between treats and a treaty dinner. I have Glen’s 2 cats Dopey and Leo and they still sleep in Glen’s bed. I would tease Glen about him giving his cat part of his name. His caring and compassionate nature was also extended to his family and friends. Glen was loyal like no other, everyone who knew Glen can attest to this. His loyalty, love and caring nature toward those he loved also included endless generosity toward them as no request was out of reach. He would go out of his way to help friends and family in need. He was reliable, giving, caring and protective. As long as people showed mutual respect for him, Glen was not judgmental toward others. Those who wronged him, he forgave quickly. He knew he wasn’t perfect and understood as humans we are flawed and mistakes happen, for him, it was the forgiveness that mattered. When those who wronged him and admitted to their mistakes- he was quick to forgive and forget and move forward with life. Glen was frequently referred to as an old soul. He loved deeply and understood things in a manner far beyond his years on this earth. He wore his heart on his sleeve, he had no problem telling the world- as he would frequently do on social media expressing his love and feelings for me, his friends and family. He always gave credit where credit was due, expressing is pride for his sister’s accomplishments, his brother’s support and my positive child rearing, and his thankfulness for my support, and my unconditional love. He referred to himself as a momma’s boy. His pride for his family was so large everyone knew how he felt. Glen always gave credit where credit was due, he always acknowledged those who supported him and loved him, and he always let others know what they meant to him. He was a beautiful soul. Glen loved to spend time with me whether it be yahtzee or playing euchre. When there was a good thunder storm we would make tea and sit on the porch and watch for lightening. Didn’t always go over to well if he was about to take a sip of his hot tea and lightening happened, I would scream and jump scaring him causing him to get scared and spill his tea. He loved to watch Colombo with me. Glen would have me listen to a new song he thought I might like or tell me about movies I might be interested in watching. Glen’s strength was his compassion for others and his instinct to protect the vulnerable. He had zero tolerance for bullying. This also became his demise in the eyes of the justice system as he ended up incarcerated due to his protective nature. Glen was also the first to message someone when he knew they were down. His empathy radiated as he supported his friends and family as he always went out of his way to let others know they were loved and appreciated. He knew how it felt to be down, to need support, and the importance of letting others know they were not alone. Glen was also a very giving person. Glen’s protective and loyal nature was also evident when he took the fall for others on numerous occasions. His love and loyalty was always shown at the expense of himself, his freedom and his future. Family and true friends meant more to him than anything. Although Glen was known for his humorous and happy nature, as he loved to joke and pull pranks, Glen developed anxiety and depression in early adolescence. He suffered with this for many years. It is said that the happiest people are the ones who suffer internally the most, this rang true for Glen. He was followed by our family physician who had prescribe various medications. Our family doctor never referred glen to a physiatrist or therapist. I feel the justice system also failed Glen. After his first conviction he was labelled. Incidences that may have been warnings to others were treated as worst case scenario and taken to extremes with Glen. So many who loved Glen have been robbed of precious time with him. My children have been robbed of a brother who had been their protector, their companion, their mentor. Glen’s girlfriend and her son’s hearts have been ripped apart as she lost her lover, her soul mate and best friend. Her son lost a father figure as Glen shared his nurturing nature with Dominic. Glen’s friends and family lost their most trusted and loyal companion, their one person they could confide in, the one person who never judged them, lifted their spirits and would give the shirt of his back to. What I can take with me that no one can take away, are all his beautiful memories. I am so fortunate to have been able to spend a vast amount of quality time with my son. We had a relationship that many mothers and sons never get to experience in a lifetime in our short 32 years we had together. I always knew where I stood with Glen and he always knew I had his back and loved him unconditionally. Glen would frequently post his love and thankfulness he had for me on social media. This is the peace of mind I have left as I grieve the loss of my son. I am so blessed to have had Glen in my life, I wish I had many more years with him.

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