I’ll at all times bear in mind standing inside our daughter’s room on the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in February of 2017.
She had simply undergone a process to appropriate a congenital neurological situation, an sudden growth that fully rocked our household’s world. Our daughter — who was normally a ball of vitality and enthusiasm — was abruptly having bother consuming and doing easy duties reminiscent of strolling a number of steps down the hallway.
It was a hellscape that no mother or father ought to must endure.
At the depths of my despair, a brilliant and vibrant package deal was delivered to her hospital room with a handwritten word.
Elissa,
Wishing you a speedy restoration!
Eugene Melnyk
Inside the cellophane-wrapped package deal, there was a group of Senators merchandise that was completely suited to a 12-year-old lady. It was a considerate gesture that I used to be sure was accomplished by considered one of Eugene Melnyk’s private assistants.
But a number of days later, I used to be given a good larger shock.
Inside the Canadian Tire Centre, Melnyk made his means throughout a crowded room and made a beeline for me.
He prolonged his arm, shook my hand and along with his different hand on my shoulder requested me, “How is your daughter doing?”
Melnyk had a honest look in his eyes. It felt like a dialog that solely mother and father may have with one another.
He advised me about his two daughters — Anna and Olivia — and the way well being and household had been the one two issues that really mattered in life. Having simply undergone a liver transplant of his personal, I felt he was talking from the guts.
We shared a second that I felt was real.
But inside two years of that second, Melnyk was now not returning my texts or emails.
