An Open Letter to the Almanac Community
I looked down at the mass book trembling in my hands. There was a face on it, a face that was partly mine and partly not. The eyes are fixed in an intense stare; a bit distracted perhaps. He is young. So very young. His look is hard, like a man who knows difficulty, but it is not cruel. There is a difference. He sits up straight and strong. The future is ahead of him. He has no idea what it holds.
I flip over the book and I see another face. It is weathered and rounder and happy. Content. It is older; much older than the first face, but it is the same. This face is also partly mine and partly not. It is flush with a life well lived. His love of wine and single malt whiskey sits gently on his cheeks. The past has generally treated him well. He was a father, grandfather, great grandfather. He had his victory sash, his family, and his home. What else could a man want? He was my father.
I was greatly touched by the outpouring of emotion, the kind thoughts, the genuine, heartfelt response from the wonderful Almanac community following the death of my father. Probably more than I can say. Many of the messages I received brought me to tears because they were so obviously uncontrived, honest and beautiful in their delivery. They were real. This is a rare thing.
Indeed, my whole family was astonished at the reaction from the Almanac community. It was a remarkable thing. The Almanac concept is extraordinary. Others may try to replicate it, dissect it, rebuild it, re-conceptualise it, re-badge it, or remake it. But they will fail because the Almanac is the people. You people. Kind people. Intelligent people. We may not always agree, but I think the community around this site has an extraordinary bond; humanity. Forever grateful.
Dips
Read John O’Donnell’s eulogy HERE
About Damian O'Donnell
I'm passionate about breathing. And you should always chase your passions. If I read one more thing about what defines leadership I think I'll go crazy. Go Cats.
Dips,
All the descriptions the BBBs provided are true. A fine eulogy and great tribute to your Dad.
Sal
Dips brilliantly put it is a fantastic and unique community to be part of Dips where you form a bond with people who you have never met it was fantastic how all the regulars added there as usual well thought phrase or tribute all the best,Dips
Old Mate