Dear Daddy, October 27, 2017

I don’t know what to say or how to start, all I know is I miss you so much!! I miss your voice, your hugs and your gentle presence that always made me feel so safe and secure. You were such an inspiration to, so many people and you touched the hearts and souls of every student, teacher and co-worker who ever had the luck to cross your generous and loving path. I owe SO much to you that I can never repay. You taught me how to be the caring and loving and honest teacher I am today. Without your guidance I would not have been able to learn how to help the most vulnerable kids in my classes. I owe you all my connections with loved ones and family. You taught me the importance of connection and taking care of the people you love most. I will make sure to continue this legacy to my last breath. I promise to be the best, most caring, patient, loving, understanding mother to Elena and daughter to mom to help pay it forward. Because you showed me how to be that person. I have so much respect for your mind and all your knowledge on how to help, support and counsel others. I can also learn to be that type of person because of you as my role model. I also owe my SFU education to you and all you taught me though my university career. All those late nights you stayed up with me and helped me write papers and you loved reading my texts books just out of interest. I owe you for the beautiful home we live in that now Elena can call home for her life. As the legacy continues from generation to generation. I will always have you close to me in this home. With every piece of wood or piece or art on the wall or blade of grass in the back yard. You truly are my rock and support system. I don’t know how I can leave each day without you. I will always keep your memory alive. I will try to remember to treat David with the love and unconditional support that you have shown mom and I aspire to have the relationship that you two have had for 48 years. You taught me how to celebrate every person’s successes and put others first (most of the time  - not when sharing your favourite foods). I don’t know how I can live my life without you close to me. But I will try my best to keep you close in my heart and memories - and in Elena’s heart. I feel empty without you. I want you back so bad, a piece of me is missing. I will try my best to feel whole again one day. I will cherish you every time I learn something new or teach Elena through her educational career. I know you will be watching over us. For that I am sure. I promise to take care of mom and spend as much time connecting us to each other, to our homes, to Mayne Island and to the Purss Family. I know that is what you want for us all. The world has lost one of its angles on earth. We will never be the same and neither will every other person on this earth that you have touched with your loving approach to life, your connection to others, your educational mind and as the best counselor EVER for over 30 years. I love you with every part of my soul. I hope we have made you proud of how we handled the last weeks and months of your incredible life and in the days after your passing. We will always remember you and keep you with us.

All my love for eternity,
Your daughter Serena Dawn Purss Mattiazzo