I have been thinking about remembrance a lot these days. In fact, the theme of remembrance comes at a rather appropriate time of my life. I recently lost someone close to me, which was completely unexpected at the time when this topic was chosen for November’s issue.

That being said, I am not sure I really have any profound words of wisdom. Everyone experiences grief differently, and how we remember someone depends a lot on who the person was to us. When someone passes from this world, the people left behind often talk about their favourite memories of that person.

I find myself doing the same thing. It is cathartic and helps me to re-live those special moments. And, there are always regrets about opportunities not taken. My advice is to make time for people we care about, so that we have those memories later on when they really count.

Sometimes people make fun of me for taking so many pictures, but really, there will come a time when those photos are treasured possessions. Believe me, I know this better than anyone at the moment. So, a word of warning to all my friends out there: the next time I get into your face with a camera, bear with me.

Grieving brings good days and bad days, and rarely a day can go by without thinking of that person. Remembering a person keeps them alive in one’s heart, and there is nothing wrong with that. It is a lot better than “stuffing” one’s emotions and hoping the pain just disappears.

Dr. Seuss offers some wonderful advice: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Let’s all take time to remember someone and smile.