Long May You Run

June 10th, 2012
     It's been a while since I put my fingers to the keys and 'penned' this next 'shoe box' tale. It is not due to laziness; I think about this blog every day. My thoughts are never far from Jon and how important it is to keep him alive here in our hearts. It is astounding how many other (besides his family)people work at keeping him close. The 'shoebox' fund gives us the opportunity to channel our loss toward a greater good: helping another person.
     Since my last entry I have been focussing on Let Me Tell You a Jon Patte, the book I wrote for his future grandchildren. I did the first re-write and then began the search for the photographs that complimented each tale. This has been a positive use for the loss that haunts me. I spent days (actually weeks) finding the snapshots and then began the process of scanning them into my computer; many of them pre-date the digital age. I am embarressed to admit this but techonology has never been my strong suit and it took awhile for me to grasp that the trouble with the scanner was 'operator ineptness'. The machine would inform me that it could not scan the picture because it was already in use. Believe me I got pretty tired telling it, "I know you are in use. I'm the one using you!" I think Murphy got tired of me yelling at the darn thing too. Anyway I finally discovered that I was sending the picture to a Canon scanner: I have a HP scanner. The Canon printer can be found at Seven Springs in New Port Richey, Florida. Who knew I had a default printer? I spent the next week scanning, placing the picture in the text and doing a second re-write while I was at it.
     Now it is time to think about this next entry. I would like to tell you about some of the people who have dedicated time toward keeping the fund healthy so it can help others.
     We have received individual donations in memory of loved ones and these mean a great deal; honouring Jon while honouring someone else is a wonderful gift to us.
     We have received and been fortunate enough to participate in fund raisers that are community driven. One such event took place in March. Here is the letter we received explaining the event:

                                                                                                               March 2012
Dear Shannon, Jake and Tamara,
     We ran a fundraiser during our 'Hockey Day in Canada' road hockey tournament in February this year. We had 30 teams at 3 sites and sponsorship from Tim Horton's and CBC.
     After weeks of having no snow and no real 'feel' of winter; that particular Saturday winter arrived. It was awesome and I thought of your family and Jon many times that day.
     Here is a small drop in the bucket for the Shoebox. Hope you are all well.
Take care
Rob and Monica Dyment

     The very generous 'drop in the bucket' (over $2500) will be forwarded to another person. For us the gift was far more personal; priceless actually. We came together that evening and through some tears and some laughter we remembered the many tournaments that Jon had organized over the years.
     Jon was well known for his prizes: he didn't give out participation ribbons; athletes know there must be just one winner when all is said and done.  With this knowledge Jon still managed to present prizes to hundreds of winners. You would have your "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E" flight winners and runner-up teams. I always thought that Jon's goal was to have every alphabet letter and every skill level represented at the awards ceremonies. 'Sand-bagging' rarely happened but the 'post coaches get together' usually involved some discussions on that topic. Competition runs strongly in all their hearts. The MVP hats were worn proudly throughout the tourney and for many recipients long after the final buzzer went. The 'Sixth Man' award was fiercely coveted. Jon had this uncanny ability to make everyone feel like a winner; players, coaches and officials. His referees worked tirelessly for very little reward; the players came first in all their hearts. 
       Our family is very fortunate to know, and to count the Dyments as our friends.

     On May 4th John Hinch ran a 'shoebox' event at Jax (the retired teachers social clubhouse). On this particular Friday night more than just retirees were in the building. Many came to hoist a beer to Jon's memory (the 3rd was his birthday) and they all brought their 'penny jars' and bottle return monies. We rolled for hours. The grand total was $1473.50, with $658.50 in coinage. I've never actually kept a 'penny jar'; I spent my coins but Jon had a change basket and Tamara, Rich and Jake all have 'change jars' so it was lovely participating with everyone else. It seemed fitting that Jon gave a generous donation, I don't think he ever rolled his change (I now have a change basket that is already filling up in anticipation of next years event). Watching Shawsey man the coin sorting machine was inspirational. Did I remember my camera? No I did not. I am almost tempted to finally get a cell phone. I won't be able to see the key pad to send text messages but I would never be at a loss when faced with a photo-op!
    Our family understands how fortunate we are to have such incredible people in our circle.

     On June 8th, Rich Dyment ran a 'shoebox' event at Whispering Ridge Golf Club. Did I remember my camera? No that would have been too organized. I could actually hear Jon saying, "Shannon why do we have that camera?" I need to staple it to my forehead! Did we have a great time? Yes we did, along with friends and colleagues we played 18 holes (a favourite pastime of Jon's).  We entered a family foursome and Jake (with Jon's mom and nephew watching) stayed at the par 3 10th hole and hit shots. For $5 our family professional would hit a shot. (More importantly they were there to say 'thank you' from all of us.) If your team managed to get inside his shot you got your money back. I don't think that happened. Many foursomes converted for the birdie; we did not (Jake left us with a 20 footer).
     When the evening was winding down Rich announced that we were a little shy of the $1000 he had hoped to raise (925) at this first 'shoebox' tourney. His brother Rob was the first to reach the shoebox with cash to top up the total, and I was the last (many between us). The final, final tally was $1145. Once again I am humbled by Jon's and my extraordinary circle of friends.

     This week we have plans to 'pay it forward' to two individuals (and perhaps two more as well). Each one struggles with a 'life altering' condition; not cancer but debilitating and incurable. I'm pretty sure they will be overwhelmed and surprised to learn that someone in their circle forwarded their story to us. The emotional hug you receive knowing you do not walk alone is indescribable. Jon would quote Neil Young. He would say you experience it, "over and over again".
Thanks for taking the time to listen.
LONG MAY YOU RUN