Dear Dad,

As this day was approaching, I thought a lot about what I would post here…it wasn’t really a case of whether to post or not; just what it would be about … not something morbid, just something fitting, respectful and with love.

I remember you telling me about the early days of Channel 47 when the NFB would always welcome you, take your calls, because they appreciated 47 being a broadcast opportunity for their extensive library. I think you’d love the idea that a fair amount of their library is now available online.

It’s possible that not many of this blog’s readers are aware that Granddad (Canadian-born at that!) was interned at Petawawa for 2½ years. I think I told you, almost 10 years ago now, the time I was speaking to a 2nd generation Italian-Canadian colleague of mine about it — even after I explained that Granddad was one of thousands rounded up by the RCMP almost immediately after Italy entered the Second World War in June of 1940 — he was unaware of the event. I remember the look of sadness and disappointment on your face upon hearing that.

So, for today, this post will be a remembrance of things passed in an effort not, as you always said, to lay blame, but to never forget. In recent weeks, there have been other events marking that particular time, including a recent play — Paradise by the River written by Vittorio Rossi (Uncle Paul and Gloria and Uncle Arnold and Monique and I went to see it last week.) And, of course, there’s Barbed Wire and Mandolins, the NFB documentary in which you participated and told your story: from the dual-perspective of a young boy who temporarily lost his father, and an accomplished Order of Canada-decorated Canadian citizen in which it still resonated decades later. I’ve posted the doc below, and hopefully readers will take the time to watch it and perhaps learn more on a painful chapter in the lives of thousands Canadians and their families.

I think you’d be overwhelmed and proud at what we’ve all accomplished here over the last 4 years, and for all the many big things yet to be… but you probably already know. It’s all good.

Love always, Doreen xoxox

Direct link to Barber Wire and Mandolins on NFB site:

http://tinyurl.com/5rqyqe