Thankful.

This weekend was Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving because it gives me a chance to gain perspective on people, places, and things. Perspective of people in the sense that I remember how thankful I am for all of the people in my life and how they have changed me; whether it be for better or worse.

Today, I want to talk about Paul Wallis. Paul is one of my close friend's dad and also my first employer. Mr. Wallis built a business that transfers tapes, film, slides and photos to DVD called YesVideo Canada [he bought the technology from the company in the States].

When I met my friend Elisabeth, we were instantly best friends and she wanted me to come work for her dad. Needless to say, I went in to the office and met her dad for the first time. He joked and laughed and made me feel at home. Over the next few months, I spent copious hours with Elisabeth in the film splicing room, chatting about school and boys. Mr. Wallis would take us out for lunch, and then scold us when he came into the room and found us doing more talking than work.

Over the next year, I spent most days after school at the office. I loved going into work because I felt comfortable to be me. Mr. Wallis would always chat with me about what was going on in my life. He was genuinely interested in what I had to say. 

Because Elisabeth and I were both very artsy fartsy and were involved with theatre, Mr. Wallis always gave me time off when I needed it for rehearsals. He always encouraged me with my acting, and came to see my shows, and videotaped my high school musical, and made DVD copies for the entire cast and crew. 

"If I ever hear that you are not getting your schoolwork done because you 'were at work', You will be fired SO fast." 

It was nice to work for someone who understood the value of school. That was Mr. Wallis. Always encouraging me to do my best. He always saw the best in me.

As the time passed, Mr. Wallis became like a second dad to me. He always asked me about boys, and told me what he thought about the one I liked. He always told me that I deserve the best. He took care of me when I had a hard break-up, and encouraged me to move on by letting me know that God had a plan for me.

God always has a plan.

Yesterday, My Second Dad passed away.

I never got to say everything that I needed to say...

So this is it.

I love you, Daddy#2, and I wish I could have told you all about this boy that I love. I'll miss your smile and your ridiculous sense of humour. I miss seeing you in your office chair, and I miss riding in the Golddigger with you, and your stupid country music. You have changed me. I miss you already. I'll have so much to tell you when I see you. I'll take care of Elle for you. She loves you. Hope you're having a great time partying with Jesus.

Love, Emma Cate

You Hold Me Now - Hillsong United

On that day when I see

All that You have for me

When I see You face to face

There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away

In the light of Your embrace

Where Your love is all I need

And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold

In Your presence healed and whole

Let the songs of heaven

Rise to You alone

No weeping no hurt or pain

No suffering You hold me now

You hold me now

No darkness no sick or lame

No hiding You hold me now

You hold me now

In this life I will stand

Through my joy and my pain

Knowing there's a greater day

There's a hope that never fails

Where Your Name is lifted high

And forever praises rise

For the glory of Your Name

I'm believing for the day

Where the wars and violence cease

All creation lives in peace

Let the songs of heaven

Rise to You alone

For eternity

All my heart will give

All the glory to Your Name