Hi D’Arcy,

I sit here hours after learning about your passing, trying to process and understand this heartbreaking news. I wish terribly that I had known about this forum earlier but I write this to you in the hopes that you can feel the love and admiration I have for you.

I’ve known you for many many years and in many ways I didn’t know you well. As far as dental hygienist and patient relationships go, you are one of my favourites. Both you and Jeanette always stood out for me. I would see your name on the schedule and smile knowing, not only will it be an easy cleaning, LOL but that I will have the pleasure of your company for an hour. We’ve had some really great conversations over the years. The appointment times that we shared always left me with a feeling that, this man D’Arcy, is kind, patient, grounded and very real human being. Being real and oneself, is a quality that I don’t come across often enough.

One day, sadly our conversations became about cancer. Your courage, strength, grace and vulnerability that you shared with me will always be remembered. There was a connection, an understanding a vulnerability that was raw and real to the core, that only you, Jeanette and I will carry forward. I’m grateful for that day, for that moment in time where everything around us faded and became still. Thank you for always being a pleasure in my day. I’ll miss you.

Jeanette,

I am so so sorry for your loss. I wish there were words that I could share with you, that would make a difference. Words that could ease your heartache and pain, even for just a moment. But sadly those words that I have written and erased multiple times, all feel so empty. So instead, I’m simply wrapping all my love around you and around D’Arcy because I don’t know what else to do.

Thinking of you with all my heart