Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to stop by here and fill you guys in on what has happened in the past year after the passing of my father, as you may know him by: "smook".

This is his younger son writing to you guys (Dan). I thought I would fill in some gaps that you guys are probably wondering about how things are with us and where we are in our life.

First off, from the beginning, it has been extremely hard for my family, especially my brother and mom. It's hard to even accept what happened to my father, since we didn't even have the opportunity to say goodbye. Knowning for one evening for him having some "minor chest pains" and then gone the next few hours - this is something that we will never accept. I have been the strong one in this whole event.. but I do have my moments .. and then it just hits me like a brick. having something like this happen to my family has made me realize how much things can change - all it takes is a second - and your whole life as you know it has changed. I have never have thought this would ever happen - ever. I was so fortunate to have him in my life and I think about him and miss him everyday. My brother and I were really close to our father - after ANY test or midterm/exam within minutes of completion, we would give our dad a call and let him know how we did, and if we didn't call - he would call us! But now on to our lives now..

For myself, that summer I successfully finished first year engineering at Queens University - and my dad was so proud of me. I was hoping that my father would have had the opportunity to see my house here in Kingston that I am currently living in (student housing! haha) - and even had planned that day he passed to come up and organize my house here in Kingston. Unfortunately, plans changed. Having to go through one FULL school year alone without my dad was very challenging, however I did manage to pass all my courses and proceed to my current level of third year engineering (bio-chemical option). I am now in my 4th week of my thirdyear program (one more year to go!) I wish my father could see me now, but in a sense I keep him alive in my memories and in the way I live my life. He lives through me.

My brother, being in third year chemical engineering (bio option) at UofT when my father passed - he is now successfully completed fourth year at UofT and is graduated now!!! My father would have spread his colourful wings and pranced around being the happiest man on earth. He always bragged to his friends about us (for being so smart and all!) . I'm sure you all had your fair share of his stories about how great his sons were! My father always pushed my brother to graduate, and he finally has. My mother and I are so happy for him and so proud of this accomplishment. He plans to pursue a master's degree in the bio chemical option (or perhaps something else) - this is something he is debating about.

Meanwhile, my mother has sevre arthritis in the hips and ankle. She cannot walk the way a "normal" woman her age should walk. It's honestly so depressing to see her crippled like this. And the only solution to this is the hip surgery (as they don't really do anything for ankles). It's hard for my mom to even imagin taking the surgery due to large amount of complications and how scared she is. And she simply can't do it now because I am in school and she's currently managing my father's company. I help her a lot with the business, and we all work together now to try to keep my father's dream alive.

As you all know - my father owned an IT company - and if you are wondering what is happening with it, well - it is still going strong even without my father here. Ofcourse it would have been better with my father around - but we are doing a wonderful job as a company.

If anyone has done business with my father before, you know how much he wanted to make you (his customers happy). And we plan to keep this up and see how far we can go.

Incase anyone is interested in perhaps looking into expanding their business with the means of internet and other tools - we would be glad to help and do business together! (I don't want to use this as a promotional/advertising tool so I will not be posting much about this) You can always send me a PM if you're looking for help.

I hope this sums up most questions and where we are in our lives right now. If there are anymore questions - go ahead and shoot! I'll try my best to respond promptly as I am currently on a busy school schedule.

Also I would like to mention that WE as a family thank ALL of you guys for donating for the wonderful corvette brick! It was a very nice to get a gift from people who we (as a family) do not know very well - as we have never met prior to the gift. (thanks to Ray for arranging this!) It shows how nice and warming you guys really are! And I wanted to write this in hopes to make you guys closer to us!

All the best,

Daniel Smook

 

Atta boy Dan, glad everyone is doing well!

 

Hi Dan,

Sorry to hear about your mom. I know it's tuff to see your parents in distress. My step-father has Parkinson’s and it has progressed quite rapidly in the last 6 months to where he needs a cane to help him walk.

It's good to hear your doing well. Soon you'll be getting your little pinky ring!, the eternal brother hood. Student housing can be a blast! I met my wife of 18 years on campus, gotta love Economics! She demands & I supply, (it's really not that bad, I'm lucky )

Keep smiling, he’s watching ya and smiling back!

Bill

 

Thank you Dan for sharing that with this group---you and your family are in our prayers!

 

Truly hope Dan that God gives you, your brother and your Mom strength every day.

All the best.

 

Hi Dan,

I am sure from reading this post...your father would be so pround of you all. It takes alot of strength to carry on. Growing up happens in heartbeat...one minute you are playing without a care, the next minute you are man with all pressures of the world on your shoulders. Keep you head up.

Jack

 

Hi Dan,
We've never met and I'm new to the group, but my sympathies go out to you and your family. Just know your father is watching over his family at all times, whether you realize it or not.

I lost my mother this past March (massive stroke). She suffered strokes 16 years ago and was totally dependent until her passing. It is difficult to accept the loss of a loved one but I know she is always with me and helps me get through tough times. I know she had something to do with my decision to buy a Corvette in June after her passing.

And in doing so, I met a lot of great people in the vette community who have (not knowing) helped/made me laugh and get through this first year without her.

Check out "Let it Heal" http://www.letitheal.com/letitheal/ for your mom. I've heard good things about them.

All my best to you, your family and your futures.
Vicky

 

Hi Dan, glad to hear from you and that you're doing well in school. Mark and I travelled to Atlanta this past weekend for the ALMS race and every now and then when I looked in my rearview mirror I saw the black Z06 Mark was driving and thought of your dad, wondering what he would think of Mark putting so many miles on the car
Keep up the good work at school and don't be a stranger around here.

Ray

 

Thank you Dan for the update. It's a comfort to us to know that you and your family are well and moving on with your lives. I am sorry about your Mom's health issues and will include her in our thoughts.