Forever

Tiina, my love,

When our paths crossed so many years ago, our lives were forever changed. We were destined to be together. We complemented and completed each other as a couple. Together, we held the world in the palm of our hands. We couldn't stop saying, "I Love You," repeatedly every day. We spoke often about our plans, and although not realized yet, the future was already written, and it was beautiful. You were so happy, so vibrant and so healthy and then in a blink of an eye, you stepped into heaven, and life on earth came to an end.

Sweetheart, my heart is slowly healing, but it is still heavy as we have reached the first anniversary of your death. The 24th of March will always be etched in my mind forever. You were so brave during your year-long journey with cancer, and you approached death with a ready soul, devoting all of your power, courage, and grace to those you loved most. You left us a lasting legacy of love, friendship, and making the world a better place. You loved and were loved and we miss you so so much.

Despite my profound sadness, honey, I am comforted by our shared life and grateful for our loving relationship. I remember when you apologized to me saying that this wasn't what I signed up for. Wild horses would have had to tear me away from you, sweetheart. We were intended to be together, leaning on each other every step of the way. You were my spouse, my soulmate, my love, my best friend, my better half, and my most ardent supporter. We had such a strong bond, and we shared our lives with such sensitivity, adventure, and love. We shared a life that was both beautiful and amazing. This past year has been difficult, but we are gradually healing. The void is palpable, and it's the most difficult and painful part. I miss your vibrant voice, sparkling eyes, one-of-a-kind laugh, brilliant smile, our morning coffee chats, our morning walks in Florida, your engaging dance wiggles, your playfulness, your feistiness, hearing you speak Estonian as well as Italian, our after-work cocktails in front of the house filled with sunshine, and our spectacular plans for the future. The loving memories go on and on. Coming home to you Tiina and sharing the sparks of everlasting joy was all that mattered, regardless of how long a day at work was. I was incredibly proud of you, and you gave me so much happiness. Whether at home or work, you made everyone around you feel happy. You were elegant, self-assured, and stunning. You were the angel who held us all together. You were a true inspiration to all of us.

Often, Tiina you asked me why I loved you. Of course, you already knew the reasons. Sweetheart, you were a stunning, vibrant woman, full of love, generosity, caring, wit, and intelligence, to name a few qualities (and I can go on for days). You helped me when I needed you most and you cared for me during my darkest hours. I can only hope that I was able to do the same for you. Taking care of each other, loving each other and being there for each other is something we have always done. Having you in my life gave me a sense of completion, excitement, and spontaneity. We treasured the time we spent together. Domenic & Tiina in love forever.

You were always overjoyed to see Sam and Max, as well as our loving parents, siblings, family members, and our wonderful friends. You made staying in touch, making plans, and keeping everyone informed about what was going on in our life a priority. It was the thing that gave you the most happiness. We expressed often to each other how fortunate we were for being surrounded by our wonderful children, family, and friends, as well as having each other to lean on.

Tiina, throughout your remarkable career, one of your greatest strengths has been fostering an open, collaborative environment at work. You were relied on by your colleagues for your leadership skills, which extended beyond your main responsibilities in Human Resources. Whatever you set out to accomplish, you excelled at, and I do not doubt that your opportunities were limitless. As you progressed through your career, you mentored so many great leaders and formed lasting friendships. Your fierce loyalty to your teams, profound knowledge, intelligence, and drive have all been witnessed by me personally as well as confirmed by many of your esteemed colleagues. You left an indelible mark on everyone who had contact with you. You always looked to make things better with a focus that was second to none. Your career was brilliant and rewarding.??

Everything has changed, Tiina. Familiar places appear vacant, strange, and only filled with cherished memories that come flooding back at any time and in any sequence, causing tears or smiles. Whom will I laugh with? Who will cherish me so genuinely? Who will I become old with? Who will comfort me and make sense of things for me the way that no one but you could do? I just can't imagine a future without you. This past year has been turbulent, and I've learned a lot about myself, love, loss, grief, family, friends, and life in general. Connecting with nature, breathing deeply, seeing things in new ways; appreciating butterflies, hummingbirds, cardinals, rainbows, and all the other natural wonders. I've read over 110 books, both to escape reality and to learn something new every day. It's been quite therapeutic to me in dealing with my heartbreak. One of the many treasures you gave me, honey, was the pleasure of reading. In a Dark Wood by Joseph Luzzi was one of the books that spoke to me https://bit.ly/3CTTm6u. You have had a significant impact on my life, Tiina. You made such an impression on me that you became an integral part of who I am now.

A part of me died with you, sweetheart, on March 24, 2021, yet a substantial portion of you lives on in me for the rest of my life. I adored you to no end. On the morning of March 23, 2021, we had our last conversation, my love. I arrived at your bedside and told you I loved you, to which you softly reached for my arms and replied, "I love you more than you can imagine," in a beautiful, sweet, soft voice. Those were the final words we spoke to one another, and they will live on in my heart forever.

Sweetheart, life can be cruel, but it can also be full of wonderful events that bring delight and joy for a lifetime. I treasure the numerous amazing experiences, such as a delicate touch, a tender kiss, your lovely smile, or recounting our story and the many wonderful holidays and events we've shared. It's all because of you.

Some of our favourite pics from around the world….Happy times!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/195224595@N02/albums/72177720297519030/with/51944904214/

Life is so precious and good. I’m doing ok honey, honestly (I can hear you say, “come on Dom, get a grip of yourself”). The kids and family are doing well. We all love you and miss you terribly.?

I will love you forever my sweet beautiful Tiina. Ma armastan sind alati. Ti amo sempre.

You are forever with me and my heart is with you forever!?

I miss you so much. Rest In Peace, my love.

Yours forever, your love, Domenic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxPj3GAYYZ0

https://bit.ly/3wRz3FI

Sincere, heartfelt thanks to:

Our incredible, resilient, amazing kids

Our loving, supportive, caring parents, siblings, family and friends

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center

Odette Cancer Center

Sunnybrook Oncology Staff

Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)

MacKenzie Health

Bayshore Health Center

Father Ernie at St David’s Parish

Mary Marano at Life & Family Counselling

Dr. Simone Douglas

Dr. Susan Benzaquen

Dr. Helen Mackay

Dr. Christina Dahkil

Dr. Vincent Maida

Debbie Dell’Angelo (LHIN)

And of course…Bella & our beloved Lily