You Can Go Home Again

On August 29th thirty-one year old NHL hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his best friend, twenty-nine year old brother Matthew were hit by a drunk driver and killed while out for a ride on their bicycles.

It was not only the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding in which they were to be groomsmen, but it was later learned that both Johnny and Matthew’s wives, Meredith and Madeline were expecting.

Unfortunately this kind of tragedy happens far too often and with the exception of its famous victims and heartbreaking backstory every family affected by drunk driving is left absolutely devastated by its aftermath.

So, I not only wrote “You Can Go Home Again” in memory of Johnny and Mathew, but also for their parents Guy and Jane, as well as the entire Gaudreau family.

I trust its heartfelt message of faith, promise and hope can provide some small measure of comfort to anyone suffering the unexpected, sudden and non-accidental loss of a person dear to their heart.

It my sincere hope that by sharing this article it will bring an increased level of awareness to drunk driving and its absolutely devastating consequences.

You Can Go Home Again

One day I went for a bike ride and when I returned home. I was completely alone.

Then with a knock on the door. I was chilled to my core. When I saw grandpa there, And felt my eyes well up with tears. As he had been dead for many years.

He told me; I had come home at the right time and everything was going to be just fine.

He said; my wife was not here yet, but soon would be. And although she couldn't have missed me, more. There were plenty of others for us to meet before.

There’s your grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends you haven't seen, in a while. Who would like to ask how you’ve been and see your sweet smile.

The air filled with laughter, as we all reminisced and I couldn't believe the memories, moments. And people; I had missed.

Then my wife entered the room and knew her doubts had been untrue. When I said; I've been waiting for you. And we were no longer one, but two.

As I look back on this day I realized what happened, and when. I not only spent it with mine. And many, a friend.

I got to go home again. My life did not end.

? Richard Lawrence Belford

About the Author

Richard is the author of "It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later; A Collection Of Inspirational Parables” and its newly released 2nd edition “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

In this life no one is promised tomorrow and we often leave or are left wishing we had just five more minutes. This makes grief one of society’s most misunderstood and profoundly difficult experiences that cannot be resolved by closure alone if there is even such a thing, but by the slow measure of acceptance that only the passage of time and words of comfort can provide.

GenZ Publishing believes Richard's words can provide that comfort and his new book will not only inspire those who read it to always say; “I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye", but also believe; “The best is yet to come!” It's available worldwide on amazon.com .

Richard has always felt that those who've experienced loss should support one another’s efforts to comfort others and would like to thank the following for theirs. ??

The Centering Corporation's Executive Director Janet Roberts for publishing his stories about life, love and loss in Grief Digest Magazine.

Love What Matters for including his heartfelt stories in conjunction with their mission to celebrate love, compassion and kindness that provide the encouragement it takes to overcome life’s challenges.

The Good Grief Trust for sharing Richard’s parable Like Father, Like Son and his posts about Walking Through Grief and The Loss of a Dog, and for their vision to help those who are bereaved acknowledge their grief from day one, and the reassurance they provide by doing so.

If you would like to learn more about Richard’s writings and new book please visit his website at the following link: www.richardlawrencebelford.ca

The world goes on without them, for most it goes unchanged. But, for some it will never be the same.” ― Richard Lawrence Belford