From the inception of our birth until the event of our death, we are destined to become orphans, unless by some act of fate our unfortunate parents live beyond our lifelines.  On October 26th, 1998, my father died of heart failure.  Six months later, on Mother’s Day evening, my mother passed from the ravages of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  The anvil had fallen, resonating through time and space.   My perspectives of life were forever altered, tainted by the residue of personal regret and the vivid k ... more »

From the inception of our birth until the event of our death, we are destined to become orphans, unless by some act of fate our unfortunate parents live beyond our lifelines.  On October 26th, 1998, my father died of heart failure.  Six months later, on Mother’s Day evening, my mother passed from the ravages of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  The anvil had fallen, resonating through time and space.   My perspectives of life were forever altered, tainted by the residue of personal regret and the vivid knowledge of mortality.  My son was a little more than a year old, destined to be an only child as my wife, Kathy, and I knew that we would not be able to have any more children.  The death of my parents shattered my prior interpretation of reality, and brought an emphasis to the limitations of life.  I wanted to leave my son a lifeline, a place where he could derive support, a pat on the shoulder or a needed hug.  Not for the selfish desire of media immortality, but to leave a physical record that he could resource, inspire his memories and perhaps use in his recovery from loss.

To Bear:  This book contains my thoughts on life and death, and the perspectives in between.  Pass this book onto the future generations of Lees; its presence owes its existence to the past, our forbearers.  Add to it when you can...your own insights into life, into death, the aspects of living and dying.  Make it not only profound, but profoundly yours.
       
This is the first volume.  I hope it will continue forever, as we continue to cherish, learn and prosper.  I have learned much from my father and mother, and I have learned from your insights and observations.  This will be your book Bear.  Add to it.  Let it be your reference and depository, a place of refuge and a moment of respite.  Less