In this poignant memoir, award-winning writer Charles Foran reflects on the complex relationship between fathers and sons, love and loss, as his own father nears the end of life. Dave Foran, a man of few words and formidable experiences, lived a life filled with adventure and hardship, from surviving in the bush to facing down a bear. Despite being a decent father and devoted husband, he was emotionally distant, grappling with unresolved wounds from his past. As Charlie notes, “He struggled most days of his life with wounds he could not readily identify.” At 55, Charlie witnesses his father's gradual decline and feels an unexpected urge to explore their relationship through writing. His motivation is twofold: to alleviate his father's burdens and to confront his own feelings of sadness. In spare, haunting prose, the memoir delves into Charlie's journey of understanding and connection with his father, revealing a universal narrative about the fleeting nature of life. Through humor, intimacy, and a love of life amid uncertainty, this brief yet impactful book portrays a son as witness and guide to his father’s final days. It poses a profound question: What stories can we share to navigate the insecurities of self and the relentless passage of time?
