I suppose I might describe myself historically as falling into the conservative camp – that is politically. Not the modern definition of conservatism but that of Stanfield, Clarke and Mulroney. So I was interested in the funeral service for Brian Mulroney. A state funeral in Canada isn’t that frequent an event so all the more interesting from my perspective.

Caroline, his daughter, gave a wonderful tribute to her Dad and while there were many dignified speakers, it was her tribute that remained with me. She’s a very articulate woman but the honest and moving reflection of the relationship with her Dad struck at the heart.

Another gracious moment came with the singing of Elizabeth Theodora Lapham, his granddaughter. And if you weren’t moved by that she was joined by the audio file of her Grandfather singing. Okay, you would have to have a heart of stone not be shed a tear!

Here’s how the Washington Post recorded it…

A tearful Elizabeth Theodora Lapham, Mulroney’s granddaughter, sang Mulroney’s favorite song at the funeral as well as “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” She was given a standing ovation.

Few Canadians around during his reign have forgotten the widely broadcast Mulroney-Reagan duet of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” at the Shamrock summit in Quebec City in 1985, named after the pair’s Irish heritage and the fact that their meeting fell on St. Patrick’s Day. The 24-hour meeting opened the door to future free trade talks between the countries.

“And as his funeral wrapped up, his rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” echoed in the cavernous church as his flag-wrapped casket was escorted away by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police honor guard.”And as his funeral wrapped up, his rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” echoed in the cavernous church as his flag-wrapped casket was escorted away by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police honor guard.”

Now I pair this with the most unusual dream I had on Friday night. I found myself walking inside a building – it seemed familiar and reminded me of the facility we used in July for the Congress. As I walked into a hallway I noticed Wendy’s Dad standing there, with his back mostly towards me. So I called out his name and walked towards him. As he turned around it was MY DAD! I was so taken back and he had his usual big smile and I grabbed him and hugged him hard. I could feel him and his arms around me. It was the most realistic dream I have had in years. I sat up in bed…my heart beating hard. I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry or shout. I was overwhelmed. I told Wendy the next day it has been years since I dreamed about my Dad.

Memory is a wonderful thing and clearly my mind pulled some very real memories to the forefront.

And then to watch the tribute to Brian Mulroney who, despite his profession in politics, a naturally divisive public role, was at the heart of the funeral service – the husband, father and grandfather to this family, who were send to grieve very publicly.

I don’t know what your relationship with your father is or was, but I hope you get to enjoy as much time with him as possible. I’m a rather traditional kind of guy…good or bad…but I valued my Dad’s role in my life, what he taught me, how he corrected me and how he supported me as an adult.