Steve Lattimer August

[pugsood 97]

This is the August installment of our interview series with Steve Lattimer, forward in the VHL.  The Sun Gazzette is has a new monthly column that will cover the playing career of Steve Lattimer, who has recently joined the VHL. Beat reporter Michael J. Smith will be sitting down with Lattimer every month in his hometown of Mooselookmeguntic, Maine. 

 

Smith: How has your summer been on the ice and in real life?

Lattimer: Well the answers to both of those questions could not be more different.

 

Smith: Let's start with on the ice.

Lattimer: On the ice? It's been a dream. I've been able to integrate fully onto the Calgary Wranglers and my team has welcomed me with open arms. It seems like it's a team that's rebuilding or in transition, whatever stage or part of the life cycle we're in, it doesn't matter. Seems like everyone is enjoying playing with one another and I've been able to help. That's all that matters.

 

Smith: That's great to hear. Any issues on the ice?

Lattimer: I can't think of one thing. I just hope my general manager and coaches stick with me and keep nurturing me.

 

Smith: So what's going on off of the ice?

Lattimer: My mother unexpectedly died. I've been dealing with that.

 

Smith: Our condolences, how have you been faring?

Lattimer: As best I can. It's just a lot of responsibilities, a lot of grief, a lot of confusion given the unexpected nature of her passing. But I'm doing alright, all things considered. Certainly a void, certainly a lot of devastation, but I'd like to think that I'm treating her end of life affairs as honorably and responsibly as I possibly can, and making her proud.

 

Smith:  Has the end-of-life process been straightforward?

Lattimer: Not at all. I empathize with anyone who's had to take on these kinds of responsibilities because frankly, it's like learning a new language. I'm navigating it as effectively as I can but it requires a lot of patience, organization, and frankly fumbling around in the dark.

 

Smith: For those of us who have never had to deal with those sorts of things before, can you share with us a bit about what you've had to go through emotionally, physically, procedurally, etc?

Lattimer: Sure. First of course, is the grief and devastation of an unexpected death. You're trying to resolve the feelings that you'll invariably feel about things left unsaid, what your last conversations were like, and what not. It's hard not to have any regrets because, what would you say if you knew someone you love is going to pass away on a certain date? Probably a whole lot more than what you ended up saying when that person passed unexpectedly. The first week to ten days are all about hitting milestones. Planning a funeral. Planning religious services. Planning any celebration of life. Having the same conversations over and over again as you break news to family and friends. Then once the dust has settled after those ten days, you've got to map out the next weeks and months in terms of resolving affairs. I can't get into it as much right now but next month I can give more of a deep dive.

 

Smith: We hope you're taking the time that you need for yourself.

Lattimer: Thank you.

 

 

This wraps up our next edition of our monthly column with Steve Lattimer, member of the VHL.

Edited August 27, 2023 by pugsood