I thought for a long time what to name the previous chapter (1996-2004). In the end, I could only think of the title "Gifts"

And there were many. Courses I wanted to take, a more eclectic but unique group of friends, *real*-ish experiments and research, the emergence of my special other and above all the gift of life with Dad despite of the pretty hopeless situation back in 1999.

Dad never regained RS mobility nor speech. He passed away on Feb 22, 2004 at the Lions Gate Hospital. I am fairly certain though, that by that time, he had regained much of his awareness and cognition.

Things are quite different now, and yet very much the same as before. In place of the moody spells of worry and fear are those of numbness and grief. I think these will pass eventually. Lilian will handle.

Lilian graduated from her B.A.Sc. back in 2002. Now she is onto her Masters, also in Engineering Physics at UBC. She is taking way too long on this degree too, but at least the courses are (finally) done ;) Now she can focus on making hydrogen microsensors at the NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation!