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Dear The Hip

As I write this, it's been almost 24 hours since you played what most assume is your last show; and, what a show it was! Watching song after song unfold, witnessing it all alongside millions of heavy hearts, we had the privilege of feeling five hearts pounding out its unified pulse one more time. Your hearts and your songs have offered wisdom, solace and inspiration so profound, such cherished gifts to so many.

We are in awe of Gord Downie's courage and determination. Watching him stand and deliver in the way which he did, defiant in the face of an unstoppable foe, has provided us with so much more than a remarkable memory; it gives us hope that we too may find the strength to fight through our own obstacles. That Gord chose to share this fight with us rather than suffer privately is an immense act of generosity, and one that we are most grateful for.

To be given the opportunity to say goodbye in this way, if this is indeed goodbye, is perhaps the most precious gift we could ever have hoped to receive. You have taught us to appreciate those we love while they are here, to not wait until it's too late.

We appreciate you, we thank you, and we most certainly love you.

Yours forever,
Canada
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