Sean Punch

I know, I know . . . I've been terrible about posting updates here. That's because I've been taking my vacation seriously: making and eating holiday treats, catching up on movies, playing mindless video games, sleeping in . . . all that productive stuff. Maybe I'll fire off a year-in-review post if I feel industrious.

There's one bit of news that I just have to share, though: My father, Terrence M. Punch, has been named a Member of the Order of Canada! The announcement containing the citation is here.

For those unfamiliar with Canada's system of honours, the Order of Canada is the highest honour administered domestically . . . to trump it, you would have to go see the Queen. The Order is awarded not for blowing things up or pulling people from fires, but for long-term contributions to the nation's culture, identity, and world of the mind. You can read about it here. The short version is that when it comes to recognition within your field – in my father's case, that's genealogy – there's no higher honour in the country. You are The Man in your area of expertise, be that social sciences or ice hockey, and even Canadians who want to stick it to The Man generally acknowledge that the award actually means something.

I just want to say it publicly: I'm proud of you, Dad!

This seems vaguely familiar . . . They must have covered up the details. :D