Dear Rob

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Just thought I’d like to drop you a short note instead of a card on your 19th birthday. Most people would now say you are a young man. To me you are a man at 19. I became a Father at 20 and we have for generations sent men younger than 19 to war to die for their countries. Having qualified age I would like to tell you that you are a special nephew to me not only as a Godson but as someone who has the courage to strike out on his own. I do know over the past couple of years you left home and made your way on your own. Much like myself I left home at age 15 but permanently at age 16. There was many hard lessons learned but I never regretted it. Today 39 years later my first Foreman on Ontario Hydro is still a good friend and lives not far from me in Barrie. I would not have become the man I did without his influence in my life. He ultimately became Director of all Ontario Hydro Construction. I guess I say all of these things to emphasize the importance of what we learn as young men then put into use as adults. I was a rebel, hell I’m still a bit of a rebel. Along the way were many things that I see differently today than I did back whenever. Kelly (your Dad) as you know if I had a favorite brother… he would certainly be mine. He has taken a stand for me in the past when others chose not to. You have a great Dad and are a lucky man in that respect. I think as time goes by if your life is like mine at all you will see this more and more. Actually Kelly reminds me most of our Father AL in his approach to life.

I want you Rob to have a Great Life…..that’s what I would like for you to have. A great life is a happy life filled with lots of love and laughter. A life that can be looked back upon that’s filled with actions one is proud of. You certainly have proved you have the ability to do this. So I want to say I am excited for you with your move to London. I want to also let you know that you are part of a great family that sticks together were given the gift of faith by our ancestors but more importantly were given the brains and the ability to use them. I am proud of my parents and grandparents and what they achieved in times that were much harder than they are now. They left of a legacy of hard work, fair play and that “knowing” that family always comes first. I can tell you with a certainty that any of your Uncles will always show up if you need them. We all love you and want you to be one of us.

I also chose this way to let you know that I will give you all the support I can in your endeavors in life. I understand that you are going to college? I’m not sure on that one but I think that is what I heard. I hope it is true! Today is much different than when I went out on my own. As an adult I constantly had to take course’s to make up for my lack of higher education. I’m a little late with this letter; I’ve been on the road for the past several days and not near a computer. I’ve been living most of the time in Costa Rica and really enjoying it. I guess what I miss most is the proximity of my family. So here is to you Rob on your 19th Birthday. My wish for an exciting fruitful life for you and whomever you choose to share your life with.

With love and affection,

Uncle Peter

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