...influences that helped shape the Scorekeeper

EILEEN

What can one say about Eileen that is relevant, truthful, honest, and kind...hmmm...may have to think about this for a while...may have to dig really, really deep! (just kidding Eileen)

A friend in need, my neighbour said to me,

A friend indeed is what I mean to be -

In time of trouble I will come to you,

And in your hour of need you'll find me true!

I thought a bit, and took him by the hand,

My friend, said I, you do not understand -

The inner meaning of that simple rhyme,

A friend is what the heart needs all the time!

Henry Van Dyke

Eileen was, and continues to be, a good friend to Philip. She met him when he was 5...we had moved from St. Catharines to Hamilton and became neighbours of the Wilson family...Rich, Eileen, and their 2 children. Diane and Eileen hit it off right away...became best friends...remain best friends (in spite of the miles that currently separate them)...and Philip became the fortunate benefactor of that lasting relationship.

Eileen was always there for Diane...supportive, encouraging, critical (that's what friends do), sensible, sensitive...and seriously involved in Philip's 'growing and groaning' years.

As parents...often over-protective of 'special needs' kids...we are not always aware of our blind spots...we 'can't see the forest for the trees'...and miss valuable opportunities. Eileen, looking 'in' from 'outside', was quick to recognize areas that needed 'tweeking'...some improvement...and we welcomed her insightful input.

Throughout the years, on any given day, and without warning, she would call over to the house...get Philip on the line...and announce...in no uncertain terms...that she was going shopping, and..."you've got one minute to get over here!" Philip's face would light up...and unwashed and unshaven...off he'd run..."can't be late, mom...can't be late!" Eileen would keep him busy for hours...take him everywhere...knowing only too well the stimulation was good for Philip...and the respite was necessary for Diane. Philip would come in so excited... laden with 'junk' that Eileen had 'encouraged' him to buy...knowing we would never have allowed it. But it was all good...'cause he needed that fix.

Eileen's influence on Philip was significant...and we are forever indebted to her (and Rich) for loving our son 'as he was'! Eileen was, and continues to be, a constant in Philip's life.

Only 2 areas of Eileen's influence on Philip are questionable -

1) Giving him the moniker..."Mr. Cupcake"...which, I'm sure, she felt was a 'term of endearment'. But really!...what father wants his son referred to as a 'cupcake'? Why not...'Rambo'...or... 'Slugger'...or...'Hornswaggle'! But 'cupcake'?...c'mon Eileen...what's that make me?...a 'cheesecake'?? (don't answer that)

2) Philip started dreaming a few years ago. At first he was concerned...a new experience for him...and he needed answers. We explained to him that dreams were not real...his mind was simply running a movie in his head that was often mixed up and crazy. He was okay with that, until Eileen started showing up in his dreams...this confused him...but at least now I was able to impress upon him the difference between a 'dream' and a 'nightmare'! Now when he tells me that Eileen was in his dream last night...I roll my eyes...and he just writes it off as another nightmare. He can deal with that...being he is such a big fan of Scream 1,2 and 3...the Scary Movie series...and...Nightmare on Elm Street!

Mr. Cupcake ain't so cute and cuddly now, eh Mrs. Cupcake?

Philip has been very fortunate over the years to accumulate loving and lasting friendships. And this is the one area that has escaped his score keeping prowess...in his eyes there's no competition...no rivalries...no champions...no losers! ( no binders! )

To Philip, the playing field is level. But to Diane and I...well...we have our favourites...and Eileen...you're clearly up there with the best of them!

We love you dearly...now...in the words of Marie Antoinette..."eat cake!"