...influences that helped shape The Scorekeeper

COUSIN DAVID

David showing Philip how to properly rinse after shampooing

Philip has been so fortunate to have many wonderful people come in and out of his life. Of course, in his mind, none are ever out...he remembers individuals, and names, and events... like it was yesterday. One of those individuals who entered Philip's world, at a very early age, was his cousin, David Weaver.

David was born in Niagara Falls, just 2 years before Philip, and since his mom and Philip's mom were sisters, the two 'little guys' spent some memorable quality time together (as you can see from the above photo). However, that relationship ended soon after that when David, his mom and dad, and his older brother John, moved to British Columbia. David grew up in Kitimat...went to school here...spent some time in Alberta...met his lovely bride-to-be, Danni, in a hot tub in Victoria (pictures available upon request)...and about 2 years ago moved back here to Kitimat to settle down...get a job...get married...buy a house...yada...yada...yada! The timing of his return to Kitimat, where his mother, brother, and BC- born sister, Lindsay still lived, couldn't have been better...'cause Philip had just arrived here himself a year earlier. The 'bathtub cousins', now 29 and 31, were reunited!

For a time David and Danni were next door neighbours. (how close, you ask?...we shared the same porch...we saw them come and go...we heard 'everything'!) The proximity of David's presence made it extremely convenient for Philip to 'bug' him every day...and equally expedient for David to seek therapy in dealing with his new environment...which included Danni, his dog Fred...AND PHILIP! The neighbour thing lasted all of 5 months before they moved...hmmm...was it something we said?...something we did?...SOMEONE WE GAVE BIRTH TO?

Actually, none of the above. They had found a nice little house 'not too far away' (just out of walking distance...hmmm...again I say...hmmm!)...and settled in to become the fine lawn mowing, house maintaining, mortgage holding, tax paying citizens of Kitimat that they are today.

Crazy eights anyone? Emphasis on 'crazy'!

Back to David and Philip. From the moment he arrived back in Kitimat, David took a special interest in Philip. They would play cards, go to the gym to play basketball, drive to Terrace (45 minutes away) for a teen burger and rootbeer, watch movies...basically just hang out together...and Philip loved it. David's buddies became Philip's buddies. And David became his hero...his role model...his best friend! (your days are numbered, Shirley!).

For years David had shown a real interest in social work, especially with troubled teens and challenged kids. His opportunity was waiting for him here in Kitimat...and whether Philip was an inspiration or not...David today is totally immersed in that field...working with the youth of the very town he himself grew up in. While Philip is not on David's 'professional' agenda, he is included in many of the activities David is involved in on a weekly basis. The impact David has had on our son in the past 2 years is phenomenal...we couldn't ask for a better place for Philip to live!

Philip and his cousin John...David's older brother

Recently David decided to surprise Philip, and together with his brother John, planned a weekend trip to Prince George (8 hours away) where Philip's favourite music group - the Backstreet Boys - was making a stop on their come-back tour...and they 'just had to take' Philip! The tickets were purchased...the hotel was booked...the car was readied...and off they went...the 3 Musketeers were on a mission!

Philip was beside himself (now that's a scary thought...'cause that would mean 2 of him...yipes!), and with notebooks, binders, and pencils in hand, he waved goodbye to mom and dad, and took off with the Backstreet Boys blaring on the radio. Look out Prince George! Half way there he picked up the worst head cold...used up every tissue in sight...and drove the guys nuts all weekend with his sneezing and wheezing! (not to mention that there wasn't a pencil sharpener anywhere to be found!). But...it was a great concert...he had the best time...endeared himself to some cute girls in the row in front of him who asked him to watch their coats during intermission...which he managed with great aplomb...and came home bearing the required tapes, posters and meaningless mementos. But only one exciting story...the 'cute' girls! ( That's my boy!...I mean ...man! ).

The only thing these two are fishing for is trouble!

Yesterday was Monday. And every Monday David picks Philip up around one, and they, along with another friend of Philip's, go to David's place to watch movies. The routine's always the same...2 notebooks...a pencil...his basketball binder ('cause David's a basketball freak and the poster boy for 'White Men Can't Jump!)...and 2 cans of Coke Zero. Then 30 minutes before he knows David's arriving...he starts pacing...and, weather permitting, goes outside to watch...and wait! Now Philip is a very patient person...he has no problem waiting...time is not an issue (unlike his father...who...if mom isn't ready at precisely departure time...will yell...and scream...and stomp...and holler...then calm down for a minute...then start yelling...and screaming...and stomping...and hollering all over again...only to leave 5 minutes late...sweating and frazzled...but with the most beautiful woman - who took her sweet time - at his side!)

One time Nanny called from Sault Ste. Marie to inform Philip that they would be at our place by 5 p.m. - they were coming in from BC. He went out at 4, sat at the end of the driveway...and waited...and waited...and waited! Nanny had neglected to tell him that there were 2 casinos between the Sault and Hamilton...and when they pulled in at 8 p.m., guess who was still at the end of the driveway?...patiently waiting...totally unfazed...thoroughly excited! Five minutes later...after the hugs and kisses and presents...he was back in his room...catching up on the 'lost 4 hours' of scores. He lives in a wonderful world!

David and Danni chose May 16, 2009, to get married. Philip was informed in January...personally invited...and the plans began. Only Philip decided he would not be attending. And why not, you ask? Because, he stated matter-of-factly, he had been to several weddings over the years (cousins of his on my side), he'd found them 'boring'...and anyway...he knew he'd be too busy that day...'cause May was a very stressful 'score keeping' month! He drove us all completely nuts! "I'm not going - I'm not going!"..."But it's David and Danni!"..."They'll understand!", he argued. And they did...assured him his absence was okay...and mom and dad likewise capitulated ( we all knew he'd be there!). And sure enough...May 16th arrived...the bride and groom were stunning...the attendants looked lovely...the room vibrated with excitement and anticipation. And there sat Philip...2 notebooks...2 binders...2 pencils...2 rows from the front! (an angry grizzly couldn't have kept him away that day!).

Has David been an influence in Philip's life? No doubt about it! His skills, his unique style, his 'street smarts'...his patience, his understanding, and his genuine concern...have made David not only a valuable asset in our lives, but in this entire town.

From bathtub...to bridegroom...they're an inseparable pair...a dynamic duo. Cousins by default...best friends by choice!

Love you David! ( you too Danni! )