Today I begin a new series of entries on The Scorekeeper blog...which we'll call...'Philip's Fan Club!' While there were certainly numerous individuals who clearly influenced and helped shape his life...there are many more who, over the years, have contributed a remarkable and lasting impact just by cheering him on...in the good times...and in the bad...and would better be characterized as his greatest fans. The numbers are countless...endless...beyond comprehension! But then, who's keeping score? (hmmm...let me think!)

...welcome to "Philip's Fan Club"

NANNY and POPPA

Without a doubt, Philip's greatest fans are Anne and Bud, his Nanny and his Poppa. For 30 years they've been there, on the side lines, and in the thick of it...cheering him on!

Diane's mom and Bud were living in Kitimat when Philip was born. So when he was 6 months young, we flew to BC to 'show him off'...and to spend Christmas with Diane's family. It was a great week...our first time in BC...and, of course, Philip was the highlight...'the play of the week'! He still talks of the fantastic time he had that Christmas ( yeah right!...give your head a shake...HE WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD! ).

Philip caught the big one...and Poppa helped!

After that initial introduction to magnificent, mountainous BC, Philip made many a trip out here. And, of course, Nanny and Poppa treated him like royalty ( or was that Philip being a royal 'pain in the ---? ). Each time he would return to Hamilton he was laden with 'stuff'...clothes, toys, candy, money ...and...hello!... pencils! He was constantly on our case to go back to BC (I wonder why?).

Poppa lost many a card game to the 'shark'!

Diane's family, for 30 years, have shown Philip an abundance of love, patience and respect. They have included him in everything...made him 'feel' very special...which he is! From the time he was born...never a phone call from BC without asking about him...and when he got older...never a call without speaking to him. It was always, and continues to be, a joy to listen in on his conversations with his Nanny and Poppa.

A very familiar sight around our house

When on the phone with Poppa, the chat always revolved around sports...Poppa rooting for the Canucks and the Lions...Philip, the Wings and the Ti-Cats. But regardless of the heated rivalry...how 'in-your-face' the competition...the final words we always heard, from both of them, were..."love you!"..."love you too!".

Nanny assuring Philip he is number #1...ya think?

When on with Nanny, the conversation revolved around his schooling ( she was a teacher ), or his health, or the daily activities of his 'busy' life. Their time on the phone was never rushed...she had all the time in the world...to listen...to laugh...to learn...to love! She was, without a doubt, his greatest fan! He was number #1!

Nanny and Poppa's 'home on wheels'!

Bud retired from Alcan in 1998. They bought a large motor home and hit the road...Phoenix, Texas, Florida, Newfoundland, and, as often as possible, Ontario. They would park their travelling home in our driveway...and Philip, together with Julie and Johnny...and half the neighbourhood kids...would move in! Dinner time..."Where are the kids?'..."In the motor home!". Bedtime..."Where's Philip?"..."In the motor home!". One time they showed up in late October...guess what became the Halloween Haunted House that year? And guess who dressed like the big bad witch?...yep...Nanny! (Of course, that wasn't much of a stretch!...ooops...did I just say that out loud?).

Nothing was ever too much work...too much bother...too costly...too outrageous...for Nanny and Poppa. They loved all their grandchildren equally...Philip was not 'special' to them...he was simply one of many...and received his fair share. Every Christmas...every birthday...every grandchild...envelopes stuffed with cards...and money...and plenty of love!

Poppa reading...Philip recording scores

When we went to Newfoundland, we moved in with Nanny and Poppa. Philip was in heaven...we were in Ochre Pit Cove (after 2 years there...they were the same!). Bud made sure the cable from the satellite dish was ready and waiting for Philip's arrival...he knew The Scorekeeper couldn't cope with too much down time. And for 2 years Philip enjoyed the attention...and affection...and sated appetite...of his 'biggest supporters'! Newfoundland proved to be the best thing we could have done for Philip...and for me. Philip always loved the Rock (the wrestler)...I fell in love with the Rock (the island)! One day we'll go back there...the 3 of us...3 rustic rocking chairs...3 bottles of screech...3 sheets to the wind! Cheers! The future awaits us!

Philip drove everyone crazy...now and then Poppa drove him!

Today we reside in British Columbia...Nanny's and Poppa's turf. Only they're now living in Port Colborne, Ontario (we search...we find...we go...they move!...hmmm...are they trying to tell us something?). Just kidding...it's all good! In today's world, they're just a phone call...a click of the mouse...away. In fact, as I'm writing this, Philip is talking to Nanny, thanking her for the picture of Hulk Hogan she sent him this week (in the mail...she's old-fashioned, eh?).

Julie and Johnny are the fortunate recipients these days of Nanny's and Poppa's presence...they're only 45 minutes away. They get together now and again and each time the kids leave with wonderful memories and delicious, freshly made...'Nanny-made'...coffee cakes. Just yesterday she informed me she was 'up to here' in flour and dough (where is 'here' to a 76 year old...her knees?). She's getting ready for the next time they meet.

Philip lost out on his 'Oma' (my mother), who passed away when he was eleven. He remembers her...but vaguely. The void was wonderfully filled by his Nanny...Diane's mom...and we love her for it!

She and Poppa are his biggest fans. They are without a doubt...his favourite team!