NEWFOUNDLAND WON'T BE THE SAME!

Philip had to add another picture to his 'wall of fame' this week. His good buddy - and second cousin - Rod, passed away on Sunday, May 2, in Western Bay, Newfoundland. Rod was taken by cancer at the young age of 70 and will be dearly missed. He was a great guy! (see blog posted November 16, 2009) When we got the news, we were quick to transfer 'our' grief to Philip, thinking - 'this is going to be difficult telling him'.

Wrong! Oh, the telling was tough...the acceptance was remarkable. When we had finally 'gathered' ourselves and decided the time was right, we informed Philip, who was aware that Rod had been very sick. Upon hearing the news, he remained silent and pensive...for about 5 seconds. Then he replied, "He died?"(pause) "How's Gertrude and Robert?" At this point we became 'ungathered'. Philip has the uncanny ability to immediately put things into perspective. Rod's gone...he's in a better place...now...how are those left behind? He's clearly a realist, like when when the Red Wings lose. "You win some...you lose some!" he always says. Then starts making plans for tomorrow.

We asked him if he wanted to talk about it...or if he had any questions. He assured us he did not, and quietly went off to his room. No tears - no evidence of grief. But obviously in deep thought. A few minutes later he emerged - on a mission. "Dad," he beckoned, "I need a picture of Rod...the one on the computer...where he's showing his stomach."

I quickly printed it and off he went...back to his room. A minute later he called out. "Mom, dad - come and see this!" We dried our tears and went in - knowing all too well what awaited us. There, securely fastened to his 'wall of fame'... his personal 'memory lane'...his triumphant 'tribute to the stars'...was the picture of his friend Rod...surrounded by others who had gone on before. Oma and Opa, Auntie Elaine, Pat, young Jacob, and , of course, his beloved Emmitt.

The Scorekeeper was satisfied. Life (and death) was good. Now..."what time do the Blue Jays start?"

Every Spring the Carnival comes to Kitimat for a few days. Every year Philip says he's not going. "Too busy...too many scores...too much on my mind!"

Every year he goes! Wouldn't miss it! (I try my best to...). This year in particular we welcomed the nonsense...the 'midway madness'. Figured it would temporarily redirect his thoughts from the sad news he'd received the previous day. It worked. He had a great time!

He headed straight for the darts. And why not? He never loses! Pay 2 bucks...throw a dart...pop a balloon...win a 50 cent prize. Could it get any better? Not in Philip's eyes!

He chose the fuzzy green frog - for his sister Julie. Then cousin Danni showed up...feigned 'sincere' envy. No problem. Back to the darts booth. Five bucks...3 darts...such a deal! Pop...pop...pop! Three throws...3 balloons! A delightful brown turtle this time. Philip was happy...Danni was happy! I was hungry. Can we go now?

Nope! Bumper-cars time!

Philip, cousin David, and Philip's friend Nathan lined up...paid their five bucks...and ran for their cars. Jeff Gordon was nowhere to be seen - they were good to go!

After five minutes of bumping and grinding and yelling and screaming (sounds like material for my 'other' book) they exited 'exhausted'...grinning from ear to ear, and high-fiving everyone they knew! I loved it...let's go...I was starving!

Nooooooo! They got back in line! Round two!

There's only 2 things in life I've ever hated. The Montreal Canadiens...and making the bed. I've added a third. Carnivals!

We got home and enjoyed a wonderful chicken dinner. That is, David, Diane, and I did. Philip, of course, had 2 hot dogs...toasted to perfection...wrapped in the finest Kraft cheese slices...and smothered in fresh, spicy coleslaw. And off to his room he went. After all, it was Monday Night Wrestling!

The Carnival never really leaves town, does it?