Welcome to Dad's 65th Birthday Blog!!
In light of his new techno savvy ways, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this milestone in his life.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Welcome to Dad's Birthday Site
The theme of these stories are "What story do you think of when you think of Bill Rae". A great reminder of what you mean to so many people in the world.
20 comments:
Anonymous
said...
During my senior year of highschool, I had overcomitted myself to too many activities and one night I came home particularly stressed out. I believe that I came into the living room and made a few sassy/snarky comments that quite possibly deserved a slap. I still remember the moment when my dad threw his paper down, strode quickly towards me (I was thinking that the deserved slap was about to come) and he came straight up to me, stopped and gave me a hug. That moment defined unconditional love to me and it is something that will stay with me forever.
Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you have a fabulous day!
um well as you all are probably aware I don't say sassy things to my father...
I do recall one rainy summer night with a strong west breeze (which means its coming from the west not going to the west) just setting the stage even tho I have no idea what it was actually like outside on this particular night.
I was in high school and there came a tragic end to a romance. I walked downstairs trying not to trip over my lower lip. My dad was lying down watching tv so I crawled in behind and pretended to watch. My dad continued to watch tv and ask what the problem was after listening for a few minutes he said, "well kid, if this is the worse thing that happens to you, its going to be a pretty good life". Since that day anytime I've been in a tough situation these words come to me.
Dad you have always been a sincere and attentive listener. After you have listened to some woes or stories you usually had some short piece of advice.
Some wise words of advice to live by (spoken by Bill Rae):
"It takes all kinds (of people)to make the world go 'round .... and we got them." This word of advice covered a lot of ground growing up. Anytime I felt that something or someone wasn't fair I could always pull this out to explain almost any situation, good or bad.
"I'll believe you ...where thousands wouldn't." This was a great one to keep you honest!
I remeber way back when I was a baby me and my poppa were having a nap and here is the story. My poppa got up from our nap to go to the bathroom. While he was waking up he saw something wet on his lap. Once he got to notice it, he realized it was a sweat puddle from me, his crazy grand-daughter. So, happy birthday poppa. Oh, and my sweat puddle says hi too. Love, Mikaela
Thanks for all the early morning rides to hockey practice, golf games, late night beers, construction war stories, weekend renos. & belly laughs about flipping Bomber in that canoe. Happy 65th and looking forward to lots of great times to come.
Looking at all the stories, it reminds me of a hourglass of time. How lucky we were to have such a lovely life and our children brought us only love and good times. The future is ours with our two grandchildren. We love them dearly and it shows. We love Mark and thanks to him we look forward any additions to our family. You are a good husband and I love you dearly. You made me laugh myself silly when you ran with two garbage cans in your hands and slipped and fell in the mud, trying to beat me down the stairs at the marina. My devoted love to you - Marion
It was a warm summers evening and we were on a trip bound for the newly constructed Milles Roches Beach (~1960). Bill Rae, Donnie Parker and Kenny Pidgeon had planned to take a D-9 bulldozer for a ride. Bill Gallinger was designated as a watchman at the main entrance in case the police arrived (his first real brush with trouble - ha!). When we arrived at the beach we all took our posts. I was on guard and Bill, Donny and Kenny fired up the big D-9 dozer. I could hear the engine at the road where I was shaking in my boots for fear of police. They pointed the D-9 towards the lake, drove it through the sand beach and into the water where they traveled so no one could see the tracks. After traveling for a distance to the north end of the beach, they brought the dozer out of the water and then drove it into the bush to hide it. When the construction crew returned to work in the morning all they could see were wide tracks leading into the lake and no D-9 in sight. Eventually they found the bulldozer hidden in the bush unharmed. We all had a good laugh but, being the young watchman, I was sure glad to see this episode over with!
P.S. Happy Birthday Bill! I look forward to many more productive meetings in the cigar bar! Maybe then we'll talk about the driving lesson you gave me in the "Hillman" and my first encounter with the law. (…You're first ticket?)
Bill and Connie were always my favourite cousins. Actually my only cousins. Connie always noted that we also share the "Rae" trait of "stubborness" Over the years there have been many defining moments in our relationship-all positive. Bill has been a mentor and a true friend. Over the years there have been many "defining" moments in our relationship- all positive. He has been a mentor and a true friend. Last Easter Bill decided to drive out to Vancouver to build a deck for Christi. He always wanted to make this trip and since he prefers to use his own tools on a job it would be a win-win situation. I was envious and intrigued when I first heard about his plan. But it wasn't until Good Friday that I gave Bill a call and asked if he would like a passenger for the first stage of his trek. Amy had decided to join her dad for the second stage of the road trip. She would fly into Winnipeg. It was a wonderful experience. Easy conversation, great weather, ample supply of Century Sam cigars, flexible timetable, a competent navigator (Bill), a pencil, a pad of paper and a disposable camera. (David) When Amy came aboard she brought much appreciated technology and the expertise to use it. The road trip was a tremendous opportunity for two already "proud Canadians" to experience our country like we never had before.
Bill: Hopefully some of the following notepad jottings will bring back some memories:
-Departure-Easter Sunday - Rainbow over Lunenburg - Chalk River- Breakfast - Easter Egg Hunt -North Bay- Duchesny Falls Break - Lake Nipissng - Sturgeon Falls- Only Tim's stop! -Sudbury- Stomping Tom's City -Sunday Night and NO Bingo -Sault St. Marie - Upscale Motel - "27" inch T.V. -Lake Superior Ale - David's watch-4:30 - Wawa- still NO moose in sight -White River- Forest fire country -Teck-Corona Mine -Marathon- Inukshuks " In The Image Of Man" -Friendship & Cooperation -Thunder Bay- Courage Highway - Terry Fox Monument -True Canadian Hero -Amythst Mine Outlet (Treasures for Mikaela&Alexandra) - Kakabeka Falls- Niagara Falls of the North -Trout& Old Vienna (Scotch & Century Sam's) -Kenora- "K" Town -Visit Zabloski Family -Notre Dame Du Portage (Rick asks if we saw "Husky the Muskie?) -MANITOBA -Time Zone Change -Terrain flatter Steinbach-Lunch-"Lone Ranger" -Winnipeg- First Impressions? -C.A.A. Assistance -Pickerel& Salmon -scotch& Century Sam's (Manitoba Ale under starlight) -Portage & Main -Original Hudson Bay -The "Forks" (flood time) -Perogies & Borscht -Manitoba Legislature - Amy's Arrival- -Great Traveller& Driver -Technology expert - Over-night in Brandon
SASKATCHEWAN -Highway # 1 -Moosomin"Grain Elevator -Prairie Pride Motel (Will Stop Next Time) * Amy and Christie book my E-Ticket
ALBERTA
-Medicine Hat-Hockey-Tigers -oil rigs in farm fields -construction EVERYWHERE! Calgary - Bustling City -Flames Play off Fever -supper at Earl's -Visit with Bert *Bill finally able to read the Globe and Mail -Amy and Bill Off to the Rockies *David purchases: "Stock Investing For DUMMIES" * E-TICKET WORKS! (THank-you Amy &Christi)
I see everyone continues to tip toe on egg shells when discussing Bill. If he has all his relatives saying nice things I guess I better not rock the boat. I have given some thought to the many conversations and stories I've had the privilege of sharing. (some of them more than once some even more than twice!) Fortunately, many were accompanied by a roaring blaze and copious amounts of bottled medication.
I think the one I like the best occured a few years back. Bill speculated in his "Jimmy Stewart" like fashion from "It's a Wonderful Life" that even though he was only a little ways from sixty years old he was still looking forward to meeting some people who would no doubt rank near the top ten influences in his life. He was referring to his grandchildren.
His covert message is to live life as best you can and don't forget to count your blessings. Your friendship is one of mine. Happy Birthday
Tell Bill I did not realize he was that much older than me but I am sure he would agree with me that if we had known we were going to live this long we would have taken better care of ourselves. Myrna and I are sure he has given up his cigar habit. RIGHT BILL
Have Bill tell you the story of us camping out on the island west of the bridge in Long Sault. After about 2 beers it came time to take our date’s home and a major heavy fog had set in. In our wisdom we decided to load everyone into Bill’s boat for the ride back to the Marina. How we made it back without sinking the boat is beyond me.
After getting our dates home safe and sound, Bill and I made another of our brilliant decisions that night and we decided to return to the island to finish off the remaining beers. Again we made the trip in fog that we could not see 2 feet in front of our faces.
Anyhow Bill Have a happy milestone and I wish I lived closer so that I could have a cold one with you.
My! my! my! Bill is only 65. I could have sworn he was much older. Hi Kid! How ya' doin'? Have I got your attention? Hope you've got a smile goin' on Bill. For sure you've given me lots of smiles and chuckles. This is for you. The Hills loved to talk about the past. From earliest conversations I thought they had lots of relatives. In fact they didn't. Like most families, Hill family history was mostly of the revisionist variety. As a daughter-in-law it has taken me over 30 years to sort it all out. Kind of. I finally figured out that Dorothy Hill and Clinton Rae were cousins. As a Long Sault girl I knew of Mr. and Mrs. Rae so I guess I paid more attention to their stories when shared by the Hills and somehow I felt that their stories were probably very true. One of the often repeated stories about Bill's dad was concerning Grandma Ashie. Clinton was a loyal visitor to her. This was especially true after the sudden death of her son George and when she was bed-ridden at home on Frost Avenue. I knew Mr.Rae was an out-going, gambling-loving, business man. I wouldn't have suspected him as the tender-hearted nephew visiting a sick bed. Did he realize how much his quiet acts of charity were appreciated? Did he know how the delivery of a box of chocolates would be discussed 30 years later? Round table stories of Dorothy Rae-Bill's beloved mother always contained the word "lady." "Kind" and "gentle" and "patient" were also used. No matter how many delicious sweets were put out on the table at Christmas time the comment passed was "no one can make melt in your mouth shortbread like Dorothy Rae." The reason I access these memories are to prove that Bill learned life lessons from both his mom and dad. Six years ago I was not doing too well. I was in the throes of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. For me the cure was probably worse than the disease. After treatments I would take to my bed. Since Jonathan was away at university and David at work during the day I just dragged myself from bed to the couch. The hair was quick to go and I seldom wore headscarves to cover the baldness. Jogging pants and p.j.'s were de rigeur. Sometimes I didn't even pop in my plastic front teeth for fear that they would end up down the drain or push against the omni-present mouth sores. Once upon a time before chemo I was known as a sparkling conversationist(smile). On chemo I was in a fog. Chemo brain and chronic fatigue made me a human mushroom. Pretty boring company. Somehow or another Bill Rae seemed to know when I would be alone or having a deadly day. Often I wouldn't even hear a knock just a "Hi Kid." "How ya doin'?" And he would come in . In the early days I would crawl for cover-ups or front teeth or try to shove the strewn clutter out of sight. Although I was in a fog I was still embarassed that my house wasn't tidy or I couldn't produce a Martha Stewart-like snack or lunch. But Bill's visits weren't one-offs. He usually came about once a week. I learned to relax and value the time we shared. Bill is a very wise man and good company. Besides, I like someone whose mantra is "Yes,Yes." As if you've said something important even when you haven't. I always felt and still do that Bill holds women in very high regard. Just like he did his mom and sister.
Well Bill, even at 65, you're never too old to make your parents proud. And obviously people do lead by example.
Thank you for those special visits.
A final thought - It's just too bad you hadn't become a teacher so you could have had summers off and our big pensions.(smile,chuckle)
I have so many wonderful memories of you, Uncle Bill, and our many visits to Long Sault, as a child and an adult. I always felt so comfortable and at home thanks to you and Aunt Marion. Other than the death grips on my knees and the teacher bashing I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with you and your family. One particular story that John and I shared when talking about this blog was our stop in Long Sault on our way to a wedding in Montreal. Uncle Bill and Aunt Marion welcomed our friends and us into their home. After a five hour drive the boys were thrilled when Uncle Bill offered them a beer. Unfortunately they were quickly disheartened with his infamous words “Would you like a Fifty or a Blue?” The boys settled for a glass of water and some wonderful conversation! Thank you for being a wonderful uncle and an awesome brother for my mom! Happy 65th Birthday!
The words "Uncle Bill is coming" always came at the right time like when we were cultivating late in the spring who showed up Uncle Bill to drive the old massey with its long ago departed muffler after your first hour the roaring engine became a dull roar as your hearing was already gone!He would take no pay but after all we gave him all the exercise he would need (picking stones) with his grin he would ask if we had ever worked this farm (because of all the stones that needed to be picked still).Or how about my first atempt to remodel our house I removed a supporting wall in the kitchen to open it up who did I hear was coming Uncle Bill his first question was is that wall not holding up the upstairs bedroom before I could answer the question My dad Bomber was up there doing his best attempt as a bull in a china shop to this day I have no idea what stopped dad from coming right on threw the floor. So thanks for stopping by and asking questions for all the stories and memories I thank you for all your help on the farm we thank you and I will always look forward to those words "Uncle Bill is coming" happy birthday your one in a million and your worth every cent. Thank God your a Country Boy Happy Birthday Uncle Bill,
Well, I don't have a specific story but I am very grateful for all of the wise advice you've had for me about school and jobs through the years and the genuine interest you've shown for what I've been up to in life. You are one of the most sincere and generous people I've ever met.
I remember a fun golf game with you and my dad, all your offerings of beautiful vegetables, trips up to visit you from Ma and Pa's down the street and some great hockey talk. Bill always has a great joke or story to tell. I especially like hearing stories of you and my Dad coaching hockey in the glory years of Long Sault.
Dear Uncle Bill Wow you are 65! There are so many memories. I will always remember the long car rides to Long Sault, to see the Raes. Nannie and Papa were very special people and the absolute best grandparents around, you sure are following in their footsteps.
When we would see you there was always a great big hug waiting for us and lots and lots of stories. I can remember going to bed at Nannie's and just laying there listening to the joyful voices and hearing your infectious laugh throughout the house, and finally falling off to sleep to the chimes of the old grandfather clock.
Family dinners were so much fun as long as you didn't sit near you! We were never sure when the dreaded "Horse Bite" to the knee would come.
While writing this I had to stop and pick up my kids and as I was pulling in a song came on that brought me back many years! Delta Dawn. If I recall this was a fav to be played on the banjo. Where is that thing these days. You were even a cool uncle, I still remember the days you lets drive your sports car to Cornwall and around Long Sault.You must of won Uncle of the Year for that one.
I know this is a story about you but I have trouble thinking about you and not thinking about Mom. She always talked about you with so much love and admiration, family was so important to her and it certainly is to you as well. She sure loved her baby brother. You have a beautiful family, I feel very proud of my Rae ancestry and will pass the caring and humor traits on to my children.
When our family visits would come to an end you always sent us away with another great big hug. On this very special day I send you best wishes for many more years of memories and a great big Hug.
Bill is my idea of the perfect gentleman - with a twinkle in his eye and a bit of mischief thrown in. I cannot think of anyone who loves life more, in all the right ways. You have a way of bringing good cheer into any room you enter. Your garden is the best in the neighbourhood - but just wait till I retire, Lois! Happy Birthday, Bill! Keep up the good work.
20 comments:
During my senior year of highschool, I had overcomitted myself to too many activities and one night I came home particularly stressed out. I believe that I came into the living room and made a few sassy/snarky comments that quite possibly deserved a slap. I still remember the moment when my dad threw his paper down, strode quickly towards me (I was thinking that the deserved slap was about to come) and he came straight up to me, stopped and gave me a hug. That moment defined unconditional love to me and it is something that will stay with me forever.
Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you have a fabulous day!
um well as you all are probably aware I don't say sassy things to my father...
I do recall one rainy summer night with a strong west breeze (which means its coming from the west not going to the west) just setting the stage even tho I have no idea what it was actually like outside on this particular night.
I was in high school and there came a tragic end to a romance. I walked downstairs trying not to trip over my lower lip. My dad was lying down watching tv so I crawled in behind and pretended to watch. My dad continued to watch tv and ask what the problem was after listening for a few minutes he said, "well kid, if this is the worse thing that happens to you, its going to be a pretty good life". Since that day anytime I've been in a tough situation these words come to me.
A little perspective goes a long way.
Love you dad!
xo Aim
Dad you have always been a sincere and attentive listener. After you have listened to some woes or stories you usually had some short piece of advice.
Some wise words of advice to live by (spoken by Bill Rae):
"It takes all kinds (of people)to make the world go 'round .... and we got them."
This word of advice covered a lot of ground growing up. Anytime I felt that something or someone wasn't fair I could always pull this out to explain almost any situation, good or bad.
"I'll believe you ...where thousands wouldn't."
This was a great one to keep you honest!
Love you Dad! Happy Birthday!
Karen
PS Thank you for all of your parenting advice.
I remeber way back when I was a
baby me and my poppa were having
a nap and here is the story.
My poppa got up from our nap to
go to the bathroom. While he was waking up he saw something wet on his lap. Once he got to notice it, he realized it was a sweat puddle from me, his crazy grand-daughter. So, happy birthday poppa. Oh, and my sweat puddle says hi too.
Love, Mikaela
I like when I beat poppa in his skating races. So, I hope you have a good birthday.
Love,
Alex
...of corn oysters, garage meetings, carpentry, one-way tool swapping, contractor advice, stock talk, and much laughter...
thanks
Mark
Thanks for all the early morning rides to hockey practice, golf games, late night beers, construction war stories, weekend renos. & belly laughs about flipping Bomber in that canoe. Happy 65th and looking forward to lots of great times to come.
Looking at all the stories, it reminds me of a hourglass of time. How lucky we were to have such a lovely life and our children brought us only love and good times. The future is ours with our two grandchildren. We love them dearly and it shows. We love Mark and thanks to him we look forward any additions to our family. You are a good husband and I love you dearly. You made me laugh myself silly when you ran with two garbage cans in your hands and slipped and fell in the mud, trying to beat me down the stairs at the marina. My devoted love to you - Marion
Delinquents Running Wild
It was a warm summers evening and we were on a trip bound for the newly constructed Milles Roches Beach (~1960). Bill Rae, Donnie Parker and Kenny Pidgeon had planned to take a D-9 bulldozer for a ride. Bill Gallinger was designated as a watchman at the main entrance in case the police arrived (his first real brush with trouble - ha!).
When we arrived at the beach we all took our posts. I was on guard and Bill, Donny and Kenny fired up the big D-9 dozer. I could hear the engine at the road where I was shaking in my boots for fear of police. They pointed the D-9 towards the lake, drove it through the sand beach and into the water where they traveled so no one could see the tracks. After traveling for a distance to the north end of the beach, they brought the dozer out of the water and then drove it into the bush to hide it.
When the construction crew returned to work in the morning all they could see were wide tracks leading into the lake and no D-9 in sight. Eventually they found the bulldozer hidden in the bush unharmed. We all had a good laugh but, being the young watchman, I was sure glad to see this episode over with!
P.S.
Happy Birthday Bill! I look forward to many more productive meetings in the cigar bar! Maybe then we'll talk about the driving lesson you gave me in the "Hillman" and my first encounter with the law. (…You're first ticket?)
Bill and Connie were always my favourite cousins. Actually my only cousins. Connie always noted that we also share the "Rae" trait of "stubborness"
Over the years there have been many defining moments in our relationship-all positive. Bill has been a mentor and a true friend.
Over the years there have been many "defining" moments in our relationship- all positive. He has been a mentor and a true friend.
Last Easter Bill decided to drive out to Vancouver to build a deck for Christi. He always wanted to make this trip and since he prefers to use his own tools on a job it would be a win-win situation.
I was envious and intrigued when I first heard about his plan. But it wasn't until Good Friday that I gave Bill a call and asked if he would like a passenger for the first stage of his trek. Amy had decided to join her dad for the second stage of the road trip. She would fly into Winnipeg.
It was a wonderful experience. Easy conversation, great weather, ample supply of Century Sam cigars, flexible timetable, a competent navigator (Bill), a pencil, a pad of paper and a disposable camera. (David)
When Amy came aboard she brought much appreciated technology and the expertise to use it.
The road trip was a tremendous opportunity for two already "proud Canadians" to experience our country like we never had before.
Bill: Hopefully some of the following notepad jottings will bring back some memories:
-Departure-Easter Sunday
- Rainbow over Lunenburg
- Chalk River- Breakfast
- Easter Egg Hunt
-North Bay- Duchesny Falls Break
- Lake Nipissng
- Sturgeon Falls- Only Tim's stop!
-Sudbury- Stomping Tom's City
-Sunday Night and NO Bingo
-Sault St. Marie - Upscale Motel
- "27" inch T.V.
-Lake Superior Ale
- David's watch-4:30
- Wawa- still NO moose in sight
-White River- Forest fire country
-Teck-Corona Mine
-Marathon- Inukshuks
" In The Image Of Man"
-Friendship & Cooperation
-Thunder Bay- Courage Highway
- Terry Fox Monument
-True Canadian Hero
-Amythst Mine Outlet
(Treasures for Mikaela&Alexandra)
- Kakabeka Falls- Niagara Falls of
the North
-Trout& Old Vienna
(Scotch & Century Sam's)
-Kenora- "K" Town
-Visit Zabloski Family
-Notre Dame Du Portage
(Rick asks if we saw "Husky the Muskie?)
-MANITOBA
-Time Zone Change
-Terrain flatter
Steinbach-Lunch-"Lone Ranger"
-Winnipeg- First Impressions?
-C.A.A. Assistance
-Pickerel& Salmon
-scotch& Century Sam's
(Manitoba Ale under starlight)
-Portage & Main
-Original Hudson Bay
-The "Forks" (flood time)
-Perogies & Borscht
-Manitoba Legislature
- Amy's Arrival-
-Great Traveller& Driver
-Technology expert
- Over-night in Brandon
SASKATCHEWAN
-Highway # 1
-Moosomin"Grain Elevator
-Prairie Pride Motel
(Will Stop Next Time)
* Amy and Christie book my E-Ticket
ALBERTA
-Medicine Hat-Hockey-Tigers
-oil rigs in farm fields
-construction EVERYWHERE!
Calgary
- Bustling City
-Flames Play off Fever
-supper at Earl's
-Visit with Bert
*Bill finally able to read the Globe and Mail
-Amy and Bill Off to the Rockies
*David purchases:
"Stock Investing For DUMMIES"
* E-TICKET WORKS!
(THank-you Amy &Christi)
HAPPY 65th BIRTHDAY BILL
I am honoured to have you as a
TRUE FRIEND
David
I see everyone continues to tip toe on egg shells when discussing Bill. If he has all his relatives saying nice things I guess I better not rock the boat. I have given some thought to the many conversations and stories I've had the privilege of sharing. (some of them more than once some even more than twice!) Fortunately, many were accompanied by a roaring blaze and copious amounts of bottled medication.
I think the one I like the best occured a few years back. Bill speculated in his "Jimmy Stewart" like fashion from "It's a Wonderful Life" that even though he was only a little ways from sixty years old he was still looking forward to meeting some people who would no doubt rank near the top ten influences in his life. He was referring to his grandchildren.
His covert message is to live life as best you can and don't forget to count your blessings. Your friendship is one of mine. Happy Birthday
Tell Bill I did not realize he was that much older than me but I am sure he would agree with me that if we had known we were going to live this long we would have taken better care of ourselves. Myrna and I are sure he has given up his cigar habit. RIGHT BILL
Have Bill tell you the story of us camping out on the island west of the bridge in Long Sault. After about 2 beers it came time to take our date’s home and a major heavy fog had set in. In our wisdom we decided to load everyone into Bill’s boat for the ride back to the Marina. How we made it back without sinking the boat is beyond me.
After getting our dates home safe and sound, Bill and I made another of our brilliant decisions that night and we decided to return to the island to finish off the remaining beers. Again we made the trip in fog that we could not see 2 feet in front of our faces.
Anyhow Bill Have a happy milestone and I wish I lived closer so that I could have a cold one with you.
Thanks,
Bert
My! my! my!
Bill is only 65.
I could have sworn he was much older.
Hi Kid! How ya' doin'?
Have I got your attention?
Hope you've got a smile goin' on Bill.
For sure you've given me lots of smiles and chuckles.
This is for you.
The Hills loved to talk about the past. From earliest conversations I thought they had lots of relatives. In fact they didn't. Like most families, Hill family history was mostly of the revisionist variety. As a daughter-in-law it has taken me over 30 years to sort it all out. Kind of.
I finally figured out that Dorothy Hill and Clinton Rae were cousins. As a Long Sault girl I knew of Mr. and Mrs. Rae so I guess
I paid more attention to their stories when shared by the Hills and somehow I felt that their stories were probably very true.
One of the often repeated stories about Bill's dad was concerning Grandma Ashie. Clinton was a loyal visitor to her. This was especially true after the sudden death of her son George and when she was bed-ridden at home on Frost Avenue. I knew Mr.Rae was an out-going, gambling-loving, business man. I wouldn't have suspected him as the tender-hearted nephew visiting a sick bed. Did he realize how much his quiet acts of charity were appreciated? Did he know how the delivery of a box of chocolates would be discussed 30 years later?
Round table stories of Dorothy Rae-Bill's beloved mother always contained the word "lady." "Kind" and "gentle" and "patient" were also used. No matter how many delicious sweets were put out on the table at Christmas time the comment passed was "no one can make melt in your mouth shortbread like Dorothy Rae."
The reason I access these memories are to prove that Bill learned life lessons from both his mom and dad.
Six years ago I was not doing too well. I was in the throes of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. For me the cure was probably worse than the disease. After treatments I would take to my bed. Since Jonathan was away at university and David at work during the day I just dragged myself from bed to the couch.
The hair was quick to go and I seldom wore headscarves to cover the baldness. Jogging pants and p.j.'s were de rigeur. Sometimes I didn't even pop in my plastic front teeth for fear that they would end up down the drain or push against the omni-present mouth sores.
Once upon a time before chemo I was known as a sparkling conversationist(smile). On chemo I was in a fog. Chemo brain and chronic fatigue made me a human mushroom. Pretty boring company.
Somehow or another Bill Rae seemed to know when I would be alone or having a deadly day.
Often I wouldn't even hear a knock just a "Hi Kid." "How ya doin'?"
And he would come in .
In the early days I would crawl for cover-ups or front teeth or try to shove the strewn clutter out of sight.
Although I was in a fog I was still embarassed that my house wasn't tidy or I couldn't produce a Martha Stewart-like snack or lunch.
But Bill's visits weren't one-offs. He usually came about once a week.
I learned to relax and value the time we shared. Bill is a very wise man and good company. Besides, I like someone whose mantra is "Yes,Yes." As if you've said something important even when you haven't. I always felt and still do that Bill holds women in very high regard.
Just like he did his mom and sister.
Well Bill, even at 65, you're never too old to make your parents proud. And obviously people do lead by example.
Thank you for those special visits.
A final thought - It's just too bad you hadn't become a teacher so you could have had summers off and our big pensions.(smile,chuckle)
Hugs and Happy Birthday
Nan Hill
Nan
We enjoyed the family B.B.Q. during
the reunion weekend when Connie's tree was planted at the Lost Villages.
Carol
I have so many wonderful memories of you, Uncle Bill, and our many visits to Long Sault, as a child and an adult. I always felt so comfortable and at home thanks to you and Aunt Marion. Other than the death grips on my knees and the teacher bashing I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with you and your family. One particular story that John and I shared when talking about this blog was our stop in Long Sault on our way to a wedding in Montreal. Uncle Bill and Aunt Marion welcomed our friends and us into their home. After a five hour drive the boys were thrilled when Uncle Bill offered them a beer. Unfortunately they were quickly disheartened with his infamous words “Would you like a Fifty or a Blue?” The boys settled for a glass of water and some wonderful conversation! Thank you for being a wonderful uncle and an awesome brother for my mom! Happy 65th Birthday!
Love,
Laura, John, Grace and Olivia
The words "Uncle Bill is coming" always came at the right time like when we were cultivating late in the spring who showed up Uncle Bill to drive the old massey with its long ago departed muffler after your first hour the roaring engine became a dull roar as your hearing was already gone!He would take no pay but after all we gave him all the exercise he would need (picking stones) with his grin he would ask if we had ever worked this farm (because of all the stones that needed to be picked still).Or how about my first atempt to remodel our house I removed a supporting wall in the kitchen to open it up who did I hear was coming Uncle Bill his first question was is that wall not holding up the upstairs bedroom before I could answer the question My dad Bomber was up there doing his best attempt as a bull in a china shop to this day I have no idea what stopped dad from coming right on threw the floor. So thanks for stopping by and asking questions for all the stories and memories I thank you for all your help on the farm we thank you and I will always look forward to those words "Uncle Bill is coming" happy birthday your one in a million and your worth every cent.
Thank God your a Country Boy
Happy Birthday Uncle Bill,
Love Drew
Well, I don't have a specific story but I am very grateful for all of the wise advice you've had for me about school and jobs through the years and the genuine interest you've shown for what I've been up to in life. You are one of the most sincere and generous people I've ever met.
I remember a fun golf game with you and my dad, all your offerings of beautiful vegetables, trips up to visit you from Ma and Pa's down the street and some great hockey talk. Bill always has a great joke or story to tell. I especially like hearing stories of you and my Dad coaching hockey in the glory years of Long Sault.
Happy Birthday Bill!
Dear Uncle Bill
Wow you are 65! There are so many memories. I will always remember the long car rides to Long Sault, to see the Raes. Nannie and Papa were very special people and the absolute best grandparents around, you sure are following in their footsteps.
When we would see you there was always a great big hug waiting for us and lots and lots of stories. I can remember going to bed at Nannie's and just laying there listening to the joyful voices and hearing your infectious laugh throughout the house, and finally falling off to sleep to the chimes of the old grandfather clock.
Family dinners were so much fun as long as you didn't sit near you! We were never sure when the dreaded "Horse Bite" to the knee would come.
While writing this I had to stop and pick up my kids and as I was pulling in a song came on that brought me back many years! Delta Dawn. If I recall this was a fav to be played on the banjo. Where is that thing these days. You were even a cool uncle, I still remember the days you lets drive your sports car to Cornwall and around Long Sault.You must of won Uncle of the Year for that one.
I know this is a story about you but I have trouble thinking about you and not thinking about Mom. She always talked about you with so much love and admiration, family was so important to her and it certainly is to you as well. She sure loved her baby brother. You have a beautiful family, I feel very proud of my Rae ancestry and will pass the caring and humor traits on to my children.
When our family visits would come to an end you always sent us away with another great big hug. On this very special day I send you best wishes for many more years of memories and a great big Hug.
Love Glenda XOXO
Bill is my idea of the perfect gentleman - with a twinkle in his eye and a bit of mischief thrown in. I cannot think of anyone who loves life more, in all the right ways. You have a way of bringing good cheer into any room you enter.
Your garden is the best in the neighbourhood - but just wait till I retire, Lois!
Happy Birthday, Bill! Keep up the good work.
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