Thursday, April 13, 2023
TRIBUTE TO PETER
My parents first son was Peter Graham Vardy born November 13th, 1965! Our parents were lucky enough to have 3 boys but make no mistake we were so very fortunate to have had them. My father and Mother devoted their lives to their 3 children and as you know raising a boy with Down Syndrome is a commitment that neither of them would have ever changed. For the past 10 years since my dad passed my mother has continued her love and devotion towards Peter and Peter has certainly expressed his love to my mother. I don’t believe any 2 people could have had a stronger bond.
Both Gary and I have spent the last 50 years trying to be the number 1 son but that was impossible. The definition of Peter in Greek is "Rock" and I have thought about how appropriate that is. Peter was the rock that our family was built on. We were so lucky to have had Peter in our lives because he provided us characteristics we have embodied through our lives. Those characteristics of thoughtfulness, authentic, love, strength, resilience, and simplicity.
As a boy It took me awhile to look past what he wasn’t or couldn’t do and to see him for what he was and what he could do. Our parents explained a lot of things to us and told us we had to protect Peter. Years later, I realized that it was Peter who was protecting and teaching us. He taught us about love and kindness, acceptance, and tolerance. He showed us how to build relationships on honesty and trust, that these attributes are the nails and screws that keep things together and solid. He helped us to realize what’s important in life and to not worry about things outside of our control, to take the good in life and cherish it. He helped cure us of ignorance, intolerance and anger because of his sweet nature and his ability to love unconditionally. Peter was the foundation of our home that has kept us strong over the years.
For those that knew Peter they could look back in life and quickly answer this question - What made Peter happy? Music, dancing, new shirt, food, his chair in the basement and diet Pepsi! Those basic things in life would put a huge smile on his face. When I struggled in life, I was told to think about something that makes me happy and what always came to mind was my brother Peter. I think back to the big hugs and kisses he gave, the words I love you which were given from his heart. I think of sitting in Peter’s chair and him telling me….”NOW GREG, GET OUT OF MY CHAIR!!!, or as soon as I came home for a holiday, he would come up the stairs and say….SHIRT? SHIRT? as I came in the door. Peter wanted his diet Pepsi every day and he simply wanted to know what was for supper. He often suggested Chicken and Salad. Peter was surrounded by love and he brought a lot of love to everyone.
When I think about Peter’s Life, I would be remiss not to mention Daphne Bartlett and Aunt Annette Lange. The love and bond they shared with Peter was like no other and we are so thankful they were there when Peter left to be with my father. Peter you are our rock!!! So when everyone goes home tonight raise your glass of diet Pepsi and have a drink to celebrate him. Peter, we love you! You will always be #1 !
Greg Vardy