Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Growing up, we always looked forward to going to our Uncle Stew and Aunt Gail`s house. My dad would tell us about what a great hockey player and football player he was in high school (two sports I would later go on to player myself). Whether it was tales of his great strength and athletic prowess, or his hotdog eating ability, we were in awe of our Uncle Stew. When I began playing hockey, late for my peer group and barely able to skate, he told me, "It doesn`t matter how many times you fall down, as long as you get up." Timely and meaningful words of encouragement that helped a young boy forge on. I never developed a big slapshot like my uncle, I became a goalie instead. As a father, with two sons playing hockey, both far better than I ever was, I recall passing on my Uncle Stew's advice when they began learning to play. The older I get, seeing all the trials and tribulations of family and friends, and facing various struggles of my own, those words of encouragement seem more meaningful than ever. It doesn't really matter how many times you fall down, as long as you get up.
Uncle Stew, you will be missed, but not forgotten.
~ Clint Olver
