My dearest Uncle Peter.

Dear All,

My dearest Uncle Peter passed away peacefully last night. He was surrounded by his children and my Aunt Lisa - love, love, love all around him. Words cannot do justice in describing what a wonderful man he was, and what a special person in my life.

Uncle Peter celebrated my move to Boston over a decade ago, and cheered me through my endless studies. "We've got another doctor in the house! Doctor Danda!" he'd exclaim. I have lost count of how many times he welcomed me with open arms and the tighest of hugs to his From Away Farm house in Maine - it became my other home, in grounding, in comfort, in spirit. For years I would drive up in my trusted 1990 Honda ("Jack"), and he would make sure that I kept it looking cared for - washed, polished, oil changed... for one should have pride in one's possessions, and there was no excuse for neglect, he would tell me. He would watch me typing away at my laptop, writing yet another report, and would combine praise for my efforts with gentle reminders to take breaks from all the work. He would make me giggle as he'd tell me a phrase in his Sicilian dialect and I would tease him as to whether he was speaking Italian at all. In my days as a student, he would often slip me a $50 bill as we'd say good bye, with a wink and a "Look after yourself, treat yourself, you deserve it" - that was his way: generous, kind and supportive. Despite his hearing aid, this was a man who was a good listener and who would share his own accounts of his experiences in his "hey day" with humour and a twinkle in his eye, that would have us all smiling. Uncle Peter embraced Julian as if he were his own son; he spent hours with him in the garden and shared many an evening chatting on the deck as they sipped their aperitifs. Julian often described feeling the closest of bonds to him, and their companionship was lovely to watch. Uncle Peter gave me wonderful memories in St. Thomas; again, so many happy trips and happy times with family and friends, under both sunny skies and tropical rain fall. "Life is good," he would say, "Life is good."

My parents, Julian, James and I saw Uncle Peter on webcam last week. He looked great and made us laugh, and it was wonderful to hear his voice. I may not have an internet connection to heaven, but I know that he will continue to read this blog, cheer me on, and feel all the love that so many have for him. I miss him so.