Saint Peter

As my father was named after Saint Peter, I thought I would do a little comparison.

Saint Peter is attributed to have had many things. The two that I think are iconic here are that Saint Peter is meant to be the holder of the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and that he is always depicted to have bushy white hair and a bushy beard.

It is kind of ironic that the middle child of nine was the first to pass away. Howerver, he was also the one in the family that would try his hardest to bring his family together. He believed family was the greatest gift, and not a gift that should be taken for granted. Although his parents died before he did, could it be that my father is holding the keys to heaven for his family. Until he decides it is their time to join him, until he decides they are allowed through the gates.

People will tell you a whole lot of different things about my father to descripe him. There is one that they will all have in common. His Beard. He had a a beard when he met my mother, he had a beard at their wedding, he was rearly clean shaven. And it wasn't just a stubly beard, it was a full grown bushy beard (not hill billy-esque bushy beard but bushy enough.)

Well thats is just my theory. Maybe there's another reason he was named Peter.

January 14 1953

On January 14 1953, Tom and Leonie Nicolle welcomed their fifth child.

My Uncle told the story about the naming of my father at his funeral. How Nana and Grandad had called Tom, the eldest boy and third child, into their room asking if he had any suggestions for a name. My Grandad was called Tom, his dad was called Tom and his father before him, his boss was called Tom and his son was called Tom. So Tom suggested calling him Tom. They named him Peter, after Saint Peter.

Tom and Leonie went on to have four more children. Making a total of four girl's and five boys.