Been thinking about the Robinson Clan and have been lifting you all up in prayer all day. This is a tough anniversary to get through ... praying each year is a little bit easier.

I can still feel his hug and his whispered "Hi Sweetie", that was the welcome I would get every time he saw me. I will forever be thankful for the many years of interaction and fun we all had!

Funny ... it just came to mind now that our fathers shared the same middle name :)

Much love,

Val Forbes

We were a family of 5 kids and we had just moved back to Canada from the States. I was nervous going to a new country where it snowed all the time (so I was told) and not sure I wanted to go to a new school. I certainly didn't want to go to a new church! I was 10 years old and was sad I had to leave my best friend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was sure I would never have such a good friend ever again!

And then Sunday came around and we walked into Rexdale Gospel Hall. A nice lady that my parents knew years before, took me by the hand and led me to a group of girls that were giggling in the corner. One of those girls was Laurie Robinson. Shortly after, my brother met her brothers John and Bradley. The parents got to know each other and kids kind of got mixed up after that. Most Sundays you would find a Forbes at the Robinson's, or a Robinson at the Forbes'. Many Sunday nights were spent at one home or the other - and it always involved good food and good fun! Pool time, snow time, singing time, game time ... and crazy Uncle Jimmy time!!
Trips to Scotland, trips to camp, time at malls, big BBQs, sharing birthday parties and always, always getting hugs from John Robinson and hearing "Hello sweetie" in my ear. Quick with a smile and words of encouragement, bear hugs that made you feel so loved and a personality that made sure everyone was included. That was the essence of John Robinson.

 Not only was John generous with what he had, he was generous with what he knew ... and he knew His Lord and Saviour and wasn't shy in telling you! I can recall many talks in Sunday School and in the Robinson home where John opened his Bible and made the words come alive in that great story-telling voice of his. He just had a way of compelling an audience to listen and a humour that drew you in.

Those early years in Rexdale were made all the more special with the welcoming presence of John and his family, and memories were made that will never be erased! I love looking back and can easily see his smile and hear his laugh. And though I'll miss his hugs and great stories ... I look forward to that day in heaven when Forbes' and Robinsons will reunite and join the great throng that will give praise and honour to the Lord and Saviour John served while here on earth!