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Q: Tell us a bit about your background.
A: Well, I’m from the ‘Rock’ – the province of Newfoundland for those who don’t know. Born and raised. I’m the seventh of nine- five boys and four girls. Folks have big families back home – even the non-Catholics.
Q: What brought you to Alberta? I hear you had a good job that you liked back home in Newfoundland.
A: That’s true. Worked at a regional park for quite a few years. Seasonal. It meant I could spend most of my time outdoors, which is what I like best. It was also ideal cause I got to collect ‘pogey’ in the winters, so I had lots of time for snowboarding and stuff.
Q: What’s ‘pogey’?
A: Oh! That’s EI – Employment Insurance. I thought come-from-aways called it that, too.
Q: Come-from-aways?
A: Folks not from Newfoundland.
Q: I see. So if you liked your job that much, why did you move?
A: I visited my brothers out in Calgary and when I got home I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. I think the grandeur of the Rockies got to me. Not that Newfoundland isn’t beautiful. It’s got some of the best scenery on the continent, in my opinion. Gros Morne National Park is pretty darn spectacular. But I guess I just like adventure and was ready for a change. I’m loving it so far. I think I’ll probably miss the ocean the most, though.
Q: How did your family react to the move?
A: Funny you should ask. Actually, it’s not funny at all. Ma was right upset. She cried when she first found out and wouldn’t talk to me for days. I think it hit her hard on the heels of the others leaving. I was the last of her boys left. Now it’s just my three older sisters and their kids left in Newfoundland. And Pops, of course.
Q: Speaking of adventure, I hear you’re a bit of a daredevil. Is that true?
A: I don’t know about that! I just like to have fun. You know – sports and stuff. And speed. I suppose I’ve done my share of stupid stuff, but if you really want the truth, most of it wasn’t even my fault. Zeb and Jed were always tricking me into trying stunts when I was a kid. They’d say, “Hey, Will. Why not try riding your bike down that hill?” or “Bet you couldn’t hit that ramp at full speed and land it.” I usually fell for it. Got a few broken bones outta the deal. Jed says I have no fear in me – that it got knocked out with one too many spills, but… I just like to have fun.
Q: So you’re the athlete of the family?
A: I suppose you could say that. Dirt-biking, snowboarding – even team sports. I like to be active. I’m not much for sitting around – or reading. Not like Bo!
Q: With such a large family, who would you say are you closest to?
A: Bo, definitely. Me and him were like two peas in a pod growing up. We’re kind of opposite, I suppose, but sometimes that works out.
Q: What do you mean opposite?
A: Like I said, I’m into sports and anything outside; he likes books and thinking. Not that I don’t think, but I mean he thinks things through where I tend to just go ahead and do stuff. Like that. But we are closest in age and spent a lot of time together. Shared a room and got paired up for chores and such. I know I can talk to him about anything and I think he feels the same about me. We’ve got each other’s backs.
Q: Can you give me an example?
A: Well, take my moving west, for instance. I knew it would be hard on Ma. But Bo said I needed to do what was best for me and not worry about trying to please everyone else.
Q: What about any other advice? Anything about the opposite sex?
A: Ha! Zeb’s usually the one to give that kind of advice, although I don’t advise anyone take it!
Q: So you have nothing to tell me about that? I heard you might have met someone.
A: That’s the trouble with having such a large family. Can’t keep a secret no how!
Q: So there is someone?
A: Well… it’s nothing serious. She’s an artist. And her dad is my boss.
Q: Ah… dating the boss’s daughter…
A: Not dating – exactly. We’re just friends.
Q: I’ve heard that before. So does this mean you’ll be staying in Alberta permanently?
A: No! I mean… maybe. Who knows? I’ll see how the summer goes and take it from there.
Q: Thanks for joining us today.
A: No problem – although you were getting right personal with some of them questions, b’y!
Q: Just doing my job.
Vol 1 – Neighbourhood Tangle – JED
Vol 2 – Neighbourhood Watch – BO
Vol 3 – Neighbourhood Rebel – REBA
Vol 4 – Neighbourhood Upstart – PIP
Vol 5 – Neighbourhood Freedom – WILL
Vol 6 – Neighbourhood Cupid – ZEB
Vol 7 – Neighbourhood Wrap – FINALE