[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24702]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 IN CELEBRATION OF THE TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT A. WEYGAND, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the twenty-first 
birthday of my son, Bobby.
  As time goes on, and often at unfathomable speed as I advance in age, 
it is easy to forget some of the most precious moments in our life. I 
pen this statement to document one such special event, the twenty-first 
birthday of our son, Bobby. Now there are many sons and daughters that 
reached their twenty-first birthday on October 9, 2000 and I know how 
special they each must be to their parents. So I ask the Congress's 
indulgence if my perspective on this date is very personal, and not as 
objective as it should be, but my thoughts are entirely true, honest, 
and undeniable.
  Bobby is the youngest of our three wonderful children and, as such, 
the benefactor of both pampering and brutal jokes. Being the only boy, 
he had the advice and assistance of his older sisters, whether 
requested or not. He always wanted to find his own way since ``they 
just don't understand boys'' as he would say. Life was not easy in 
those early years. For him, paths had been already cut by his parents 
and sisters and he was expected to follow them even when he wished for 
another course. He managed to do very well, which is not easy with such 
a dominating father. Everyone who knows him likes him because of who he 
is, that is a great accomplishment for anyone.
  Changing schools, as he did, is not easy for any child and Bobby was 
no exception. Moving to a new school in third grade was very difficult, 
but he managed through the ``new kid'' taunting and jokes, and made 
friendships that will last him a lifetime. When we moved homes while he 
was still in high school, some cast unwarranted public scrutiny on him 
more than any student should endure. He accepted it with no complaints. 
Even harassing TV cameras at his high school graduation did not rattle 
his cage; he stood his ground. He was proud to graduate from East 
Providence High School with his friends. Through school, sports, and 
friendships, he has always made me proud to call him my son. He is even 
more than that, he is my friend.
  Bobby is a very caring person (he gets that from his mom), sometimes 
forgetful (that's my fault), and always fun to be around (his sisters 
saw to that). I am very lucky to have a great family, each one of them 
provides a special light to my life. I love my son and my family and 
they love me. What greater gifts can life bring me, I know not. Happy 
birthday, Bobby.

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