Had a visit today from a young man, and his delightful and intelligent partner. We first met 20 yrs ago when he came to me looking for a holiday job, before starting Uni. He claimed he was a programmer, didn’t mind what programming I asked him to do, as long as it wasn’t...

...”web programming”. I explained that might be a problem as within ten years, there wouldn’t be any other programming. He shrugged and we shook hands. After a very short while, I came to realise I had that rare thing on my hands, that rarity known as genius.

I desperately wanted to talk him out of going to uni, apart from not wanting to lose him, I genuinely feared it would ruin him, dumbing him down to their level. I resisted, I knew I didn’t have the right to deny him that experience. Imagine my delight, one day when he turned and

asked, “Robin, if I were to decide not to go to uni, would you give me a full time job?”
I literally had to bite my tongue and pretend to be coy, “Well, I don’t know, I suppose we could talk about it.” I wanted to scream with joy! He already had offers from the best universities.

He worked for me for 18 years. We did fabulous work together. Him coding, me testing and correcting, we moved mountains together. We also fought like cat and dog. I need strong, intelligent characters to challenge me and though he was young and inexperienced, he never shied away.

We quickly developed a deep mutual respect for each other and I view him as a fine young man that I would recommend to the biggest tech company on the planet, except that he’d decline. He’s become a bit of a chip off the old block and values his freedom.

This young man validates my existence every bit as much as my own sons. He may be the pinnacle but he’s not the only one, by a long chalk. I will go to my grave with a smile on my face for all the young lives I’ve had the honour to impact. I am as proud of him, and all...

..the others as any human being has a right to be. I feel blessed, truly and humbled. I had no idea, when I started, nor through all the obstacles that life throws at one, that this life could be even a teensy bit this rewarding and I give thanks every single day.