May blog response

I had the very best time working with Bob on the band. We were the funniest mix - me knowing nothing about band music and Bob knowing lots - he would let me take charge of everyone red-head fashion and he would provide the band-know-how and that silent presence that made everyone think twice before showing up at another rehearsal with no practice! I miss him so much - he was the spirit behind the band and that can't ever be replaced.

Bob loved little kids so much - one Thursday I had taken Lucy to the band rehearsal and she had some book of games that she was writing in and making up her own rules. Pretty soon she had Bob playing with her and he just kept on going - no boredom, or annoyance at her funny way of playing the game so that she always won! I played the organ at church for the majority of my pregnancy with Maggie - I always loved the way he would look and connect with the babies and I am really sad he never met Maggie here. My kids wanted to know - why Bob and not Abundia - the only answer I had was that he had done the job he was given to do. I only hope that I can do the job I have been sent here for as faithfullly as he did.

-- Lisa.

Bob’s memory will always rest in my heart as a solid, positive, and immovable force in my life. His example through the years, through thick and thin, has always been something for me to hang on to. His convictions and beliefs were tangible . . . you could feel them. His strength and courage are something I aspire to have some day. He was such a part of our life here at East Ridge that it doesn’t quite seem he’s gone. He lives in all our hearts and always will be loved and remembered. The thing that I remember and am most grateful to him for was his ability to talk and encourage a great amount of trust. There were times he was one of very few I could talk to. I knew he would never judge me, he’d simply tell me what he beleived to be true, REALLY, and that was it. I could take it or leave it! I came to trust and seek his counsel. I will greatly miss those conversations with him.

One of his famous lines was . . . “Well, why’d you do it?” I was on the receiving end of this terrifyingly succinct question many a time. Rarely did I have an appropriate answer! But we always got to the bottom of it in the end.

Ruth, as your neighbors, the kids really loved your frequent back and forth holler-greetings with you and Bob. Kids have favorite people and Bob was one of Michael’s very favorite, and "Bob" was one of his first words he learned to say.

Love,

Rachel