Bob

                                                                              Bob                                                                                            

                                                                   

I met Bob and Sharon through a mutual friend. Sharon and I hit it off right away and we have remained great friends over the years. We certainly did not know that God had a deeper plan for our friendship. 

When I heard that Sharon's husband Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2017 I knew there would be a bigger role I would have in the life of my dear friend. I wasn't sure at the time the extent of what it would be. 

Sharon and Bob would have been married 50 years in December of this year. Sharon said "We didn't quite make it to 49." But they had a remarkable life together full of family, friends, and countless treasured memories. 

Bob had a very successful career in the railroad, ultimately retiring from Florida East Coast Railroad. Sharon always said, "Bob was liked by everyone." I personally can still remember meeting him for the first time and seeing this big, warm and friendly smile on his face. He pretty much sported that smile every time I saw him. 

Sharon tells the story of how Bob became known as "Cowboy" to all his friends because back in the day, he used to rope calves and participated in different rodeos. He even bought her a horse as a wedding present! What a great gift! 

Sharon said "All Bob had to do was wink at me when I was mad and thats all it took, it always worked." She also reflected about the tender moments of how Bob was such a gentlemen and always made her feel so loved. She shared that there were always cards for every occasion. 

These things seem so simple, even insignificant at times, but often they end up being the very things we yearn for. That feeling of warmth with someone that is familiar, or that silly, romantic card that leaves us feeling loved and thought of.

Bob passed away on August 24, 2022, surrounded by his bride of 49 years, his two beautiful daughters, his youngest sister and her husband. I think of a kind of peace that surpasses all understanding when God's presence fills a room and there is nothing but pure love from those left behind.  

Sharon talked about how Bob would tell friends and family to make sure they looked after her. She said they held hands more than ever during his battle with cancer, something that she will cherish forever. 

My friend had previously shared with me that one of her favorite verses is Philippians 4:13, " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

It’s through Him and Him alone that we get our strength my friends, as this journey is a hard one. When we lose sight of that and try to power through on our own we will fail.

My dear friend and I now share a very special bond, maybe not the way either of us wanted, but still, I am grateful we have each other to laugh and cry with. We understand each other in a unique way. We encourage one another to learn to live again, to have hope, and to find joy. There is still so much life to be lived and that's what our loved ones would want us do.  

There are times we may wonder what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes, if only for a day. I think we have the capability of doing that to a degree when we walk along side of our brothers and sisters in Christ encouraging, praying and loving them through their pain. Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. There is no greater way to walk in someone else's shoes than to be able to understand and help them through their pain.

I am blessed to do this with Sharon. 

Blessings, 

Tammy