On Sunday my brother, Bob Chamberlain, passed away in his sleep. I wanted to share a few thoughts here as I know there are friends of his who remember. Growing up and being 6 years younger was always a challenge. Of course I now realize that being 6 years OLDER was a challenge. (Poor Bob) I always wanted to “tag” along, play whiffle ball with him and his friends, be a part of the Boy Scout meetings when the Den met at our house, etc. OH! Bob’s room? I considered that space mine too! If he said it once he said it 10 times a day, “Get that kid outta my room”! Fast forward…time and a mutual respect for and love of animals and nature…? A common concern over 2 elderly parents? Whatever the reasons, Bob & I grew closer and we had many casual phone conversations as well as very serious ones. He cared about my opinions, and not only were we siblings, but we were friends. During the entire time that he was ill he never stopped doing what he loved the most – helping with the Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Bob was a vital presence in so many lives, and despite his ever-increasing limitations, he tried to continue to “make a difference.” In my opinion, he succeeded. So, although there is a gaping hole in my heart, I know Bob is at peace. He no longer is trapped in the body that failed him, he is free from pain, and he is flying with the eagles. A very good friend of Bob’s sent this quote to me which really sums it up well: Seneca: “We do not mourn the absent, why then the dead, who are effectually no other? For they are not gone, but sent before.”
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 00:56:52 +0000