Requested from many, just shared here. My Eulogy Monday. "Bobby, we’re going to play a fun game when you eat. Dad, I like games, how do I play? You need to finish your dinner before the clock dial gets to 12 and you win. Can I start now dad? GO! Bobby was 4 when he came racing into my life. The greatest memories and lessons in life came from my best friend, “Rocket Bob”. One day we went for a ride. Always a fun event to bond and talk about his day. Little did he know I was heading to the jeweler to pick out an engagement ring for his mom. As I started to look at rings, Bobby looked up at me and asked, “Are you going to be my dad?” I told him this weekend I was going to propose to his mom and if she and he accepted, I would indeed be his dad. He promised to keep the secret safe. As soon as we got home, he ran upstairs to tell Lisa. She wasn’t home. That night I started to propose with Bobby by my side. Before I could say a word, Bobby told Mom to be careful, “because there is a diamond ring in your champagne glass”. So started the love affair between me and my new son. Like many fathers, I taught him how to ride a bike, ski, swim and drive a car. He taught me how to love, unconditionally. Bobby had a pure soul. A fun soul. He lived with me in Denver, New Jersey and Pennsylvania along with Skyler and through various blended families. Through it all, he was always the protector of his step siblings and Skyler. And I became his protector in return. When he came to live with me in Pennsylvania he really started to turn his life around. He found a job at a paint store, stocking shelves and mixing paint. He bought a pickup truck and was quickly promoted to floor sales, then assistant manager. We were so proud of him. Within 3 months, he told us he was getting his own store to manage. He even got his own apartment. One night Jeri and I met him at his store to go to dinner. Bobby was so proud. He had to show us the new displays, his office and his restocking system. As the time flew by listening to Bobby talk about new signage, his employees and his desire to be a regional manager, all the restaurants had closed. Jeri Trachtenberg Betesh and I were so proud of him. We all hugged and cried outside his store. Bobby finally had his future in sight! But alas, the restless “Rocket Bob” came back and he left to live in Dallas. The next time we saw Rocket Bob was at his Army boot camp graduation in full uniform. He was so proud and told us he was saving to buy his Army ring. I just learned last night, Bobby proposed to Shannon with this ring. And Shannon shared with us, one day this will be Jocelyn’s. Life is a precious gift. It’s a loan from God. For the last 5 days, like many, I searched for a reason why. Why a handsome man of 31 could leave us so soon? Why God wanted him back now? Bobby knew he was sick. He “manned-up” and never complained until it was too late. This tragedy could have happened elsewhere, but Bobby came home to the love of his grandparents to finally rest. Fortunately, he experienced the joy and love of his own child. As I watched numerous videos sent from his cell phone with Joselyn and listened to his commentary, I could only rejoice in my own love for Bobby and the father he became. We need to celebrate his life. Continue to tell hundreds of great “Rocket Bob” stories. Cherish them and share them with Joslyn one day. For she, is Bobby’s legacy now. The greatest gift a woman can give a man. The precious gift Shannon gave to my Rocket Bobby....."
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 22:08:40 +0000
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