Bob’s Vow

The tragic accident of just a year ago has frozen Bob in our memory at just the end of his boyhood, and what strikes us now, in his face, is innocence, vulnerability and a world of unfilled potential. But those who knew Bob well find great comfort in the realization that he had achieved a spiritual maturity well beyond his years, long before that fateful day in May. At that moment he was ready for all the world had to offer. But he was also ready for whatever fate our God would demand of him. He came by that wisdom and compassion and maturity honestly.

His younger brother Jimmy, then just 10 weeks old, died on Bobby’s first birthday, and Bobby realized from his earliest days, the pain of grief and the fragility and preciousness of life. It mad him fiercely protective of those around him, and particularly of his little sister Kristen. He led her, literally by the hand, all through her childhood and early school years, quick to challenge any perceived threat. Make no mistake about that.

It also made him a peacemaker. He was the great family conciliator, across all barriers of generation or gender. And he embraced all of his friends as family. Just as he saw everybody he met as his friend. He could sense pain and vulnerability in others and always instinctively moved to help. He was recklessly generous. And he never let the sun set on his own rancor or anger toward anyone … not ever.

So Bob’s tournament is a celebration of his life, and of the miracle of life itself. He would want all of us to immerse ourselves in this golden moment, and celebrate it joyously together, like a great family. And we think he would hope that we would all take a simple vow: Resolved: We will not let the sun set on our own rancor or anger toward anyone until we meet again next year at Bob’s Second Annual Golf Tournament. Amen.

And Keep your head down!

Michael W. Ratchford ( Pops )