Bob

In this life you come across all kinds of people, some people you never really get...and some you just can't get enough of.  And if you are really lucky, you get to know someone like Bob.  Bob has a spirit that is larger than life.  He has a one-of-a-kind personality and a language to go along with it, Bobspeak, I call it.  He is a joker, loves to instigate, stir up trouble.... then sit back and watch.  He is a practical joker.  He likes to play, but he will not be one-upped.  Bob's retaliation is swift and fierce.  Bob is a force to be reckoned with.  He has an irreverent sense of humor, his eyes twinkle when he laughs.  His laugh is infectious, his smile warm and welcoming.  People really just love Bob, he has a way with people.... after a few moments in his presence they will follow him anywhere, but trust me, Bob can also be maddening!  Bob loves the outdoors, he is a bicyclist and boater.  He is often found camping  and traveling. and embarking on all kinds of adventure.

I first came to know Bob as a boss.  It took me awhile to get a handle on who this complicated person was.  I will admit, that I was a little intimidated at first.  But then, one day I learned a secret that, in addition to all the other parts of Bob, there was one quality that I loved the most...and that was the enormous size of his heart and the degree to which he cared for others.   He was my boss for more than 17 years, until today, as a matter of fact.... when he retired.  He started out as my boss...but at some moment in those 17 years, we became friends....or maybe it was a series of moments... We have talked about work, personal issues, silliness.  We have played and laughed and also fought from time to time.  He was a friend, counselor and a cheerleader when I really needed one.  He became Uncle Bob to my kids, and there have been boat rides and moving days and graduation parties....

Words can not possibly explain how I will miss Bob as my boss.....how I will miss walking past his office and hearing him call out "Nanny", which he started calling me after one of my students used to scream it at me while walking down the hall.   It was a special nickname, because he used it.  Words can not possibly explain how I will miss his playful spirit, his love for the kids and the staff.  This little supportive family that exists there, exists because he first created it...."take care of each other", he would always say.  He led by example and always took care of us all as best he could.

So now I can't walk past his office  and hear him call out my name, I can't go in and vent about what is making me crazy.  But his spirit is there, and his spirit is with all the kids and staff that he has touched...and we will carry on his legacy of love and caring and enriching the lives of our students.  He may not be my boss, but he is still my very dear and treasured friend.....and extended part of our family.  I hope he didn't think he could get rid of me by retiring....because he is a part of me after 17 years, and I am not letting him go that easily.

I am thankful to Bob, for this beautiful place that he created....a place of learning, encouragement, laughter, love and the more than occasional practical joke.  I am thankful for his daily meanders into my room, for the twinkle in his eye, that I knew meant he was up to something, and for being there, being a friend and taking care of me.  Bob may be gone from the day-to-day but he will always be a part of me, always be a part of us...my work family and I, always be a part of what we do and why we do it.  He was and is and will always be....my boss, my mentor, my friend and the example of how life should be lived and loved.  Love you Bob!!

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never,ever the same,"

~ Flavia Weedn