An absence

I took a week off my blog to go to California for my father-in-law's funeral.  Without sounding too syrup-y, the trip was a blessing for sure.  We were able to honor the man who changed my husband's life.  Such a man as Bob deserves to be honored.

Bob was ninety years old.  Bob was an inventor, a computer genius, a soft-hearted gentleman, an animal lover, and a patient, kind person with a chronically positive attitude.  A man who took in three step-kids and raised them with all the attention and love he gave his own kids.  A man who took time to teach his children, both step and blood, to be honest and do their best.

My husband was one of those lucky step-kids.  As an eight year old boy who had been brushed aside by his blood father, Kirk looked at Bob with wary eyes; and I'm sure Bob looked back at this little boy with the same feeling.  You see, Bob was sixty when the two families blended; well past the child-tolerating years.  Possibly Bob, who had retired from a long, successful career, was hoping for a little respite at his advanced age.  But with three new children in his house, significantly younger than his own children, the respite never happened.

However, the dreaded accusation, "You're not my real dad," happened.  Such harsh words flew out and splattered all over Bob more than once as Kirk was growing up.  But Bob, like I said, was a patient and loving man.  Over time, trust was built and Kirk let himself be enveloped into Bob's life and love.  Before long, Kirk was calling Bob 'Dad' and meaning it with all his heart.

The world needs more Bobs.  This man blessed every life he touched.  He wore himself out serving others.  For years he helped his church congregation function by flying the flag, turning on the heat, calling in repairs for the chapel, typing up the member lists, and recording the Sunday services for members who were home-bound.

In fact, on the day of his funeral - which was held at his chapel - a carpet cleaning van showed up in the parking lot.  "We're scheduled to clean this building today," they said.  To which the bishop, who was to conduct Bob's funeral services replied with a dash of bitter-sweet humor, "Well, the man who would have called you to reschedule..."

That was Bob; a quiet man with the capacity to love as deep and as wide as the oceans.  A desire to serve that never diminished.  About Bob, his son said, "He needed us to need him."  And need him we did.  And still do.  There is a noticeable absence in our family now.  An absence that we will struggle to recover from.  A hole that can never be filled.
Bob was a hero.
A giant.
A blessing.

Find the blessings in your life and squeeze them while you can!
With Love,
Sylva Leining