It occurred to me that most of you don't know how Bob and I came to be a couple.
We met when I was 10 and Bob was 11. (For those math challenged, that was 51 years ago.) Our parents worked together and we just kept running into each other at different events. During summer, my parents worked the softball diamond at night. I sold tickets, mom ran the concession and dad was the umpire. Bob would ride with the man that collected the money from all the ball parks and he would come each night. Yes, the rumor is true...I tried to have the park policeman arrest Bob. He just walked by me without buying a ticket. Everyone HAD to buy a ticket. That is, everyone but the bosses son. Who knew?? Needless to say, I thought Bob was a jerk.
The summer I turned 15, Bob (who was 16 and could drive) would come to the park with a friend of his and Bob's girlfriend. His friend asked me out on a double date with Bob and what's her name. Part way through the evening, Bob and I were laughing and talking and having a great ole time while our dates were steaming. I never when with what's his name again and Bob broke up with what's her name, and we began dating. (Math help: 46 years ago). We dated, Bob went to college, I followed him to college and in 1972 we were married. (Math clue: We have been married 41 years).
I will be the first to admit that not all of that time has been all honey and roses. Like any couple, we have had our ups and downs. We have fought each other and loved each other. I have wanted to shoot Bob, but I am sure he never wanted to shoot me. :-) But I can honestly tell you, NEVER, EVER did we consider divorce. That was never an option.
Bob has had a rough year. As I am taking care of him, and being flooded with memories, I know that I am so very grateful to have had him as my best friend, my husband, and the father of our children.
As we continue this journey that we are now on, I am going to write about what is going on. I don't expect anyone to read the blog and maybe I am being selfish for writing them. I just know that I cannot let this man leave this earth without shouting to one and all that Bob is a tremendous person. We are all lucky to have been around him.
I started keeping a journal in an empty one I found in my mother's things. I write about things of the day. Things of the past that come to mind. Will anyone read them besides me when I am gone??? Who knows? Do what you need to do to make yourself sane. Best of everything with whatever life brings your way. I know you have plenty of friends....but besides Bob I think I am the only one that knows the "girl" you really are and will always be. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI started keeping a journal when I found an empty one amongst my mother's things. I write about the events of the day. What I remember from days gone by and my hopes for the future. You do what you need to keep sane. I think of you often and the journey you are now on. I believe that besides Bob, I am the only one that is still around that truly knows the "girl" you once were.....and really still are. Your old "Sno-Cone" friend....you know who I am.
ReplyDelete