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Dear Bob

“Dear Bob,” is how I started my letters to Bob.  

“Dear Bob“, I wrote approximately 40+ times in the last 5 years.I had planned to go to Bob’s 100th birthday party in a few short months, but Bob was called home.

Last Sunday, he got dressed in his suit for church, unlocked the front door, so the choir director could come in and help him with his tie.  He sat down in his chair and quietly passed away….ready for church…ready to sing in God’s choir.  I cannot think of a better way for him to go…quietly, quickly, ready for church.

I’ve cried a few tears.

It will be odd to not write letters to “Dear Bob”.

I have been working on transforming the front garden.  There is lots of work to do.  I have lots of plans, but I am now doing it all out-of-order.  Today, I planted two climbing roses in Bob’s memory.  I think about one of the anthems Bob wants sung at his service…”May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful.

Often in life, it seems easy to feel as if, I haven’t been or done enough…as Bob’s friend, I have no regrets.

Bob’s Arbor….I have been blessed by my friendship with my dear Bob.

{ 8 comments… add one }
  • Debbie April 18, 2019, 4:25 pm

    Well I am catching up with your blog….amazing, simply amazing. You ALL SEEM LIKE SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE. I hope I am

    not stepping out of place.

    • Ellen April 20, 2019, 7:04 am

      Dear Debbie,
      We are so glad you’ve found this blog and are enjoying our journey. Thank you for your kind words and welcome to the ‘clan’!
      Ellen

  • Diane May 19, 2017, 6:04 am

    Every time Bob received a letter from you, he would pull me aside at church and tell me all about the latest happenings on the farm. He was always very animated and delighted to share! You were a wonderful blessing to him and you passed that blessing on to me as it connected me to Bob! I miss him. His service is going to be on what would have been his 100th birthday, unfortunately that coincides with the first day of All Church Camp 🙁

    • Ellen Walton May 20, 2017, 7:06 am

      Oh! Thanks for sharing! It is amazing what a little bit of attention can do for all of our hearts. At this point, I am planning on coming down (and hopefully singing) for his service. We will have to try and see each other before you go to camp.

  • John May 15, 2017, 3:51 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about Bob. Your ministry to him made me smile – it’s just you!

  • Miriam May 15, 2017, 11:19 am

    I’m so sorry about Bob. But what a wonderful memorial to him. I’m sure he is smiling…. and singing!

    • Ellen Walton May 15, 2017, 8:50 pm

      I am sure he is singing. Whenever there is a hymn that has a bass echo, I will always hear Bob.

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