Robby and me in the front yard.
Robes and me in New York City (August 1998).
1. Watching him raise his three children.
2. Reading his columns in the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel Sports section.
3. Hearing him talk about Bruce Springsteen's music.
4. Calling him on the phone to share a funny story.
5. His quirky advice (i.e., "slam dance with life").
6. Seeing the clever things he did for his wife to show how much he loved her.
7. Eating delicious food he made and seeing how much he enjoyed cooking.
8. Receiving letters and postcards from him.
9. Laughing about funny memories.
10. His genuineness.
Ian, Jamel and Adrienne in September '98.
The Florida Pattons in early '98 (photo taken by Rick Egan).
During one of my trips to Florida when Robes was sick, sweet little three year old Adrienne said about her father being ill, "Poor all of us."
Robes, I love you, I miss you, and God be with you till we meet again.
His legacy lives on in you and each family member who carries his memories in their hearts. Love ya.
ReplyDeleteIt's really been 10 years? My family (Mom,Dad, me) remember him with so much admiration and fondness. I can only imagine how busy he is writing the histories of heaven. Thanks for sharing. God bless you too EP.
ReplyDeleteStill sorry for your loss, ep! I've enjoyed your writings about him. A very sweet remembrance of him!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, you have me in tears Ellen!
ReplyDeleteWayne and I went to Tito's right after we were married in the LA temple. His family had been Tito's fans for years and I was won over at my first visit. I love their salsa.
ReplyDeleteVery sweet post, Ellen. I love what your niece said while Rhobes was sick....so tender.
ellen that was such a touching, tender post. thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you on this tender day.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and everyone he left behind.
*hugs*
That was a great post. Had me crying too. Still hits home even after so many years. Mine has been gone for 14 years now and I still miss him everyday!
ReplyDeleteso touching, what a great post!
ReplyDeleteHis kids are so cute. From what I can tell, the oldest looks a lot like him.
What a touching tribute, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like he was an amazing man. What a beautiful tribute. His kids are lucky to have an equally amazing Aunt to carry on the legacy.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful Ellen. Brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your posts about Robes over the years. I almost feel like I know him and miss him too.
ReplyDeletehe was lucky to have him as his sister. way to keep your chin up, ellen.
ReplyDeleteSister, I'm amazed that you were able to keep the list to 10, considering that Robes was and is still such a vibrant part of your life. What a great tribute to him and to your relationship.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Ellen. He sounds like such an amazing man.
ReplyDeletewhat sweet memories...and what an amazing job Kim has continued with those good fun kids!
ReplyDeleteMy heart got so full it ran out my eyes. I too, feel like I knew him just from the love you share for him in all your post. What a wonderful brother he was to you and I know he must have been a wonderful husband and father.
ReplyDeleteMy heart ached as I read that post. Ten years is a long time.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures and tributes were so great, beautiful kids.
ReplyDeleteEllen, this is one of the most touching things I could ever read. I think anyone would want to be remembered by a list of happy memories, rather than how hard things have been without them. I smiled at every memory even though I could tell some of them were inside jokes!
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue to smile when you think of him.