My old neighbor died yesterday. You can read Jayleigh's account of his life and death here. Mine is a bit different.
I can remember that he was a nice man, and I remember all of the childhood memories too. But Mister Bobby Clothespin was special to me beyond words, because of who he was, and what I became.
He was one of those guys who defied the odds. All he wanted in the world, as a young man, was to be a pilot. We're talking WWII, here. But pilots had to have perfect eyesight. He didn't. But he passed all of the exams, and everyone marveled at his instinct... so they let him become a pilot. He always had great stories about flying over thunderstorms without onboard radar, and about the ladies in Japan, and stuff like that. Probably inappropriate for a 13 year old.. but I wanted to do a report on Japan for my 7th Grade Social Studies class, and he was the perfect resource. Even gave me a few yen to show the class.
After I moved away and started college, Mom would keep Bob informed of my progess. He was so proud that I was going to be a meteorologist! Whenever I came home and saw him, he would beam from ear to ear, hearing me tell about the weather, or what I learned. Since Aviation and Weather go hand in hand, he always loved knowing what I was doing. A couple of years ago my very first post on this blog was written from the chair of aviation meteorology for a major airline. Lots has changed since then, but Bob always beamed with pride, that I "made it".
Ha. (For those of you who have also "made it", you know why I laugh: it's the same reason why as grown-ups we still feel like kids -- we've not "made it" any more than we've "grown up"!).
So there was a mutual respect between us. Even after I was tasked to house-sit for him whilst in Europe, and my then-fiancee' (now-ex-husband) accidentally set his brand-new house on fire with a toaster! Bob still paid me $500 for 6 weeks :).
Godspeed, Bob. Now you're flying around with angels wings. Hope it's as fun as your old plane...
Peace,
Dot.
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5 comments:
I hope you make VERY FEW revisions before you send that to mom to print out and read at the memorial service.
My gosh. How could we have lived in the same house and me not remember any of that?
You are amazing. ily
I'm one of Jayleigh's faithful readers, so I came to read your tribute. Pretty amazing. I'm sure he must feel very proud and very honored. What a neat relationship ship the two of you had!
It seems Bob has has two special people that were touched by his loving spirit. His life has just accomplished what we all want to do; he left the world a better place because he lived here, was good, and gave to others. I hope some nice young kids have good things to say about me when I cross over.
What a beautiful tribute to him. You write so well that it's an absolute must that I return to read more. Thanks!
Thanks for the comments. I write my feelings, from the heart. Sometimes a rant, sometimes over-emotional, sometimes irrelevant... but always me.
Peace.
Dot.
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