Rob Smithwick went to be with Jesus on July 21, 2010. All who came into contact with Rob knew him to be loving and full of life. We all have our stories!
To bless his family for the years to come, please take the time to share your Rob stories... To do so please click on the comment link below this post.
To donate toward the education of Rob's children please go to Alaska USA and deposit to the "Rob Smithwick Memorial Fund".
This might not really be a story but more of a remembrance. Rob was my dad and he was one of my best friends. I trusted him and he impacted my life more than I had ever expected. He taught me about love, about passion, trust, and to never give up on anyone. He never made me feel as if I wasn't enough and its hard to find people that make you feel like that, I was lucky that that someone was my father. Sometimes he felt like he wasn't that dad or father he should be but I wouldn't trade a minute of time I spent with him for anything in the world and I will never forget the advice, stories, and love I was able to be a part of. My life will never be the same, but I'm glad I have the vivid memories of his life constantly playing over and over in my mind.. they keep me going. I love you dad.. <3 Amie
ReplyDeleteI can remember when I took the preschool class into Pizza Boys and Rob would let each one of the kids "make" their own pizza. The preschooler's talked about that FOREVER!! That was just the kind of person Rob was!! He was always there to give a smile, hug and laugh. Rob you will be missed!! Love you Rob, Miss Becky
ReplyDeleteWe are very saddened by Rob's sudden passing. He was a gregarious individual and will be missed greatly. We can be comforted in the knowledge of seeing him again in heaven and remembering his life with us while he was here on earth.
ReplyDeleteWe give our heartfelt condolences to Jenny and the family.
Wayne and Alissa Alsworth, Michael, Gloria and Katelyn
Rob will be missed by my Daughter Kila and I.
ReplyDeleteI remember a time we ordered a Pizza when I was caretaking the Inlet Salmon Cannery and he had other deliveries and by the time he got our pizza to us it was cold ~ and didn't charge us for it and also had a prank pizza call that was undeliverable and gave it to us also, and laughing about someone calling in a pizza for an address that didn't exist!!!
Rob you were an all around Great Guy and my Heart just breaks for your family and your kids.
But all the Angels in Heaven are going to have some great Pizza!!!
Missed Greatly
Julie Soper
Kila Foss
A couple of weeks ago I set up a bicycle adventure course for my daughter and her friends. One of their stops was Pizza Boys for lunch. When Rob realized I hadn't given them enough money for pizza AND drinks - he immediately said he buy their drinks. I, of course, insisted I would send additional money - but he laughed and was adamant that he be allowed to treat them. That was the kind of guy Rob was - always generous, happy to see you and quick with a hearty laugh. I know I will miss seeing his smiling face. Rhonda Orth
ReplyDeleteThank you for offering the opportunity for me to share my thoughts about Rob. Rob and his family have touched the lives' of my family for many years. I will never forget the positive upbeat spirit that Rob had always, truly showing that spirit within him. I appreciated Rob as a business owner and "pizza specialist" in our home town, we have been "regulars" for many years...loving Rob's pizza!!! I always have admired the work ethic that Rob modeled for his family while providing for them. I remember visiting with Rob one day and he commented that they were blessed with another baby on the way....he was sooo excited and such a blessing to see and hear his delight in his family. I know that Rob touched many lives' with his life and spirit and I was one of those people....thank you sooo much Rob for caring, sharing and being YOU. Thank you Father for touching our lives' thru Rob. My prayers and thoughts are with Rob's awesome family during this time of incredible loss.
ReplyDeleteWith lots of love~~~~ Miss Koreena/Koreena Ortiz--Soldotna Alaska
I worked for Rob and his family for about 5 years. Pizza Boys was my first real job and it was such a great experience! There was never a dull moment and still to this day I miss working there. Rob was so full of spirit and could easily make you laugh, even in your darkest mood. When we would get slammed with orders, I can still hear him say in his radio ad voice "Let's turn it up a notch!" and we would quickly get a move on to get the pizzas out the door. He loved his family more than anything and you could see his face light up when he talked about Jenny and the kids. I still can't believe he is gone and my only regret is that I hadn't seen or talked to him in months. Rob will be missed by so many and may he rest in peace! My prayers go out to Jenny, Amie, Robbie, Riley, Timmy and Johnny!
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Lindsey
My Cousin Robbie, that's what my Brother Jim and I called him way back when we were all little guys hanging around Grandma and Grampa's place in Harrah.
ReplyDeleteI recall that for a time when Robbie was real young, two or three years old, he had to wear casts on both legs with a brace at the ankles that kept both legs quite aways apart from each other, couldn't bend his knees in these casts either... Did this keep him bedridden? No, far from it! He could run just about as fast as the rest of us! It was really something to see he would lean forward quite a ways then use his body to throw first one leg forward then shift his weight to the other side throw the other leg forward and so on at an alarming rate of speed and you didn't want to get in his way either, he was totally fearless and aparently felt no pain as he plowed right through you all the time laughing loudly!
I am so happy that like my Cousin Robbie I too trust in the Lord and look forward to seeing him in Glory when we all get there!
Paul Getman
Rob was one of the most memorable young men we have had at our fishing sites. He started with us at age 13 and fished with us for eight seasons. He was both a challenge and inspiration. Rob was as tough and aggressive as anyone we have had on our crew. When he was 13 he and Loren fished 13 nets for 16 days straight (day and night) using one skiff after two of our crewmen left because of lack of fish. The fish showed up the day after they left! Rob never quit and didn't break. Carolyn and I knew then we had a treasure. I later was able to help coach Rob and his Grace Christian School basketball team. Rob was an incredible athlete and leader. I never saw him back down from a challenge on the court and in life, including when he was courting the woman who became his wife. We will remember Rob as a passionate, generous person. Tough on our equipment--but one who could produce results. Rob was also willing to be funny to make an impression. We'll never forget how he helped us "loosen up" when waving campaign signs at Minnesota Drive and Northern Lights Boulevard in Anchorage on July 4 during my first campaign for the State House in 1988. Rob left us far too early by our standards, but right on schedule by God's infinite wisdom. We don't understand that right now, but will some day. Until then, to Rob's family and friends--we loved this boy and man and support you with our love and prayer.
ReplyDeleteLoren & Carolyn Leman
Anchorage
Dear Larry and Shari, I opened the BMH Editor's Blog and learned the very sad news of the death of your son, Robert. Please accept the expression of our sorrow on your behalf.
ReplyDeleteI only remember Robert, and barely, when we were in Winona Lake together in the late 60s and early 70s. Our daughter Ginette and Robert were born very close to each other. Robert was a year older, I believe. Of course we remember you two very well but it has been a long, long time. Be assured of our prayers as you walk through the valley of the shadow now.
With love from the two of us. Larry and Vicki DeArmey
Rob has brought such joy into my life from the time he was a little guy. He was always moving and always had a smile on his face. It was amazing to watch him on crutches. He could outrun anyone and he was the one on crutches. As an adult he was always trying to "put one over" on me. One summer I was in Alaska and answering the phone at the Samaritan's Purse office. Rob called and with a disguised voice told me he wanted to give a large donation and what should he do. He had me going for a minute but I finally realized it was him and we had a good laugh about it. I guess he was getting me back for the time I called and ordered a pizza and wanted him to deliver it to North Carolina. I am so thankful for Rob, his love and the joy he brought into my life. I miss you, Rob. I love you Jenny, Amie, Robbie, Riley, Timmy and Johnny.
ReplyDeleteAunt Kathy
Rob was a special person, that was obvious to anyone who met him. He was unfailingly warm and friendly. At Pizza Boys he was a great host and businessman. He was witty and insightful and had a great sense for people. I loved talking to him. And his love for his family was evident and enduring. Martin and I are grateful to have known him.
ReplyDeleteAmie, thank you for your tribute to your Dad - beautiful words and very inspiring. What you wrote will stay with me for a long time. Jenny, my heart is with you as are my prayers. May you find comfort and strength in the love of your God and your family. We are grieving with you all.
Robin Eckmann
Anchorage
Hay Rob,
ReplyDeleteWell, you beat us all to Heaven. I've had a very emotional time wondering what you and Jesus had to say to each other. I bet it was an awe inspiring time for you. Can't wait to talk to you when we get there. All I can say is thanks for the memories you gave to this old couple. You were our son's best friend and he misses you so much, his heart is breaking. One of the best memories is of the two of you heading to Colombia on a mission trip and you both telling us you were ready to "die for Jesus". We had quite a talk about not trying to get to Heaven before Jesus was ready for you. (Thanks for waiting, see it wasn't so very long.) We'll miss you until we see you again.
May the God of all comfort be with your family.
Bruce and Katie Kniegge
Myself and my children are deeply saddened by the loss of Rob. People are often described as one in a million, but Rob was one in eight billion! A man with a big heart, a bright smile and always a kind word. Our community will miss him and I hope that the family will find peace in knowing that some day they will be together again. John 3:16
ReplyDeleteWow, What can be said that can truly encompass Rob. I don't think it can be put into words. Rob was a good friend to myself and my family. I don't think Rob ever met a stranger or someone he couldn't relate to, I always admired that about him. He never judged. He absolutely adored his wife and children and always praised them up one side and down the other. If love could have saved Rob he would have lived forever...and he will be missed everyday.
ReplyDeleteWe loved you Rob and will continue to until one-day I hope we meet again.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Gandhi
Don, Andrea, Paige, Haley, Madison and Mason Mock
No one I know will ever forget about Rob! I met Rob when I was in Jr High when the store on K-Beach was the only Pizza Boys open. Thoughout high school many of my friends worked at Pizza Boys in Soldotna, it was the "hangout". He was like a Dad to us, mostly a friend, he put up with our nonsense, taught us lessons and and put us in our place when needed. No one could make pizza better than him at midnight rockin boxers and golf shoes!!! I hadn't seen him in a while and this last spring I saw him a lot at Johnny's basketball games, he looked better than ever! I also stopped into the store not to long ago and he hooked me up with some great hot wings he had just made, so YUMMY! I looked on the walls of the store and they were covered in wonderful pictures of his beautiful children! He was a loving proud father and friend, you will be missed by all and never forgotten!! Love ya Rob!
ReplyDeleteRob had the God given talent of knowing when one needed a great big Rob hug to lift them up. I feel very blessed to of been the recipient of many of those wonderful hugs.
ReplyDeleteTake Care God's speed
Mrs.K (Laurel Kytonen)
It has been said the eyes are the window to the soul. When I think of Robbie, the very first image that comes to my mind is his eyes.... From the first memory of him, it was his eyes....dark, intensely penetrating.. One look at them could tell whether he was challenging, inviting, spiteful or charming.
ReplyDeleteFirst memories leave an impact - and that is what one usually always goes back to when thinking of the past. For me that was true with Robbie. I first remember him being somewhat 'limited' with his leg braces/crutches, yet that is almost an oxymoron - was Robbie ever really 'limited'? He could move faster with his braces/crutches than anyone!!
However it has always been Robbie's eyes that have left a mark on me. The sparkle always was indiciative of him being SO alive!! He was a feisty kid, no one that knows him would deny that part of him!! Every aspect of Robbie could be described in one single word - 'motion'. Yet that did not in anyway truly depict the whole of Robbie!
When the Smithwick's were on their way to Alaska in the summer of '77, then stopped to stay with us in Canada. It was an emotional time in our family because it was the weeks before my mom died. We laughed a lot and had a great visit but not one that you would not really expect a child to have listened to. I remember standing in my kitchen making rolls, when Robbie walked in and simply said ' I am sorry about your mom'. I have never forgotten those words. Because Robbie had always been in motion, or in trouble (ha) I never entertained the thought that he had compassion in his young heart. I was deeply touched by his words Over the years that I did watch him growing up, I always remembered that underneath that action-packed boy, was a tender heart.
Can you imagine his entrance into Heaven? The JOY in his eyes ... the delight of true awe at being welcomed by Jesus ....seeking out his sister, his grandparents,his nieces ....and absolutely delighting in the presence of Christ?
Can you imagine the JOY in His eyes when you will meet him there?
Praying for each one of you as you make the painful adjustment to living without him, while you cling to the hope of Heaven and the precious memories of life with Robbie...
Sandra King
My family will miss Rob greatly. He was one of the most upbeat people I have ever met. Always had a ready hello and a nice word for anyone. He was a great conversationalist, thoughtful, and full of suprises. He exhibited a great love for his family.
ReplyDeleteAnn Davis & family
Kasilof
I have known Rob for about 15 yrs and will miss his smiling face and up beat attitude towards everything. I used to visit him at Pizza Boys at least once a week and get lots of pizza's for our work. He always had something funny to say, and greatly loved his family. My heart and prayers go out to them. Rob will be missed greatly by all.
ReplyDeleteRitchie
When I was in high school I was trying to get a pizza and a movie for a special date with my girl friend, who is now my wife. Rob had a pizza special but it had to be picked up by a certain time. I was very broke and it was past the time for the special deal. I called Pizza Boys and asked if I could still get the special. He of course said "yes" and when I went in to buy the amazing pizza, at a very low price, he threw in two cans of soda for free. I had not told him about the date but he must have seen my girlfriend sitting in my car through the window and thought it would be nice to throw in some soda. I was extremely grateful he did this becuase I was trying to make a good impression and had not thought about getting anything to drink. I did not know Rob on a personally level but he treated me well and struck me as a giving person and I just wanted to say thank you.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Joseph Pazar & family
Rob has been my husband and best friend for over 20 years. We have lived, loved, laughed and cried together while raising 5 children and running our business. He always listened to me, valued my opinions, and respected my ideas. His eyes would light up every time I saw him and he would spread his arms wide for an enveloping hug like he hadn’t seen me in a long time. He loved me thoroughly and completely and he spoiled me rotten!
ReplyDeleteHe had such a generous spirit! He never withheld good from me or our children or strangers. He was never spiteful, but was quick to forgive. He seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing what people were wanting or needing and it gave him great joy to satisfy those needs, often before they were expressed. He could recognize a hurting soul and was anxious to comfort in any way he could find. When he didn’t know what else to do, he would just feed you!
He loved to entertain. He would frequently go out of his way to stir people up and make them laugh. Usually he was the brunt of the joke. He knew how to stretch people and make them uncomfortable and teach them how to not take themselves so seriously.
He was an incredible athlete, and he played with so much intensity and heart that he excelled far beyond even his physical abilities because he would never give up.
Everything he chose to do, he did extravagantly, never half way. He dreamed big and then chased his dreams. My dad would try to diffuse his over the top ideas by saying “Everybody’s gotta have a dream…” which would give Rob the extra challenge to not only follow his dream, but to impress my Dad while he was doing it!
His love and compassion and grace for others was so big. It was a reflection of the big love he knew from his Heavenly Father. He was his own worst critic and was so aware of his own failures and shortcomings that he was vividly aware of God’s grace and compassion and as it covered him, it flowed out of him onto those around him. When recently he was having trouble forgiving someone he reminded me that in answer to the question “how many times must I forgive someone“, Jesus said, “ 70 times 7“. And he went ahead with his re-forgiving.
(to be continued)
continued...
ReplyDeleteHe hurt so deeply for others, it was nearly a physical pain, and it was almost unbearable when he felt there was nothing he could physically do to help. He never gave up on anyone.
He loved his family and he couldn’t have loved mine more if they’d been his own. He had so much joy in knowing and loving all his nieces and nephews and our kids friends and feeding, hugging and spoiling them. He personally appointed himself an adoptive parent to kids who actually had parents, but he wanted to claim them too because he loved them so much.
He was enamored with his children! He told me time and time again how awesome they were, how proud he was of each of them, and how excited he was to see them grow up. When I would express concerns about one of our children, he would rarely contribute constructive criticism because he could see straight through their issues to their hearts and souls and he saw them as perfect! Without flaw! He just couldn’t believe he had been blessed with such beautiful, unique, funny, talented, loving children and he had no desire to change a thing about them.
He loved the Lord! He longed for the day he would meet him face to face. I never thought it would be so soon, but even as I mourn our terrible loss, I rejoice with Rob at his entrance into the presence of the almighty God and the completion of his joy and peace. Philippians 1:21 reads “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” and I know Rob believed this to be true by faith even before it became his reality.
A friend recited a quote several weeks ago that has stuck with me. “A short life is not necessarily an incomplete life”. Rob has been the constant in my life and the lives of our children and I’m sure many of yours. It is still unreal to me that if I walk into Pizza Boys, he will not pop his head around the corner, eyebrows raised, eager to see me and provide whatever I need. Rob was like a rainbow on a dreary day, the sun coming up after a dark night. He lit up the room with his energy, joy, love, fun and just plain silliness.
He has left a gaping hole in our lives, a great emptiness and we will not stop missing him until the day we join him in heaven. But I choose to say with Job, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity? The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1: 21a, and 2:10b
Jenny Smithwick
In only knew robby as a little boy, When our church got our paster Larry Smithwick. I didnt get to know him very well due to the fact I joined the military and moved away from Alaska. Being the son of Norma Story I was alway kept abrest of the goings on with the friends from anchorage. My parents are very good friends of Larry and Sheri.
ReplyDeleteIt sadens me to know Robby had to leave this earth so early But as christians we can feel a little better knowing we will see him again.
My heartfelt condolences to Jenny and the children and also to Larry and Sheri
Sincerely
From Brownsburg Indiana
Jeff and Rhonda Story
While out one day we bumped into Rob.... we had noticed that he had a plow on the front of his truck and teasingly asked what he would charge us for a plow..... he told us he would give us the "family rate". We laughed and didnt think about it again til we awoke to a foot of snow on the ground outside. Then I heard a noise and looked out my daughters window.... there was Rob and Jenny plowing our drive for us..... I even think Jenny was knitting while sitting right beside him.... now thats spending quality time together! Rob plowed us through the winter and wouldn't allow us to give him a cent. Thats the kind of man he was. He gave and gave! We will miss you Rob! You were one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteGod Speed~
Jake and Darla
I have waited a few days since I found this blog, to really ponder what I wanted to say. I wanted to leave something for Rob's kids to read, and laugh about. I wanted to leave something for Jenny to smile and feel comforted, but as I just got done reading Jenny's blog, and earlier Amie's blog I realize, I don't need to, they alreay know what's important..... The most important things.... Rob loved the Lord, and he loved and adored them. So, I'll just write a memory....
ReplyDeleteIt was at our family reunion a few years ago when Rob, Jenny and the kids were all in attendence. Jeff and I had gotten a cabin up on top of the hill not to far from where Rob and Jenny had their cabin. As Jeff and I were coming out of our cabin, I spotted Jenny and Rob laying in the middle lawn section. I think Jenny was reading, and Rob was just basking in being with his beautiful wife, and he had such a contented smile on his face. I waved to him, and he quietly waved back. I think back on that now, and smile and giggle a little bit, because I think that was the first time I actually saw Rob sitting STILL!! Of course that very same day he decided he needed to start a fire on Strawberry Island and roast marshmellows..... I'm going to miss my cousin Rob and his larger then life personality, and charm. I am so glad that when it's time, I'll see him again in Heaven.
Love,
Jenny Culver Briggs
I went to school at Grace with Robbie along with my sister Michele. What I remember most is the frequent look on his face that said "I'm up to something fun!" Even as an adolescent, he didn't have a mean bone in his body and was able to light up a room with his inner happiness. My thoughts are with his wife and children. He will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteBonnie Graham (Reierson)
Thank you to the folks who started this blog. I didn't hear about Rob's death until after the memorial service was over, so this is my only chance to share memories.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Robbie in nearly twenty years. He and I worked together on the back deck of the F/V Chulyen in Bristol Bay. As I recall, he came on to the boat just before the season started, a new hire to replace a crewman who had left at the last minute. Of all the deckhands I worked with back in those years, he was easily the most memorable. He had a great attitude and an infectious laugh. We were both young, and had a great time working together. And he was a hard worker! I remember when he first came on board he had a goal to gain about ten pounds over the summer. He was on the back deck doing push-ups and sit-ups. Then he'd come in the cabin and eat a huge meal. We had a really good season (lots of fish!), and it didn't take long for the calisthenics to fall by the wayside, and eventually he started skipping meals for sleep. I think he actually lost about ten pounds that summer! I always felt he and I could pick through a full net faster than anyone else I ever worked with. It was hard work, but he helped make it fun.
All the hard work and fun aside, I also remember him for his complete and unabashed honesty. He was going through some hard times personally then, and he was willing to discuss them with complete candor, unselfconsciously. Alas, we didn't stay in contact. He moved on to the Pizza Business, and eventually I moved on to other things, research at the University in Fairbanks. I don't get down to the Kenai Peninsula very often. I tried to look him up at the Pizza Boys a few times when I did, but he didn't happen to be in. After reading all these remembrances I regret not trying a little harder. My thoughts go out to Jenny and the kids. The love which he spoke of you, Jenny, back then on the boat was sincere and complete, and your love and faithfulness meant the world to him.
Im certain Heaven is much sweeter with you there Rob. We will see you again one day as Jesus calls each of us home.
ReplyDeleteConnie Callahan
Larry and Shari, I want to express my condolences to you and your whole family. As I read about Rob, my mind went back to the Grace years and when I moved to Winona Lake to go back to school and the times we spent with birthday parties, etc. Rob and Dana, my daughter, were the same age. I will keep you in prayer as you go through this loss. I'm told, by my brother, it's tough to lose a child no matter what age they are, but God does help heal and soften the loss with the memories. You are in our hearts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJenny and Family,
ReplyDeleteI followed the sudden news about Rob only recently, and our family is very sad for your loss. We lost two of our devoted Pizza Boys within a month, with the passing of Tony Cobb and now Rob.
I have good memories of my time in business with Rob. He was a charismatic leader and exciting entrepreneur. He really new how to have fun, and he was brilliant. I spent some late nights at the radio station with Rob making those crazy commercials, and they are an archive of his brilliant, fun loving personality.
Rob had I had opportunity for some deep discussions about the Lord and life amidst some of the challenges that confronted us. It was clear to me that he loved his family and the Lord, while working through the various challenges that we all do in life.
I pray that God continues to bless and keep his grace upon you.
Mark Gregory, Former Pizza Boys Owner
I first met Rob back in high school. He was a great basketball player, on Grace's team. All of us girls thought he was pretty cute, too. When he and Jenny started dating, I remember her running up to me in school and telling me, how he sent her flowers and stuff. They were a great couple.
ReplyDeleteOur kids were often on the same sports team. You could always count on Rob to be there cheering them on, and if it was their turn for snack, it would probably turn out to be pizza, in some form or another. His kids always thought our team name should be "Pizza Boys" but they were usually out-voted!
Jen, we are praying for you, and for each one of the kids. We feel this loss with you, and ache for you. Rob was one of a kind. A big kid. A big heart. And with all that he had to offer, a very big loss.
When we heard of Rob's death the next day on July 22nd, we were so saddened and hurt by this tragic accident. A week later on July 28th, we had a friend of ours, who was 69 years old, fall into the Kenai River while fishing off of the bank near the Kenai bridge at our private dock. We were so upset, but thankful that our friend's wife and I were there to help him get out of that cold fast water at 9:15pm. When I saw our friend fall into the Kenai river, I realized how quickly and easily it can happen to anyone fishing on that swift river.
ReplyDeleteWe meet Rob on July 7th when we first arrived in Soldotna from Florida at the Pizza Boys Restaurant. He was such a kind and helpful person to us and he even invited us to use his Internet connection for my son's laptop. I wish to send Robert's family and friends our heartfelt condolences and may God help mend your hearts. Knowing that he is with Jesus will help those who cared so much for him with their grief. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a good and kind man who had such a warm and genuine smile. He really cared about other people and that showed in his warm personality. As the song says, "Only the good die young". Rob will be so deeply missed by so many people whose lives he touched in such a special and memorable way. May God bless you and your family always and keep you safe with His love. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Cline
Brandon, Florida
I don't really know where to begin other than to say that I've known Rob and the rest of the Smithwicks since I was a kid. I always saw Rob as someone who loved life and knew how to make a damn good pizza (still my favorite to this day). So I was ecstatic to take on my first job working for Rob delivering his world-famous pizzas. Suffice to say I spent somewhere around a year working at Pizza Boys alongside Rob and most of the great memories I carry from a workplace were created within that small, yet largely impacting restaurant. I was a 16 year old with no work experience, yet Rob had faith that I could get those pizzas where they needed to be, on time. At the time I felt like I was on top of the world because someone as awesome as Rob trusted me with this task. It was one of the greatest summers of my life.
ReplyDeleteRob was an absolute joy to be around. He trusted me and for that I am still grateful. When I heard about Rob, I was heart broken. He had such a large impact on my life that has shaped me in my journey towards adulthood.
To Jenny, Amie, Robbie and the rest of the family, thanks for all that you have done for myself and my family. Your vast impact in our lives has meant a great deal and always will. I pray for guidance and continued good health to one of the coolest families I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Rob, can't wait to have another slice of your pizza someday. It has been and always will be the best. Thanks for everything.
Garrett Grothe
Amie - I STILL miss my dad desperately and it's been over 6 years ago that he died. Some days his memory will give me a sharp searing pain that goes through my heart and cause me to break down and weep. I'm not sure how long it takes for people to get over their grief and maybe I'm just a big baby.
ReplyDeleteBUT, our only hope is that we will see our loved ones again. I often wonder what people do with their grief when they do not have that hope!
I think about you guys often. I have a close girlfriend here who recently lost her husband as well due to cancer. She has a bunch of kids and is devastated like you all are. I think about you every time I see her, which is often.
You have an AWESOME mama though. God gave you and absolute treasure with her. She is unmatched by anyone I've met. Just let her love you and you'll get through this.
Be brave - stay strong.
Jenny, just read your post. Amazing I had the fortitude to say the same thing after my brother called me to tell me dad had just died. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
ReplyDeleteThat's all I could think of as I laid there in a sobbing stricken mess. Who are we to argue with God? Kind of cool to think that Rob, your mom, my dad, and so many others are enjoying one another's company right now. When a friend of mine here recently died, a priest here sent me a text and said that he had heard of "his passing from death to life". I thought he was mistaken at first but then realized his intent. We are the dead ones.
Looking forward to entering life!
Love you Genevieve, always have - always will.