Thursday, May 29, 2014
All I could think of when I heard the news was how sad Mom and Dad would have been. I always knew as I was growing up that Bob, although never close by geography, was always close in their hearts. When I called Bob to tell him that Mom died, he did not recognize me at first. I finally said- this is Ruth Ann. "Oh, little Ruth Ann" he said. " Now I know who you are. " I knew adding that Ann onto my name would do the trick. All the uncles use to call me by both names. One of my fondest memories of your Dad was a long time ago-when I was very young. We had not seen Uncle Bob for many years when one evening while we were eating there was a knock on the screen door. There stood Bob. We were all so overjoyed to see him. Dad was thrilled and tried to talk Bob into staying in Dyersville. But the sea was still calling him back. He had found a life for himself and that was good. Considering all the trials he had gone through when he was very young, he made an amazing life for himself and his family. I am very proud to call him my uncle. I feel so sad to think that there is only one brother left now. I have lost touch with Don over the years, just like I had your Dad. That I regret. I just wanted all of you to know that I have been thinking about you and extend you my deepest sympathy for your loss.
