Today’s post is dedicated to Robert Hodges. At 2pm yesterday afternoon, Bob died after a long respiratory illness. Honestly, I’d almost have to be a doctor to be able to explain what he was dealing with.
He was my friend.
For two years, I had the pleasure of seeing his posts and comments on Facebook. For two years, he showed me what it was to be a man of honor and character. For that, I am forever in his debt.
What I am most grateful for, however, is that he knew how much I admired, respected, and loved him. I had those opportunities to tell him what his friendship meant to me and I took them. Always take them. Always.
This is a poem I wrote for another friend of mine who lost a loved one. I’m sure he won’t mind if I share it here. It was inspired by a Serbian Proverb.
Be humble, dear
Look around you
Feel the vastness
See the life primeval
Rising from the forest floors
And know you share its story
Child made of Earth
Be noble, dear
Look around you
Feel eternity
See the moon, the comets
Racing through the sky
And know you share its story
Child made of Stars
Bob wasn’t a religious man, nor am I. Well, religious or a man. This quote also helped to inspire the above poem, because we are all children made of stars.
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of star stuff.”
― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
As he was dying from respiratory issues, I was getting sick with them. I find a little humor in that. I won’t lie about it. I’ve been pretty whiny all day. It’s been a bad week and it keeps getting worse, but you know what? I’m still here and what I’m facing isn’t nearly what Bob faced. I will get through it, but how I get through it is entirely up to me. So, I’ve decided no more whining. Bob wasn’t a whiner and I’m not going to be either. I’m going to channel my inner Marine (Semper Fi!) and do what I need to do.
Goodbye, dear friend. Thank you for your service, your friendship, and your example. You have made this world better for having lived in it.
Erindipity 
You’ve paid him a great honor, and I know he appreciates your words. It’s unfortunate that it takes death to give us clarity sometimes, but I’ve come to believe that this is part of its purpose somehow. Send you, and all of Bob’s family and friends, white light and love to help your hearts mend.
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Thanks. He will be missed by many.
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I’m sorry to hear about your friend.
It’s a nice tribute.
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I’m sorry to hear about your friend, but I think that you did right by him by honoring his memory. I hope that your week gets better, and I hope that even though time will go on, that you will never forget your friend.
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