Today I am 45 years old. 45. My dad was only 45 when he died. I was only 15 years old at the time. Seems like yesterday. Over the years I often wondered if I’d make it this far. The past 30 years have been quite a roller coaster ride. So much so that if I were to go into all of it now … well, let’s just say I’d probably never finish.
I’ve learned much, I’m learning much and … I’ve still got a lot to learn.
So for my birthday, I humbly request your attention every now and then. I have decided to start writing. Now, I promise not to bomb you daily, not even weekly, in fact I’m not even sure about monthly … but when I do decide to drop something, maybe it will hit home with you.
Over the years I have been told that I am a deep thinker. I am not sure if that is actually the case, but I do recognize that at least every now and then, I do think deeply. Or at least I think I think deeply.
I have spent a lot of time lately considering the second half of my wandering through this life. And I think some things need to change. Actually, many things need to change, but perhaps a simple start would be for me to share a little more than I have over the first half of my life.
The older I get the more I realize how simple instructions like:
“Play nice,”
“Don’t forget to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’,”
and, of course,
“Always remember to share with others”
… are actually a lot easier said than done. But learning to do things like, “playing nice,” saying “please and thank you,” and “sharing with others” is all a part of growing up. And as I am still learning, I am also still growing. So will you consider occasionally lending me your ear and giving me a hand? After all … it takes a village.
Love you all. God bless!
Happy Birthday. You have dedicated your life to teaching us the only way we’ll be able to live those simple rules. For the heart is decietful and desperately wicked. Who can deliver us from ourselves? I thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord!
Have a great day , today, Robert. Special guys do Special things! TIME IS YOURS!
Have a great day Robert. Special guys do Special things. TIME IS YOURS! Luv you, John
Bless you my awesome brother! Happy birthday!
I’m ever grateful for our friendship as this journey would be empty without you in it. You’ve been a great source of inspiration and encouragement over the years. Thank you!
Ray.
Looking forward to more. I just turned 45 on March 5th and it is a landmark number.
Good deal my friend. I am doing the same successfully. God bless! Give the family a hug for me. They must be so proud.
Gil
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Robert! I
May not see you often but I regard you as a genuine, humble, godly man who is a great example of the God we love. I know your father, both earthly and heavenly, are proud of the man you are and will be.
Your life is not a straight shot to the top of the mountain. It is a journey. You will have trials and tribulations all through your life. It is kind of like a rollercoaster (cliche, but true). It is how you handle the tough situations in life that matter. You can’t go back and change the past, but you can learn and forge a new and better life. A family is precious and I found out how far I would go to protect my family from a monster(,truth). It was not a time I like to think about, and have mostly tried to block a few years of my life out! But I did find out how far I would go( which, lf it weren’t for a few sensible words from a friend, and pure divine intervention ( kind of like in the movie, IT’S A Wonderful Life! George sits in Martinis bar and prays to God for help. I’ve since found forgiveness in various aspects, but also a few I am working on Forgiveness. I know” forgive, but never forget” sometimes it may be better to forget, because your health is important. I’ve found life at 58 to be a mix of struggle,patience, occasional vitriol towards my inner self, regrets, missed opportunities, more empathetic and pity. Living for your family, figuring out your path/ destiny. Do we in fact have a destiny or( as Forrest Gump says..floating somewhat on a breeze). Every day is a new day, you cannot get today or yesterday back. It is a new beginning. The things we say should be of value and have true meaning. Know that you will stumble and fall, because we all have faults. Work hard at what you do and have a goal, have an end game. I am still working on all these things, and it is not easy. Do the best you can, teach your kids with love, compassion and purpose. They will grow like weeds. Mine ..I sometimes wish I could freeze them in time, to when they were about 8 or 9 years old. Times when they would beooking out the windows, waiting for me to come home from school. In my life, I have tried not to miss the opportunities presented, as in the back corner of my brain ..I would here the faint song…” Cats in the Cradle”. I find that song very poignant, as it is true. Your kids will be grown, before you know it. Bend like a Willow as my wife says. Even though you don’t want to. Cherish and love. If you have battles, pick them wisely. Pride can be an awful thing. Everyone wants to win the argument. Remember the stones in the jar, and what they represent, then the sand in the jar, that fills the spaces, then the water in the jar that completely fills the jar. Know what each means and represents. This is yours and my lives. John
You’ve already done so much, Robert. You are a true man of God.
Robert. Certainly I’ll lend you my ear. Your posting resonates with me. You are a deep thinker. In his 15 years with you, you dad done good. Happy 45th and many more.
This is not a finish line but a mile marker!! I certainly understand the fear of those historical personal dates. I know mine. My wife knows hers. We cant witness the glories of life if we are always staring at the clock. You’ve got a long way to go before you break the tape.
Happy birthday, Robert!!
Happy Birthday brother kossak – keep writing – keep learning – I realized that I learned much I needed to know working toward and eventually earning Eagle Scout –
A Scout is –
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obediant
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
And Reverent
Moto -Be prepared
and of course – Do a good turn daily.
Happy birthday Bob!
Happy Birthday Bob. I remember it like yesterday our first trip to New York City. The custom shirts, the fancy jackets, the fine meals. Dreaming and planning for our future but most of all I remember walking into the church and you, not sure what to say or do, but quietly walking to the candles and lightening one in remembrance of your dad and the small tear that weld up in your eye. Life is full of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. I wish all the happiness in the world for you and your family. Im certain the candle is still burning and your dad is smiling down upon you wishing you the happiest of birthdays.