Dear Reunionaires ~

I wanted to write one more blog to say thank you to so many of you who were able to come to Bob's memorial. It was such a special occassion, and your participation (Scott's testimony & bagpipe, Randy's wonderful tribute, and the beautiful Irish Blessing benediction)made it that much more meaningful. Bob would have been (was) so touched by it all.

Last summer began to give him a little insight into the impact he made on so many lives. He knew he was able to pull out good music from all of you, but I don't think he had a clue as to how his life had influenced you, and he was so humbled by it. How gracious of the Lord to allow him to catch a glimpse of that. Thank you for sharing so openly and freely with him. You helped to make his final year an amazing one.

I so sppreciated the chance to visit with many of you. I had no idea six months ago that I would gain some precious friendships, but that is what has happened, and I am so blessed because of it. I see so fully why Bob treasured his Barlow expeience. All of you made it worth it for him.

The adjustment I face now is huge. Bob was a true companion in every sense of the word, and the emptyness is vast. I had no idea how terribly you could miss someone. But the Lord is so good. His presence is very real, and He has surrounded me with amazing friends ~ both near and far ~ who have fortified me with love, prayer, words of encouragement, phone calls etc. I have truly been on the receiving end of a loving body at work.

Were Bob here he would say I've gone on long enough, so I will draw this to a close. Thank you again for the way you not only blessed Bob's life, but mine as well.

With deep gratitude to the Lord and to you,

Thera

March 3, 2011