Day 84

8/5/22

Today, I am visiting a dear friend who will turn 100 tomorrow! The visit will be short, but oh so sweet! His daughter is hosting a gathering each day in his room for people to stop by briefly and wish him well. I don't like these visits without goldens, but sometimes they are necessary.

My sweet friend, Bob, was a regular on our weekly visits to Walker. He would greet us at the door each time and always know which golden I had brought along. We would sit and chat for a long time and I would always hate to leave this gentleman. His goodness and heroism always came through in his stories about WWll, his kindness would be evident in the way he spoke only good things about people and the term gentleman would be the essence of this man as he stood to open the door as we left until the next visit.

One time, he called us and asked for a favor. We would see Bob at church and, sometimes even take him out to dinner. There would be the occasional running of errands or a ride to an appointment when we offered, but he had never called to ask for anything.

On this particular day, Bob explained his dilemma and subsequent decision. He had, at about 93 years of age, pulled into a handicapped parking spot and knocked the blue sign over! He called from his cell phone ( he really never ceases to amaze me!) and said, "When you knock a handicapped parking sign down, it's time to hand over the keys." In his calm manner, he asked if we would both come down to help him. One of us would drive him home while the other went to the autobody shop with his leased car. We said we would be right there to which he replied, "Thank you so much. Now, I am going to call the city and offer to pay for the downed sign."

To say he is amazing is an understatement. To say he is one of America's Heroes is a tribute to his gentle bravery. To say he is loved beyond measure by multitudes just about hits the nail on the head. What a gift he is to this world!