Sunday, May 16, 2021
Dear Steve, Robert and Dave,
Although Uncle Bob’s death was expected, it has touched us deeply, in ways we didn’t fully anticipate. Dean is grateful for the opportunity to visit with him and Aunt Dots in Newark several years ago, and wishes he could have seen more of Uncle Bob over the years to get to know him better.
We mostly saw Uncle Bob at family funerals, sad times with limited opportunity. But we also have a happier memory, a wonderful one, of your parents at our daughter’s baptism in Gettysburg. Even though that was 27 years ago (!), it remains a cherished memory because of all who gathered together: Russ and Phyllis, Bob and Chic, Dots and Owen, Doug and Liz, Cindy's sister and her husband, and Lydia’s godmother. We were thoroughly delighted that so many of the family could join us. And Russ did the baptizing! It was a truly magnificent day. Uncle Bob kept our fidgety four-year-old son entertained with magic tricks, pulling coins out of his ear, and held Lydia like the old pro he was, keeping her charmed and content. The siblings – Russ, Dots and Bob – were obviously pleased to see each other, and much good conversation and reminiscence accompanied the celebratory cake. We only wish we had taken greater advantage of the occasion by asking more and listening better.
We have experienced the deaths of our parents, especially the second death, as a unique loss when that last connection is broken; kind of like shifting gears without the clutch. Our caring thoughts are very much with you in negotiating that loss.
Dean and Cindy, Christopher and Lydia
