I loved this column, too, Bob. But something you wrote really hit me: you can't cry if you don't love. All of a sudden, a thought of Donald Trump occurred, and I realized that our President is handicapped because he can't love. And that pretty much explains his life and his actions.
This column is in the top five of your best ones, Bob. Maybe even the top three. Your words took me back 22 years to when I dropped my daughter off at college. Seems like yesterday. Yes, I’m crying. Thank you for your beautiful, heartfelt writing!
Beautiful, Bob. I've been wondering for 50 years or more (I guess 57 years, but I've lived in Davis for just 56 of them, so I have no recollection of that first year) why you've been writing for a small town, now defunct, newspaper. This lovely piece makes me wonder all over again.
Always a joy to read, Bob, even when the topic is not so pretty. But this one is heartwarming. Re: your recollections of driving your eldest to college, I love hearing other people's stories about lives well-lived. I happen to be blessed to have recently met that lovely daughter since she's one of our newer members in Davis Threshold Singers. We sat together at rehearsal this evening, and it was nice to have the chance to get to know each other a bit. The last song we practiced was Irish Blessing, and she and I decided you'd probably enjoy hearing it. "May the road rise up to meet you...may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face...and the rain fall softly on your fields."
Here's the thing, friend...Our mission is to offer quiet, comforting song at bedsides of folks nearing life's end. Some members sing weekly to individuals and groups in care facilities. At times, we're invited to bring our ministry to memorial services and burials as well. But above and beyond our good intentions to assist those in need, all of us are blessed by singing in circle at our weekly practices. The songs are good medicine as we support one another through the peaks and valleys of our lives. Even though we each have our own spiritual or religious leadings, the music carries us above any perceived differences and unites us in heart and soul, inviting us into the very best and brightest of our humanity. Your beautiful dark-haired girl brings her own special gifts of gentleness and deep compassion to our sisterhood, and we're grateful to welcome her.
The pleasure is ours, Bob. I'll pass along your kind words. If you'd ever like to experience our soothing songs first-hand (but don't want to wait until you're ready to slip the surly bonds of Earth), let me know, and I'll arrange for you to visit on a night I lead practice. Our three-part harmonies are heavenly to receive seated in the recliner that sits in the middle of the circle (something we take turns doing to remind us of the power of our songs.).
One of your very best, Bob. I, too, was so very moved when you wrote, “…you can’t cry if you don’t love.” That made me wonder if D Trump has ever cried. I doubt he has EVER loved anyone but himself. That makes me think he has likely never cried.
I totally agree with Sherri Richer, Bob. This is a wonderful column, one of your best. Once again your writing has brought tears to my eyes. I was the first born in the family about the same time my dad was serving as a front line physician during The Battle of the Bulge. I met him for the first time as he disembarked from the train in Modesto, carrying a three foot tall teddy bear. It was November of 1945.The war had ended and I was already two years old. The bear became known as Oscar. Both of us are almost 82 now, and not as firm as we once were, but we have stuck together all of these years. Oscar is a reminder of how much my father loved me.
Oh my goodness Bob-I am also crying right now. Your column took me back to when we took our daughter to SOU in 2009, got back to the hotel room, saw the empty bed where she would have been and burst into tears. She's 35 now and we zoom every two weeks for 2 hours (she still lives in Ashland)-just visiting and talking about the stuff of life. When you wrote "you can't cry if you don't love"-totally true. Thank you so much for your writing.
From a "Daddy's Girl": Your's and her relationship is more special than mine and my DaddyO's was ... because you were a "Daddy-mom" ... a one-of-a-kind role that you pulled off in an admirable fashion, my friend. I watched my own father assume the same role with my nephew, then fourteen. What an amazing survival technique of the heart, that was.
I loved this column, too, Bob. But something you wrote really hit me: you can't cry if you don't love. All of a sudden, a thought of Donald Trump occurred, and I realized that our President is handicapped because he can't love. And that pretty much explains his life and his actions.
I think you hit that one on the head, Jan
This column is in the top five of your best ones, Bob. Maybe even the top three. Your words took me back 22 years to when I dropped my daughter off at college. Seems like yesterday. Yes, I’m crying. Thank you for your beautiful, heartfelt writing!
Thanks Sherry. Davis misses you
Beautiful, Bob. I've been wondering for 50 years or more (I guess 57 years, but I've lived in Davis for just 56 of them, so I have no recollection of that first year) why you've been writing for a small town, now defunct, newspaper. This lovely piece makes me wonder all over again.
He rivals the famous Herb Cain😁
That is so sweet, Robin
Mostly because it's hard to ever leave this beautiful town where people actually care about one another
Damn Bob, that was wonderful 😊
You're making me smile, Kalli
luckiest guy
Indeed
Always a joy to read, Bob, even when the topic is not so pretty. But this one is heartwarming. Re: your recollections of driving your eldest to college, I love hearing other people's stories about lives well-lived. I happen to be blessed to have recently met that lovely daughter since she's one of our newer members in Davis Threshold Singers. We sat together at rehearsal this evening, and it was nice to have the chance to get to know each other a bit. The last song we practiced was Irish Blessing, and she and I decided you'd probably enjoy hearing it. "May the road rise up to meet you...may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face...and the rain fall softly on your fields."
So glad to hear it. When do the Davis Threshold Singers perform?
Here's the thing, friend...Our mission is to offer quiet, comforting song at bedsides of folks nearing life's end. Some members sing weekly to individuals and groups in care facilities. At times, we're invited to bring our ministry to memorial services and burials as well. But above and beyond our good intentions to assist those in need, all of us are blessed by singing in circle at our weekly practices. The songs are good medicine as we support one another through the peaks and valleys of our lives. Even though we each have our own spiritual or religious leadings, the music carries us above any perceived differences and unites us in heart and soul, inviting us into the very best and brightest of our humanity. Your beautiful dark-haired girl brings her own special gifts of gentleness and deep compassion to our sisterhood, and we're grateful to welcome her.
What a wonderful group doing precious work in our community.
Thank you.
The pleasure is ours, Bob. I'll pass along your kind words. If you'd ever like to experience our soothing songs first-hand (but don't want to wait until you're ready to slip the surly bonds of Earth), let me know, and I'll arrange for you to visit on a night I lead practice. Our three-part harmonies are heavenly to receive seated in the recliner that sits in the middle of the circle (something we take turns doing to remind us of the power of our songs.).
That sounds great.
Thank you
One of your very best, Bob. I, too, was so very moved when you wrote, “…you can’t cry if you don’t love.” That made me wonder if D Trump has ever cried. I doubt he has EVER loved anyone but himself. That makes me think he has likely never cried.
So true and so sad, Anne
Much appreciate the kind words
I totally agree with Sherri Richer, Bob. This is a wonderful column, one of your best. Once again your writing has brought tears to my eyes. I was the first born in the family about the same time my dad was serving as a front line physician during The Battle of the Bulge. I met him for the first time as he disembarked from the train in Modesto, carrying a three foot tall teddy bear. It was November of 1945.The war had ended and I was already two years old. The bear became known as Oscar. Both of us are almost 82 now, and not as firm as we once were, but we have stuck together all of these years. Oscar is a reminder of how much my father loved me.
Wow, you're making me cry now, Jacqueline. Glad Oscar is still with you and a reminder of your dad's lifetime of love for you.
So moving.
Just beautiful, Bob! Wonderful memories. And I’m just up the road from U of A!
Wow. I know that road all the way from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Where are you, Pat?
In Oro Valley Sun City! Love it!
I forwarded this column to my son as a blink for our great memories but mostly as a wish for him with his daughters. That was wonderful Bob!
Thanks so much, Andre. I hope he enjoys it.
God's Blessings from your family to yours
Absolutely wonderful Thanks Bob.
Thanks Bobby.
Much appreciated.
Oh my goodness Bob-I am also crying right now. Your column took me back to when we took our daughter to SOU in 2009, got back to the hotel room, saw the empty bed where she would have been and burst into tears. She's 35 now and we zoom every two weeks for 2 hours (she still lives in Ashland)-just visiting and talking about the stuff of life. When you wrote "you can't cry if you don't love"-totally true. Thank you so much for your writing.
Thanks so much, Shelley. Visiting SOU and Ashland is pretty great stuff
From a "Daddy's Girl": Your's and her relationship is more special than mine and my DaddyO's was ... because you were a "Daddy-mom" ... a one-of-a-kind role that you pulled off in an admirable fashion, my friend. I watched my own father assume the same role with my nephew, then fourteen. What an amazing survival technique of the heart, that was.
You're very kind, Sherri. Thank you
I never would have thought that a column about Colusa could warm my heart so much.
A surprise to me, too, Len. Looking forward to talking to those folks tonight.
Your columns are always a breath of fresh air and love, Bob...Welcome during these trying times.🥰
Thanks so much, Robin. We'll get through all this and laugh what we left in the rearview mirror
As I wipe away the tears …. So heartfelt Bob
You're too kind, Spencer