Cold Anniversary: Jennifer Strauss

Literature creative piece ~ Jennifer Strauss ~ Cold Anniversary

Rob was a man nobody can replace… at least not in my heart. He was a loved father, adored grandfather, cherished son and of course a treasured husband. In our sixty years of marriage, I had never met anyone else who was as giving and loving as he was, especially to our children. Our kids respected him enormously because Rob never feared showing his emotions towards them, or anyone he cared for, for that matter. He was indeed affectionate. With such an open heart, he offered anyone in need any assistance he could give, even if it was any loose change or giving a hand moving, he was always there to lend a hand.

I still remember a conversation I had with him one night many years ago. We were talking about our kids. About how we wanted to see them grow up. He had lots of dreams for them. To see them go through school, through university, meeting someone and having their own children. Rob was a proud father. He was the type of father who would flaunt his kids to his friends and his friends loved our kids too of course. Rob dreamt big. He wanted our kids to grow up wise, God fearing, respectful and successful people. I am proud to say, Rob achieved that. We brought up two wonderful children, Don and Jeannette. These two were far from a disappointment to him, bringing teachers and engineers to the family and of course our darling grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. How lucky are we? I know Rob will flaunt about our children with everyone and anyone he can to in heaven. In fact, I am sure of that.

Rob lived his life the best way he could. He never had enemies nor did he step on anyone. He was well loved and I seeing everyone here right now, having this big a crowd on his funeral only proves that indeed Rob was and is highly esteemed. How could he not be? He was such a kind soul. The type of person you can’t get enough of. Well, at least I think of him that way. I married him, didn’t I? If I could live all over again and would go back to the time when Rob asked me to marry him; right before he was being shipped off to New guinea during world war two, I remember from November of 1944 till August of the next, I stayed up, almost every night, waiting, waiting and praying for him, to be safe, to come home to me. That blessed day he did, I was in pure ecstasy having my man home again, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to spend these extra sixty years with such an inordinate man. For a million times all over I would still say yes! Marrying him was the best decision I ever made in my life and I would not change that even if I have the chance to do so, not even for a handsome prince charming, because he was mine. That’s how much my husband meant to me and nothing will change how much I love him.
Our life together, in my experience, I saw him as a considerate man, but I am not the best judge of character I suppose. He had many friends, most of who I see here, who he adored as much as he could. The time he spent with them, doing his favourite things; whether it was playing a game of cards or going to a game, they were always bound to have the best of time. He would come home after and wouldn’t tell me anything about it. ‘It’s a secret, just guy stuff love.’ He would say to me, and how I hated him for that! His friends stuck by him at the best of times, and the worst of times, just as they have now. Without you boys, who knows where our Rob might be.
Time, they say, heals. Time, cannot heal, but will pass. As time goes by, memory will slip, and soon, this pain, this loss will evade me; the tears and mourning will subside eventually. It is the passing of time, the clock ticking, which brings the healing, all those activities we carry out during that time that take the memories and discomfort away. I hope, through time, I do not forget about Rob’s smile, his laugh, and the wrinkles that gathered at his lips while he chuckled. Nor would I want to forget our times together, when he would make me giggle and we would be in raptures together. Our great grandchildren, so early in your life, I hope that time does not take a hold of the memories you had with Grandad Bobby; how he played with you, the shrill cries I would hear from the next room would be translated into bliss. Hold onto what memories you have, keep them safe, close to you heart; as close as rob was to yours.

Four months ago, when we heard the news of his bowel cancer, the shock that ran down my spine, still remains there. Four months ago, we were told he had three months to live; the aching pain, of knowing he was leaving, still remains there. Four months ago, Rob told me not to worry, that he will be fine, things happen, sometimes to the best of people, but it is life and we have to take it as it comes. The presence of Rob in my heart, in our hearts, will always remain there.
Rob is in heaven now. He’s with his parents, brothers and other friends now. I am positive he is happy there because in heaven there is peace. Rob had no unfinished business here and he was ready when it was his time to leave us. We were all prepared when that day came. We all were able to say our goodbyes and somehow, letting him go was not so painful knowing that he was at peace, out of that constant pain he felt and was content on the day he died.

Rob, I know we will see each other again. I would feel your warm embrace again, your arms; your skin. Fate united us once, and our souls will meet for an eternity together, just as we hoped. In the meantime, please do guide us as we live our life here on earth. Do watch over our kids and our families; protect them from harm. Rob, you will be greatly missed, always be remembered and you will always live in our hearts for as long as we live. I love you so much.