Be in Remembrance

As soon as I committed to blog regularly, a whirlwind of circumstances flooded my life. I make no excuses for getting off to a slow start this year. It is what it is! life happens and it may seem easier to quit because the year has just started but I decided to regroup and remember the goals I set for myself. So, now I’m back at my desk.

I will never forget where I was when I got the devastating news that my father passed on Jan. 17th, 2020. I was out of town, working in Atlanta Mart , when my family called. I was in s-h-o-c-k and the news left me breathless. I began to pray and started to recall what a good, good father he had been. As I cried up and down the city streets, my sudden loss was replaced with beautiful memories. When I returned to my hotel, his favorite songs played like a soundtrack, while I listened to my Pandora Teddy Pendagrass station. And ohhh, as I looked up to the heavens, the city lights danced in the nights. The sky was beautiful and a sudden peace was inside me.

After being still for awhile, I was flooded with tears as the memories turned in my mind, like pages in a book. Then, I started thinking that the best way for me to work through this pain was to put pen to paper. To simply remember him. Remember our last conversation. Remember his quick-witted humor. Remember how to bait the fishing pole. Remember his upcoming wedding anniversary. Remember his delicious recipes. Remember all his gardening tips. Remember how he said to grip the basketball. Remember how he smiled walking me down my wedding aisle. Remember how hard he worked. Remember the reminder calls to check my oil rotate the tires. This went on for days...weeks...and still I remember something every single day. Remembrance is a powerful gift when time is not. This is what I wrote, in part, which became my tribute during his memorial service.

Eugene Lee Robinson was a loving son; a reliable brother; an encouraging uncle; an adored cousin; a faithful friend; avid fisherman; skilled hunter; and brave fireman. Regardless of your relationship to Gene (Robbie)…he was loved & respected by everyone.

But to us, his children, he was simply a hero… Mr. “do-it-all” Daddy. I always joked with him about “What can’t you do?” He was a jack of all trades, could fix anything and knew a little bit about everything. You could talk about sports, food, books, cars, animals, oceans, shopping, tools, raising kids, movies, the news. Whatever! He would engage you.

Like most of you, we have so many stories, so many memories we could share. Most would make you laugh, some even cry, but mostly you would nod your head in agreement that he was an amazing man.

Saying goodbye is hard, but we know his spirit lives on in each of us. The very essence of who he was; his outlook; his attitude; his character was simply evident in how he lived his life. While he wasn’t a religious man, he can be described as a Galatians 5:22-3- spirit filled man; that reflected God’s character in how he lived.

He was full of LOVE...and loved people, especially his family & friends. He lived a life of purpose & passion and was always on our side.

He was full of JOY & laughter. Always a great storyteller, people enjoyed being around him. He had a wicked sense of humor and witty comebacks.

He wasn’t easily troubled or angered but often was the PEACE maker and made hopeless situations seem bearable. He could shoot the breeze with anyone & was often the life of the party.

He was very PATIENT which made him a good teacher. Consider his favorite hobbies fishing, hunting, reading, gardening and cooking. All require you to be comfortable waiting for the good stuff!

He had a heart of KINDNESS. He was always calling & checking up on you, helping & giving of his time while sharing his skills. He was the picture of reliability. If he said he was going, do something…he did it and did it well.

He was GOOD hearted; his actions spoke louder than words. And he was good at a lot of stuff. You ever had his cooking? Ever saw his organized calendar? His meticulously garage & tools?

He was loyal & the epitome of FAITHFULNESS. Married 53yrs on Feb 5th. Friendship with some of you since grade school, served 27 years as fireman…honorable and committed in each.

He was mild-mannered, yet had a strong, GENTLE, caring and compassionate side. Gene used his unlimited phone minutes! He spent a lot of time calling & checking up on those he loved and was known to kept folks informed.

And finally,… SELF-CONTROL was always exhibited as he sought to live honorably.

You have surely heard the Proverb that we are to “judge a tree by the fruit it produces”.

Remember Gene’s fruitful spirit the next time you enjoy a piece of fruit.

Attitude Adjustment

There are moments in our lives, that are marked, stamped, never to be erased. And there were people in our lives, loved ones lost , who left their mark on us. Spoke encouraging words over us. Gave birth to us. Taught us some valuable lessons. Demonstrated great love towards us. Protected us. Fueled our spirit. Think on these lovely things.

Who is it, that you will never forget? Who left a lifelong impression on you? Who took a piece of your heart when they left this earth?

I encourage you today, to write them a note. Share some things that maybe you didn’t get the opportunity to say. Or maybe just jot down your thought or feelings about them on a special day, one that has meaning or significance. This is a way to keep them in remembrance; an opportunity to honor them.

Here are ten prompts:

We often speak your name…

When I hear the song…

I wish we had…

When I think of you….

One fond memory…

I remember when…

You used to…

Before you…

After you…

Without you…