Top of the Mountain
Hug them, squeeze them, love them . . . every day.180 total reviews
Comment from sfharper
Very sad, lovingly told. I am really sorry at your loss. But the tale and the warning about teen drivers playing around on the road instead of acting responsible will help as it the advice from the priest. Oh, and the sentence Whining about is awkward to read, unlike everything else in this tale.
:)
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Very sad, lovingly told. I am really sorry at your loss. But the tale and the warning about teen drivers playing around on the road instead of acting responsible will help as it the advice from the priest. Oh, and the sentence Whining about is awkward to read, unlike everything else in this tale.
:)
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Thanks so much, sjoe...Much appreciated...Bob
Comment from lola29
Bob, your story is heartbreaking and I only wish I knew what to say other than I'm so sorry. I think most people would have simply given up, but you are undoubedtely someone very special - someone God placed His trust in to be the father of a wonderful boy.
With much love and affection,
Lola
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Bob, your story is heartbreaking and I only wish I knew what to say other than I'm so sorry. I think most people would have simply given up, but you are undoubedtely someone very special - someone God placed His trust in to be the father of a wonderful boy.
With much love and affection,
Lola
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Thanks so much, Lola. I know you well enough now to know you are sincere and have a big, big heart...XXX Bob
Comment from L.lora
Where do I start? You've done such a fine job crafting this write that I sit here with tears washing my face wondering what I'm suppose to say. Your love, devotion, anguish and pain clearly show through in this well articulated write and the incredible strength it takes to move forward is also shown. This had to be difficult for I'm sure in unearthed all the feelings you had thought you reconciled with, I applaud you for your courage to write this and to share with us. Go with God's speed. Lora
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Where do I start? You've done such a fine job crafting this write that I sit here with tears washing my face wondering what I'm suppose to say. Your love, devotion, anguish and pain clearly show through in this well articulated write and the incredible strength it takes to move forward is also shown. This had to be difficult for I'm sure in unearthed all the feelings you had thought you reconciled with, I applaud you for your courage to write this and to share with us. Go with God's speed. Lora
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Thanks so much, Llora. You have a perfedct understanding of the story . . .and moreover...me...Bob
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Bob, I said a short silent prayer for you, that you might have the strength to continue to explore and share as you feel necessary of what this has brought to you. My thought and blessings are with you my friend. Lora
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Thank you so much, Llora....Bob
Comment from Begin Again
Bob
My eyes are filled with tears and my heart cries for you. As I read your story, I too was standing by my son's coffin, wondering why this could happen to an innocent child. The priest was right that there is no greater pain than losing your child...Except when they call and say another one has died.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Bob
My eyes are filled with tears and my heart cries for you. As I read your story, I too was standing by my son's coffin, wondering why this could happen to an innocent child. The priest was right that there is no greater pain than losing your child...Except when they call and say another one has died.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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OMG, Carol...I am so sorry...Did you go through something like this? Thanks for your support and kindness...Bob
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Bob
In 1981 I lost my 4 yr old son in an accident and in 2008 my 17 yr old grandson died in an accident too. Life can be unusually cruel sometimes.....My thoughts shall always be with you. Carol
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Thank you, Carol...I had no idea and I am sorry foryour losses..You know for sure then.....Bob
Comment from Juliette Chamberlain
How on earth does one begin to review this essay?
Funny how we remember so well the joy of their birth, and equally well the absolute devastation of their accident and then death. My only child Tony, also died of swelling of the brain stem after a head injury, so I can understand those two or three interim days very well.
They were sheer agony.
Juliette
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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How on earth does one begin to review this essay?
Funny how we remember so well the joy of their birth, and equally well the absolute devastation of their accident and then death. My only child Tony, also died of swelling of the brain stem after a head injury, so I can understand those two or three interim days very well.
They were sheer agony.
Juliette
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Oh, no! So sorry, Juliette..You know, I can't help but wonder if modern medicine could have saved him if it had happened in the past few years...Bob
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I think that they now have ways of 'cold compressing' or suchlike, the brain stem that can inhibit the swelling, but we can't change the past Bob.
It is already written.
It must have been so difficult for you to recount this dreadful event.
Juliette
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I felt goosebumps, believe me. Bob
Comment from The Guardian
Dear Bob,
A hard, solemn write, I'm sure. I am also certain that the message from your Pastor was spot on. I think when we parents lose something absolutely priceless and irreplaceable, we have a choice. We can either close up shop and give up. Or we can take baby steps and find a way to make sense out of our lives. I suspect that on some level that you did. You've written stories since that time that illustrate your generosity and love of children -- all children.
I knew a family in Pittsburgh, where I grew up. The father was a prominent doctor. The wife was well-known is familiar circles. They had one daughter, a sixteen year old, who was murdered by an angry boyfriend.
The parents lost their only child, and two years after the murder, they adopted twin multi-racial toddlers, AIDS babies. And took baby steps.
I lost custody of my biological children, and though it's not the same as burying a child, it was a tremendous loss. Their father moved to another state, and it was impossible to be a part of their everyday life. I had a choice. I could close up shop or I could find a way to make sense of my life. I raised my husband's children whose own mother had died of a brain tumor. I finished grad school. I had two more children. I finished a writing program. And my biological children gradually began to seek out a relationship with me. My daughter, nineteen, now lives with me.
Anyway, too much focus on me. Trying to use an example to illustrate what I mean. I think you do.
An honest, heart-felt narrative. It oozes universal truths.
Thanks for sharing your painful story, my friend.
Merle
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Dear Bob,
A hard, solemn write, I'm sure. I am also certain that the message from your Pastor was spot on. I think when we parents lose something absolutely priceless and irreplaceable, we have a choice. We can either close up shop and give up. Or we can take baby steps and find a way to make sense out of our lives. I suspect that on some level that you did. You've written stories since that time that illustrate your generosity and love of children -- all children.
I knew a family in Pittsburgh, where I grew up. The father was a prominent doctor. The wife was well-known is familiar circles. They had one daughter, a sixteen year old, who was murdered by an angry boyfriend.
The parents lost their only child, and two years after the murder, they adopted twin multi-racial toddlers, AIDS babies. And took baby steps.
I lost custody of my biological children, and though it's not the same as burying a child, it was a tremendous loss. Their father moved to another state, and it was impossible to be a part of their everyday life. I had a choice. I could close up shop or I could find a way to make sense of my life. I raised my husband's children whose own mother had died of a brain tumor. I finished grad school. I had two more children. I finished a writing program. And my biological children gradually began to seek out a relationship with me. My daughter, nineteen, now lives with me.
Anyway, too much focus on me. Trying to use an example to illustrate what I mean. I think you do.
An honest, heart-felt narrative. It oozes universal truths.
Thanks for sharing your painful story, my friend.
Merle
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Hi, Merle...God bless you. Bob
Comment from Susanne M. Psyris
Bob, this writing has left me weak with sadness and crying. It is such a tragedy! Father Harding was absolutely right, nothing is more devasting in life than burying your child. I pray that God has blessed you in many other ways and your faith provided the much needed comfort to move on. The picture of young Bobby shows a very happy child...I truly am shell-shocked by this very emotional piece. Hugs and smiles, Susanne
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Bob, this writing has left me weak with sadness and crying. It is such a tragedy! Father Harding was absolutely right, nothing is more devasting in life than burying your child. I pray that God has blessed you in many other ways and your faith provided the much needed comfort to move on. The picture of young Bobby shows a very happy child...I truly am shell-shocked by this very emotional piece. Hugs and smiles, Susanne
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Thank you so much, Susanne. I knowyour heart is with me...I do so appreciate you...Bob
Comment from nora arjuna
Hi Bob, thank you for sharing this touching story of your son with us. I'm sure it must have been hard to write, and my heart grew heavier by each line I read.
Knowing this was written from the heart, I was undecided to comments on the writing, but I noted this is a contest entry. I have some suggestions for you to check:
I [Can] ride home with Paul - can
It didn't occur to me to ask if Paul's father would be the one bringing them home. - I think this part should be connected to this:
"I guess it's alright, son.
That bag's brand new[,] son
"I know, [Dad] -- I'm sorry[.] I put it under our table.
I handed off the phone, a bit agitated. - suggest to put this in a separate para.
I remember thinking[ ,] he looked so hurt and all alone.
- don't think you need the comma.
A respirator was hooked up[, helping] him breathe. - 'to help him breathe' would sound better, I think.
"Yes," I said. ["]He's Bobby's best friend."
your son will be okay[.]" He patted us on the shoulders.
I hope those help. God bless his soul and I wish you the best in the contest.
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Hi Bob, thank you for sharing this touching story of your son with us. I'm sure it must have been hard to write, and my heart grew heavier by each line I read.
Knowing this was written from the heart, I was undecided to comments on the writing, but I noted this is a contest entry. I have some suggestions for you to check:
I [Can] ride home with Paul - can
It didn't occur to me to ask if Paul's father would be the one bringing them home. - I think this part should be connected to this:
"I guess it's alright, son.
That bag's brand new[,] son
"I know, [Dad] -- I'm sorry[.] I put it under our table.
I handed off the phone, a bit agitated. - suggest to put this in a separate para.
I remember thinking[ ,] he looked so hurt and all alone.
- don't think you need the comma.
A respirator was hooked up[, helping] him breathe. - 'to help him breathe' would sound better, I think.
"Yes," I said. ["]He's Bobby's best friend."
your son will be okay[.]" He patted us on the shoulders.
I hope those help. God bless his soul and I wish you the best in the contest.
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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No, arjuna, I appreciate the comments and the help, believe me. I am glad you have so much heart. Bob
Comment from jason456
God Bless You. I am so so sorry for your loss. There are no words I can use except to say that you and your wife will see him again someday at God's side. I was riveted to your story and was so hoping it would end well. Your friend.
Patti
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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God Bless You. I am so so sorry for your loss. There are no words I can use except to say that you and your wife will see him again someday at God's side. I was riveted to your story and was so hoping it would end well. Your friend.
Patti
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Thank you, Patti. You are such a sweetheart, I can tell. Yes, we will meet again, I know...Thanks for your understanding...Bob
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Bob,
It was my pleasure and we will meet again because I am one of your fans.
Patti
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Bob,
It was my pleasure and we will meet again because I am one of your fans.
Patti
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Bob,
You are so welcome. I love reading your work.
Patti
Comment from schlosslaw_2000
A haunting memory to recall, Bob, a difficult one to write. Consolation cannot console, balm cannot soothe, but withal your life was blessed with Bobby. Semper Fi, Bob ...Semper Fi.
Larry
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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A haunting memory to recall, Bob, a difficult one to write. Consolation cannot console, balm cannot soothe, but withal your life was blessed with Bobby. Semper Fi, Bob ...Semper Fi.
Larry
Comment Written 26-Sep-2009
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009
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Thanks again, Larry. Ithought I had already done this?? Well, Semper Fi Marine...Thanks for your remarks...Bob