Comment from Sixty70

Excellent

I am so sorry for your loss. I too have an only son, and I can't imagine losing him. It took courage to write this and then to publish it. Father Harding was right about one thing - that must have been the most difficult thing to face.

Thanks for writing!

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thanks so much, Zip. I appreciafe your time and comments. Bob

Comment from Cindy Warren

Excellent

I'm so sorry you lost your son. I'm told there's nothing worse, and I believe it. This must have been very difficult to write, and the win was well deserved. All the best to you.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thank you, Cindy. I appreciate your time and comments. Bless you, Bob

Comment from doggymad

Excellent

This was nothing short of heart breaking Bob. I can see now how your early years fade in the light of such a tragedy.

I have nothing useful to say except that I am so sorry that you and your wife lost your precious son.

hugs

Freda

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thanks so much, Freda. I appreciate your time and comments. Blessings, Bob

Comment from Tpa

Exceptional

Congratulations on winning the contest.
It was a superb but tragic story. The most difficult situation any parent can face is the loss of a child. I saw it many times while employed at Holy Family Hospital. Although your life took a different path, I believe the words of your clergyman and strength became more abundant to you and perhaps, as I have faith, that your continued walk through life may have some extra help from upstairs from an angel named Bobby.
Again, thank you for a great read/tom

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Hi, Tom. What a nice comment. Yes, around this time of year I feel the pain the most. I appreciate your sentiments. Bless you, Bob

Comment from Sankey

Exceptional

So poignant and strong, Bob. Feeling all that hurt with you, even again, today, as I read. I loved his picture. Can imagine what a lovely boy he was. I hope there were some good memories of Bobby for you to think back on even in the midst of all the sorrow. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thank you for your time and comments, my friend. Athough it happened in 1981, around thsi time of year....his birthday, I feel it the most. Bless you, Geoff. Bob

Comment from Donya Quijote

Excellent

Heart-wrenching, tragic, horrible... I don't think there is anything worse for a parent than the death of a child. Your as a matter of fact style still had me blubbering in the end. The priest's comments did seem a little insensitive to me and I am pretty sure they did to you at the time, but it seems that he was right. Thanks for sharing a personal tragedy...

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thanks so much for your time and your comments. I appreciate it. Blessings. Bob

Comment from MelB

Excellent

Oh Bob! I'm so sorry! It's just awful when something like this happens. I've read that parent and child are the two worst ones. I believe it even more after losing my mom. The pain is unbearable and I know it is worse when you lose a child and one so young at that. You described the pain and devastation well.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thank you so much, Mel. Yes, we know, don't we. Blessings. Bob

reply by MelB on 25-Feb-2017

You're welcome. I have one son too. I wasn't able to have another child because of endometriosis. I can't even imagine. I'm glad you shared, but I can't imagine how hard it must still be to talk about.

reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

My wife had the same thing and could not have any more. She passed away two years ago. Boby's death tore us apart. we divorced in 1983. I remarried and have two wonderful children...a boy and a girl. Blessings. Bob

reply by MelB on 26-Feb-2017

I'm so sorry to hear that. I've heard there is a high divorce rate after the death of a child. I'm glad you've found happiness again.

Comment from Ella25

Excellent

My heart cries for you, Bob. There is nothing worse to lose a child, nothing. Darn, people complain how hard life treats them not knowing what others go through. I am glad that you are not afraid to show your scars and share this beautiful but heartbreaking story with us. You are such a beautiful man, and I am honoured to have you as a friend. May God bless you, always. Blessings, Ella

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thanks so much, Ella. I sincerely appreciate your comments and caring. Bless you always. , Bob

reply by Ella25 on 26-Feb-2017

You are welcome, my friend. Take care and many blessings. Ella

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Excellent

Bob, what a heart-breaking story. You made me cry. I can't imagine the pain. I have lost my only son as well, just in a different way. You have had such a difficult life, my friend, but always seem cheerful--not angry and bitter as some would be. I'm sure there have been times you were. I was angry the first three years after my accident. Thank you for sharing this very personal story. Take care, my friend. I'm off to find some tissues~Debbie

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thanks so much, my dear friend. I am glad you can relate so well. Blessings, Bob

Comment from nancyjam

Exceptional

Dear Bob, I am so sorry to learn you suffered such a tragic loss.
Your testimony touched my heart. It must have been painful to bring back such memories but your sharing this story will most likely help others who have experienced a similar loss.
It is written beautifully and deserved the honor of the contest win.
Nancy

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2017

Thanks so much, Nan. I sincerely appreciat your time and feelings expressed. This happened in1981 and I wrote it about six years ago, The pain is stronger each February as it is the month of Bobby's birthday. Blessings, Bob