In Remembrance - Robert Eugene Braithwaite, 1916-2010

dear and beloved friend, Robert Eugene Braithwaite (Bob) passed quietly away yesterday morning at 4 a.m. He had been deteriorating rapidly and hadn't eaten in over a month. Bob's brother, Fred, said that he seemed to struggle for a little bit over the last few days, unsure whether he wanted to pass on or not, but then he seemed to except death. That's when he became more peaceful and was able to transition.

My heart hurts, but I am certain he is with his parents now, his brother and his beloved wife, Alice. I believe he will greet again the old comrades of his who passed during WWII in the bombing raids over Germany and who Bob could barely get himself to talk about. There are so many people whom he out lived. He will see them again. I am happy for him. I am proud and happy that my son, Robert, carries his name. Bob and Alice weren't able to have any children so I honored him by naming my son after him.

A whole time of life, though long over, passes completely with his death - the sunny, fun California days of my single adulthood. I am so grateful for that period of time in my life, grateful that Bob was such a big part of it. We were neighbors for years and I loved to come home from work, eat a bit and then go to Bob's and flop on his couch to watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. I'm not a big game show person, so I did it to be with Bob. On Saturday mornings, we would go out to breakfast and then frequent the Burbank Farmers Market. We had a wonderful relationship.

When we visited Bob in December, austensibly to say good-bye, I controlled myself so that I wouldn't cry in front of him, instead recalling our wonderful memories together. But when we drove from the dear four-plex, Bob's home and the place of so many of my happy memories, I reached out in my heart. Don't leave me. Don't leave me.

Bob's siblings have very good attitudes about Bob's life (a good one) and his passing (93 years ain't bad!). They will miss him, the older brother who raised them, but they are happy for his transition. They are also private people and don't grieve in front of others. I understand this and don't expect them to show me the depth of their grief.

We won't be attending the funeral. Robert's chronic illness has caused him to miss too much school and we just can't leave. Everyone understands. In my heart I will be there. In my heart I will always be where ever Bob is. My friend. My grandfather. My buddy. My Bob.

Go on up ahead on the road, Bob. Rejoice in the beautiful reunion. Please wait for me, my beautiful friend, and don't forget me. Give Alice my love. And please come to get me when I finally pass over to the Other Side.