Robert F. Wroble
Sept. 2, 1929-Aug. 12, 2013
It’s been awhile since I’ve written. To all my followers, I apologize but this was the better option. Words are my life and passion so word choice says and means a lot to me, which is why I chose not to write and post to avoid complaining or coming across as jaded. It’s been a rough year, but especially the past two months as we dealt with my father’s declining health. (See? Even that feels a bit snarky though I don’t intend it so.) My father slipped from this life on Monday, August 12, and I’d like to express to him my gratitude. After all, my last post was on Father’s Day–his 60th–and a special day for the two of us since I was born on Father’s Day. Now it seems appropriate to offer him my goodbye.
Thanks for having my back. From the day you took off my training wheels I knew without looking behind that you were there in case I fell. I lived my life knowing that I had back-up, someone there to pick me up and send me on my way again should things go wrong. That feeling is a boost to a child’s confidence–at any age. Rest assured, Dad, I’ve still got your six.
With my father,
July 1988
Thanks for encouraging life experiences. We gain something from every experience. There is no failure except NOT trying. You taught me this and it developed into a life philosophy. Even when we do not succeed, we have gained something during the act of trying. Disappointments and unexpected outcomes can help us grow and create new experiences. That thinking takes away fear of trying and I embrace it. I will draw on it in the coming months, too. No regrets, Dad.
1977: Example of true love
Thanks for listening to my secrets. You spent plenty of time drying tears and listening to my side in arguments with siblings or frustrations with friends. And, this doesn’t even cover your soaked shirt collars when I thought my heart had been broken. You listened to my hopes and dreams and secrets. As far as I know you never broke that confidence. During the past two years I’ve learned a few of your secrets, but I promise I’ll do my best to keep yours in confidence, too. No worries, Dad.
Thanks for your time. You worked a lot. You went on many business trips. With a large family there were plenty of other people vying for your attention but you made time for each of us; at least this is how I feel. I know we spent many hours talking business, especially when I tended toward creative writing. It has helped me navigate the business world as well as turn my passion into a business. But I’ve especially enjoyed our conversations over dinner during the past 10 years, or the 2.5-hour drives to visit family as well as the 2-day travels “home” in the summertime. This quality trumped quantity.
It’s hard to say goodbye. I get it now; this was probably your biggest struggle during the past few months. I have plenty of memories to cherish and more that I recall each day. These will outshine the troubling memories. So, I bid you goodbye. Peaceful travels, my father, my friend.
lisawroble 