Legacy Leavers :: Papa Robie

I watched as she stood next to the casket, tears welling up in her eyes... she desperately clutched the flag that had only moments before been presented to her.  Her feet, I'm sure, felt like blocks of cement... they refused to move.  How could he leave her after all these years?  How on earth could she leave him?

Theirs was a love of a lifetime.  She was his sweetie Edie, and he was her Robie.  A chance meeting had brought them together.  Love bonded their hearts... sealed their fates, and set the course for their destinies.  A lifetime unfolded before them.... new jobs... new cities... new friends, and children.  Throughout all the changes, the heartaches, the laughter, the joys, and tears... they were each other's unremitting foundation.  Their love was the one thing that remained faithful.  To know them, was to truly know a couple in love.

Robie left this life last Sunday.  He went peacefully in his sleep while his beloved slept beside him.  He left behind a legacy of love... a legacy of life lived to the fullest... a life filled with family and friends... a life that was truly filled.

Recently, I was able to capture a few images of Robie and Edie at their home in Salina.

He loved golf... next to Edie, it was his passion.

Robie was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, co-worker, and friend.  He was a man of honor... A man who lived a life worth remembering... a life worth honoring.

As I mourned with Robie's family this past week, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of legacy I would leave.  How am I living my life to honor those who have gone before me?  Would I leave a life that was lived to it's fullest?  Would there be regrets?  Chances not taken?  Opportunities missed?  I desperately hope not, but how many moments... how many days have I let slip by without a second thought?

We all hope to leave a life worthy of remembering, but how many of us live our days worthy of repeating?

Robie, you gave so much to those you love.  May we give back in honor of you, and the life you lived.