Ten years ago today, my younger brother Bobby passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. As the summer approaches, I find myself reflecting on his life and the lessons I learned from him about living with passion, courage, and love.
Bobby was a lifelong baseball player and fan, dedicating 15 years of his career to working in the front offices of minor league teams. His love for the game was infectious, and it brought us together for countless adventures, visiting old ballparks across the country in what we dubbed “Jim and Bob’s Excellent Adventures.”
But Bobby’s passion extended far beyond the diamond. He was a devoted husband and father to his two children, Riley and Delaney. He was a talented guitarist, a skilled bowler, and an enthusiastic world traveler. Most importantly, he was the best friend and brother anyone could ask for.
Throughout his life, Bobby faced numerous challenges with unwavering courage. From overcoming a broken neck in 1990 to battling cancer for five and a half years, he never complained or surrendered to the pain and hardship. Instead, he continued to live life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with his loved ones.
Bobby taught me the importance of following your heart and pursuing your dreams, no matter the obstacles. His dream was to work in baseball. Without any experience to put on a resume, he bought a plane ticket to attend the winter baseball meetings in Atlanta. By the end of the meetings, he had convinced a Colorado Rockies affliate to take a chance on him, leading to a career in minor league baseball. He showed me that life is meant to be lived with vigor, love, and joy.
As we enter this summer season, I encourage you to take a page from Bobby’s playbook. Find time to celebrate your passions, cherish your loved ones, and bask in the simple pleasures that make life worth living. Embrace the challenges that come your way with courage and determination, and never forget to savor the rainbow sherbet moments that sweeten even the toughest of times.
Rest in peace, Bobby. Your legacy lives on through the countless lives you touched and the lessons you taught us all.
