Bob in Three Photos
Meeting you for the first time
I dug out this photo of Greg and me from 1996. I think it was the first time I ever met you. And I am pretty certain I wasn’t allowed in the house until you made sure a few photos were snapped for the scrap book. Only later did I learn that Greg bringing home a girl was a major event. But I digress.
This was in the days before Bob’s Speedy Photo Service where photos taken before a meal were printed and presented as a parting gift. Although, at Christmas that year I did receive a mouse mat with this on it.
“For you to use at work!” you said. I said, “Bob, no one knows that Greg and I are dating at work. It’s a secret. I can’t use it at work!”
And you gave me your big chuckle. When I think of you it is definitely with some kind of photographic device in hand and a big smile on your face.
Dads in plaid shirts
The hilarity of you and my father showing up in the same plaid shirt never got old. In fact it turned into a Boxing Day tradition. I can’t find the first photo from 1997 when the running gag first began but I do have many many photos of the two on you together in some form of plaid shirts and they always make me smile.
I’m sure my father is looking down (or maybe up) and wishing you a very happy 80th birthday. My father thought he hit the jack pot when he landed Greg as a son-in-law but what he didn’t expect and never tired of telling me was how lucky he was to be welcomed into the Harris clan with open arms. He treasured his friendship with you. And I am incredibly grateful for the kindness and affection you and the whole family showed him.
Grampa Bob
The final photo(s) is of course you and the girls. You are the Grampa Extraordinaire – the Rules of Life, a ready hug, the right amount of indulgence and an abundance of love. Such lucky girls to have you as their Grampa, as I am to have you as my father-in-law.
Wishing you the very best birthday. Can’t wait to celebrate together next time we’re together!