Yesterday, heaven became that much sweeter to me. A long time friend and fellow Pennsylvanian, Bob Kramp, passed away at the age of 77. The newpaper has many statistics about his life; but that is not the Bob I will remember.
The Bob of my eternal memory will always have on a bright red blazer, a very brilliant necktie and a smile that could light a small village for weeks on end. His hand will always be stretched out towards mine; but not for a traditional handshake. No, Bob always seemed to end up with one hand clasping yours and the other around your shoulder. "It's good to see you!" was always said in a way that communicated so much more than the trite phrase others have turned it into.
For years, Bob and I would greet each other uniquely: "Adelphos mou!" While I was studying Greek in seminary, Bob's first question was how to say 'my brother' in Greek. From then on it became our greeting to each other.
I spoke with Bob a few months ago, right before Easter. He called just to let me know he was praying for me and my ministry. I cannot tell you how honored I was to receive that phone call. He asked what books I had been reading; we discussed what our minds had been pondering, and then he asked if I had read a particular book that he had just finished. "No, Bob, I haven't read that one yet" was my reply. "That's OK. I'll send you a copy. It is a good one!" Sure enough the book arrived about a week later. I've thumbed through several pages, but haven't jumped in with the ferocity I should. Now representing my last contact with "adelphos mou", it has become one of my prized possessions.
In Greenville, SC today a wife misses her husband of 37 years and 3 children terribly miss their dad. I join them in grief because he was also my friend. I can't wait to meet him in glory and hear the streets of Heaven ring when we recognize each other and echo through the hallways of eternity "Adelphos mou! It's good to see you!"
3 comments:
Thank you, Charlie, for this fine tribute to our mutual friend. You've captured him perfectly. More are mourning Bob than Ann and the kids. We've had a rough week, but we are privileged to know Bob is in glory with our Lord. And we all take great comfort in that knowledge. :)
I miss Mr. Bob, too. He was like a 3rd grandfather to me. The Sunday before he died he gave me a violin pin that is so incredibly beautiful I'm almost afraid to wear it. He loved to hear me play the violin, and because of the memory of his love of my playing I will never quit playing the violin. He was a wonderful person who I will never forget.
Yes, Bob was a uniquely special person. Quite a few folks have passed away recently, but none that "shook me" like Bob's. Thanks for reading and sharing your special memories of our dear friend!
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