Today would’ve been my brother-in-law’s 73rd birthday and I’ve been thinking about and missing him an awful lot. As his sister said to me in our text exchange earlier, “He was the easiest person.” It’s true. As I wrote here, Bob was always my refuge. He accepted me for who and what I was, no judgments attached. I wasn’t special, though, because Bob was easy with everyone. That’s not to say he was a pushover. Bob fought hard his entire life for the most vulnerable among us. The thing about being in the struggle is that we win some and also lose battles along the way.
I know this and yet earlier today felt myself descending to a dark place. I’ve been collaborating with folks in my community to advocate for the unhoused who are being threatened with new policies that would further criminalize them for the “crime” of having to sleep outside, and today received a response to emails I’d sent city council this week. This particular member outlined policy proposals they plan to introduce at the next council meeting and those policies contained zero glimmers of our shared humanity, and instead focused on proposals to protect property and “public safety.”
I felt so deflated. And when soon after that I learned our local Planned Parenthood was shutting down next week, I wanted to curl up in a ball and pretend none of this stuff was happening.
Then Bob popped into my head (again). Bob didn’t give up. As was highlighted over and over at his memorial, Bob never turned cynical or stopped hoping and believing in a better world.
Apparently, he showed up in these glasses!
Today I am honoring Bob by refusing to give up on the struggle for a better world. Happy Birthday, brother. (P.S. Bob, please forgive me for posting this photo your sister shared with me today as I couldn’t resist documenting your goofiness!)
Tracy Abell 
May we all strive to be like Bob and never give up!
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YES to following Bob’s lead! Thank you for being here, Mara, and being on the side of people and planet. I appreciate you.
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🙂❤️🇵🇸✊
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Tracy, it sounds like Bob is very close to you during these dark days, reminding you to never give up. Blessings ❤
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A belated thank you for reading and appreciating my love and admiration for Bob, Rosaliene. I very much appreciate your presence here.
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❤
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Sending gratitude to you for your kindness and determination to help others in these dark and heartless times, Tracey. Such an inspiring, loving way to honor your dear friend’s legacy. 💜🪶
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Thank you so much, Carol, for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment. Your words lift me in these dart days. Sending you and yours all good wishes…
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💜🌹
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A beautiful tribute to Bob and a lesson for us all, Tracy. Thanks & Hugs.
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Hey Frank, thank you for joining the Bob Admiration Society. You two would’ve gotten along so well.
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Thanks for sharing that lovely sentiment, Tracy.
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Appreciate your open and honest tribute to Bob. And to be grateful for the Bobs in our lives; people who inspire and support us, in life and in memory. Sending you a big hug.
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I appreciate you, Ju-Lyn, for always spreading kindness and joy. Thank you for reading and understanding the vital essence of the Bobs in our lives. I’m grateful for the one I had for so many years.
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