Rob,
The bus ride over to your home was insane. We took the “short bus”, the same one used to shuttle us around after the Bash. The atmosphere was fitting considering who we were thinking of that day. You would have never wanted us sitting on that bus in silence. That wasn’t who you were. Your personality was so huge, Rob, and you would have had us laughing just as hard as we were while our driver (who will remain nameless) took the corners too fast and almost took out a few car doors and mirrors while we sped through downtown.
Some of us take the line “Drive it like ya stole it” to a whole new level. Just sayin’.
By the way, we almost “kissed” a former dispatchers truck due to bad traffic direction on your street. Yes, I said traffic direction. Coworkers of yours had to direct traffic because of the turnout. POV’s, Ambulances, and a few short busses from the little private service took up all of the prime street parking in your neighborhood.
You were being celebrated.
After the two block walk to your house we were greeted by one of the management staff from the Little Private Service. She even pointed out your beautiful wife and daughters. I hadn’t had the honor of meeting them before that day, but after hearing you talk about them for so long, I felt like we were old friends. They were so much like you, Rob. We all mingled, sharing stories and laughing, exchanging hugs and handshakes. All four local private services and countless other departments represented. All of us there because honestly, we dug ya, Rob. Plain and simple. So many familiar faces, some more than others, but all there for you.
We loved you, Dude.
Slowly but surely we all began to take notice of the young men approaching. Three young men wearing their starched Navy whites. They handled your flag with white gloves, folding it slowly while we all watched, holding our breath. I couldn’t help but think of you when you were younger, wearing the same uniform, I didn’t know you then, Rob, but I’m sure you were a hot young stud in those whites!
Bill was in a kilt. He played the bagpipes and most of us started to get teary-eyed. I didn’t know he was a former partner of yours, btw. You could have heard a pin drop as the notes he played carried through your neighborhood.
And then Kelly played Taps on the bugle. It gave me goosebumps. More of us started to cry. Now before you get pissed from the Great Beyond, go easy on us… Go easy on me. Just… ya know? It was you.
Then those three young gentlemen carried that precious flag to a member of the VFW who in turn, very carefully and with absolute precision, carried it to your Wife and Daughters.
From five feet away I listened to the following words:
“On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this Country and a grateful Navy.”
And I’ll never forget it. Thank you for your service, Rob. Thank you for putting your uniform on so that my family could be free.
We heard a helicopter approaching in the distance, and for the EMS and Fire folks at least, we knew who it was. Life Flight started circling. I put my sunglasses on, laughing to myself through the tears. You were the first person in a long line over the last four years to give me shit over my obsession with the helicopters. They flew around several times before giving the ceremonial “dip” and taking the top of a few trees off on your street.
It was not a goodbye, Rob. Not by a long shot.
Until we meet again, Brother.
Your sister in the trenches,
April
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