We miss you Robie!

My whole life in France, Rob has been there. He’s celebrated every birthday with us, every Christmas with us, welcomed both Daphné and Django into the world by visiting the hospital after their births, and faithfully attended every Thanksgiving meal I hosted. It’s a pretty amazing thing to be able to move to a foreign country and have family already there. Rob and Cricri have been such amazing family to me. Rob was always so good at asking questions and listening and being curious. I loved all our conversations. I will miss those. I miss him.

The morning of the 21st of February (my birthday), he breathed his last breath here on earth. The cancer finally had its way with his body that just didn’t have any fight left in it. He knew his beautiful wife would be in good hands, and I think that helped him leave in peace.

Daphné loved her Robie ever since she was a little tyke, and Rob had a very special place in his heart for our Daphodil.

Though he might not smile in every picture, he is full of generosity and kindness. He was a very loving and faithful man, especially to his dear Cricri.

Django always loved snuggling with Rob. And even up until the last time we saw Rob in January, Django would run and give Rob a big bear hug while saying “calin” which means “hug.”

This is Christmas 2021. As you can see, we enjoyed silly selfies.

This is Thanksgiving 2022. Rob was in the middle of radiation therapy, so he was not always feeling well. We were so thankful that he was able to spend one more Thanksgiving with us as a family.

This is January 2023, our last meal with Rob as a family. It was special that his brother Chris was able to come visit him from the states.

He may have been tired and not feeling well all the time, but he always had time to take a silly picture with the kids. I cherish this photo, our last moment with Rob.

After this his health declined quite rapidly, and just 7 weeks later, he passed into eternity.

This is February 2023 at the crematorium. We miss you Rob!

We were able to sign the casket before it was taken away.

We are all so thankful for this man and all the memories we have with him.

Death is so strange. We are thankful that Rob gave his life to Jesus at the very end. Eternity is sweet, and death has no sting when we trust in the Lord.

This is March 2023 at the cemetery. As you can see, my eyes are red from tears. Life is so short on this earth. Rob will be missed dearly. It’s such a good reminder to live each moment to the fullest and love our people well.

Django asked how Rob fit in there, and I said that it was kind of like they made a mini Rob. That answer was good enough for him. One day he will understand. Daphné knew the truth, and she just winked at me.

Cricri bought beautiful white roses to put in the grave with his urn. We were so thankful to be able to be with Cricri through all these hard moments.

Rob is now buried with Cricri’s and Pierre’s father, mother and sister.

Saying good-bye to her loving husband. They were married for over 40 years.

Rob’s urn next to Pierre’s and Cricri’s sister’s urn. Cricri told her sister to be nice to her Robie. We all giggled.

After the cemetery we went to lunch to spend time with Cricri and remember Rob.

This was Rob’s favorite chair. It was really hard to walk into their house and not be greeted by him this time. I cried again.

And this is where we often would sit together as a family for a meal together. That view will always make me think of Rob. His eyes were as blue as the sea.

Enjoy the above memorial video I made to celebrate Rob’s life. If it doesn’t work, you can simply click here to watch the video.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? -John 14 : 1 - 2

Praise God for this hope! Amen.

Love Linz