"Merry Christmas" were the last words I heard my dear old Dad say...
It is bitter sweet really. On the one hand, the fact that he struggled from death's tight grip, clawing at tubes and mustering some last threads of strength and will to force himself to sit up and swing his legs over the edge of the bed and stand - yes stand for a last time, that was very impressive and a testimony to his strength and grace. He stood there sort of blinking and looking about the darkened hospital room staring, I think, into a host of faces he must of summoned in his mind, but then slowly looking intently to either side of him... into the face of Becky and myself who were supporting him as he tottered on his feet. He looked at us then he stammered out a sweet simple holiday greeting. He was so earnest.  Then seeming much more at peace he relaxed as we settled him back onto his bed. That was about 11:50 Christmas Eve night. I think in his mind he had somehow made it to Christmas. He lay there for another 8 hours or so - his breathing slowing and the strong grip of his hands slowly relaxing until Christmas morning he finally let go of my hand. So on the other hand, well... Christmas will forever mean saying goodbye to a man I never said enough hellos to and who left far sooner than I ever expected.

Merry Christmas Dad
Rest in Peace
Rob

Birthdays don't go away even when you're gone...

Happy Birthday Dad
Miss you...
Trying to walk in your footsteps and maybe even work toward doing it better in my own way. 
I hope we are all doing you proud.
Love you
R

Hey Dad
I am indeed remembering you today, and the proud way you served your country.
I think one of your greatest legacies is inspiring people to embrace the full meaning of service.
Thank you for that gift.
Wishing you were here...
Love, Rob

lil weepy lately

Hey Dad I've been missing you a bit lately and feeling remorse for not making it more of a priority to realize some of the dreams we had together. We both let each other down on a score or two there. It comes late and with some regret that I realize that one cost of optimism is thinking that there is more opportunity than may really exist in life. I heard this song tonight and was reminded of you again. It makes me happy to think of how you fell so deeply in love with the lord later in your life and how that love helped channel your bright spirit into being an even greater agent of change in the world. I think of you humming this song while you are working up a sweat in the sun doing something constructive and probably lending a helping hand. Love Rob

What...

What did you have to go an die for, hu Dad?
It stinks, by the way.

oh dad...

sigh

:( I'm having one of those days...

I'm going 'home' in a few weeks to clear out stuff in the house...set aside the things I hold dear from my childhood.
It's always nice making that right hand turn into the driveway like I did for so many years, but it's always heartbreaking now, just the same.

I miss you, Dad. So very much.

We've been talking more frequently about when we will start our own little family- and it just hurts so much to know that my children will not know the warmth of your bear hugs or be able to talk about "When grandpa and I..."

I sometimes wish that I wasn't the baby of the Boeckmann clan. Something inside me wishes I was born a scant 10 years earlier so that my children would know you like most of the other grandkids do.

But...everything happens for a reason, I guess.
I'm just going to have to make sure to tell them all about you and try my damnedest to replicate your bear hugs.

I don't think I'll ever be able to recreate your rollerskating dance moves, though. :D