In my eyes, Uncle Bob was an adult with the personality of a child; he never
lost sight of those unique qualities that most adults only dream of carrying
into their adulthood. Every time I went to a family gathering I always looked
forward to the hug I would receive from Uncle Bob as soon as my family and I
stepped in the door. Although there were many times when I couldn’t quite
understand what he would mumble to me when he greeted me at the door, the hug
itself was the act of kindness and serenity that brought a smile to my face.
And if it was a holiday I knew without doubt that he had holiday socks on for
the occasion.
Growing up, my mom would always have two birthday cakes… and Uncle Bob would
always want some of each. He had a real sweet tooth to match his persona. Just
last week, while listening to Uncle Bob peacefully rest in his hospital bed,
dough nut lying in bed with him; I was introduced to a delightful tasting snack
and was told that I could thank Uncle Bob because it was his idea, cookies and
coffee. A coffee addiction is an addiction many of us in this room share
together but cookies add a little taste of Uncle Bob to go along with every
savoring sip.
For most people when you describe someone as tiny, always curious and greeting
people at the door to hand out hugs and kisses, constantly eating yummy treats,
and would be found underneath the Christmas tree playing with trains at
Christmas… the image that is created is of a child… for me, and many others
this description is Uncle Bob. He is in a better place now but the elements of
love, generosity and special characteristics that we will all miss greatly
still linger. The only thing small about Uncle Bob was his physique… his smile,
his appetite for sweets, and his hugs were off the charts.
God looked around his garden
And He found an empty place.
And then He looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered"Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you .
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
It was a trip we had to make being lovers of the river. To see where it begins.
Then west toward Superior Wi. On the way we stopped near Ashland at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. It was worth a stop for all of the educational displays, trails, dog trails, gift shop(meaning BUY BOOKS!) and views. The ranger people inside were very helpful too, finding numbers, and calling dog friendly stays in Superior.
We find that while Duluth caters more to tourism, rooms rates are cheaper in Superior with much the same view. We stayed at the Days Inn in Superior right across from Barkers Island. Walking distance to a nice lakeside stroll.
We stopped in Philips Wi, at the Wisconsin Concrete Park. 
