On a cold day in November of 2000, exactly five months to the day after he was diagnosed, my dad, Robert Forrest Shrewsbury, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51.
While my dad had a fulfilling life, it makes me sad to think that he never got to see or do so many of the things we all cherish.
He never experienced the satisfaction of retirement after working hard for so many years in the milling business. He never felt the pride of seeing his children own their first homes and he wasn’t here to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day or meet Steve. He didn’t have the honor of growing old with his wife, or the joy of seeing his grandchildren graduate high school and head off to college.
My dad and step-mom, Janna, and my siblings Christy, Robb, Laura, and Brendi.
I wish he could have lived longer and experienced those things, but I’m also very grateful for memories I do have with my dad. Memories of family road trips to the Black Hills or the Ozarks where we’d go boating on Table Rock Lake.
My dad loved going boating on Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks.
We have fond memories of eating Fritos with bean dip while watching Husker football games and cheering on Kevin Johnson the Phoenix Suns. Memories of him teaching me how to play golf, sitting on curbsides watching parades as a family, and singing karaoke.
My dad was always willing to try something new, including karaoke with his kids.
Those memories sustain me and remind me to be grateful for every day I have on this earth. My dad never seemed to take much of anything for granted. He lived his life with few regrets.
My aunt, Kristy Douglas, painted this picture of my dad walking home from the Fourth of July parade with his granddaughters.
He took chances and vacations and he was quick to give away his money, time and talents to others. He rarely put things off and he said what he wanted to say. My dad’s example reminds me that life is short and not all of us are given the privilege of old age.
His legacy is a reminder to do the things that matter most. Try something new. Travel. Help those in need. Laugh. Be still. Listen. Make the time to be with your family and friends. And most of all, never miss an opportunity to say, “I love you.”
I love you, dad.
Ann, I am good friends with Kristy and was in her class in High School. I remember Bob from High School and he used to call me “Louie” and never Lois! Everyone loved him and he used to always make me laugh! He was s good guy and I am sure a great Father. He loved people and wasn’t a stranger to anyone! I’m proud to have called him “my friend.” I’m sure you miss him terribly but he lives in in all of you and the love you shared! God bless you!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories of my dad. I do miss him every day but hang on to so many wonderful memories of our time together. He was a wonderful dad and you’re so right — he was never a stranger to anyone. Thanks again for sharing this. It means a lot to me.
Ann,
Very touching. I never got to know your dad, but heard nothing but good things from everyone who knew him. My father left us 5 years ago after a long battle with cancer. I miss him, and think of him daily. Memories are so great to hold on to! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for your nice comments. Memories are everything.