Bob was healthy when he came to Mansion a year ago, he came because his wife Shirley was ill. She died a few months ago, and then Bob was almost immediately diagnosed with cancer. He has been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes and no longer trusts his legs to walk much or go outside.

He is one of the sweetest and gentlest men I have known, we talk often and have become friends. He was a contractor and is fascinated by books and articles about engineering and building construction. I got several builders magazine for Bob and a number of engineer and infrastructure books, which he loves.

He have had long talks, many of which I don’t understand, about how homes and dams and canals are built.

We had plans to to a country motor speedway downstate this summer, but he was too sick. We will not get there, as we both agreed today when I came to sit and read to him. Bob was too tired to visit long today, I’m going back to read to him over the weekend.  He is deeply religious, and I got some special books that I can read to him.

Soon, Bob is being transferred out of state to a special nursing home where he can receive the care that he needs. He accepts this with his usual grace and good cheer, sometimes he thinks Shirley is in the room with us, sometimes he is eager to find her again in the next life.

I will miss Bob and I   suspect Sunday will be our goodbye. Reading to him is a small act of kindness. Godspeed to you Bob, I hope you find the peace and compassion you deserve.