In Memory of Bobby Zarin, Two Years On

What can I say that hasn’t been said or felt.

How about the lessons Bobby Zarin taught me and that I use every day.
I am sorry I never appreciated you as much as I should have. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you too many times to count, to then say, “ I should have listened to Bobby”. You always knew who to trust and who to walk away from. Me.. not so much! You always had patience for me like my father still does and let me be me and knew I needed to learn the lessons myself sometimes the hardest way. You were the best listener and biggest giver. You would give the shirt off your back to people who needed it more. You define the word generous and never let me go a sleepless night with worry when if I knew what you knew, would keep me up for days. You made me feel beautiful even when I felt ugly and made feel smart when I would do not so smart things.

You were the most loyal, warm and loving stepfather to my beautiful Allyson and would never “back me up” because the NUMBER 1 Bobby Zarin rule for a stepparent is don’t get involved! He always said Ally would forgive me for almost anything but if Bobby would say one cross word to her she would never forget. Of course, Bobby was RIGHT again. That’s why Ally loved him so much. Bobby always knew the right thing to do in all situations. Bobby always said “Take the High Road” and one of his favorites was “it’s all good,” meaning don’t let anything upset you. Life is too short... he was sadly 100 % right again.

He would be very proud of my nephew Jonathan who every time he turns off the lights when he leaves a room acknowledges Bobby as teaching him that. I think of Bobby even when I put the toothpaste cap back on because I never did and he always reminded me to. Now I have to remember myself but don’t worry Bobby... I hear you!