Tribute to Robbie

Someone recently asked me if I would change the name of my blog since I am no longer in law school. The fact that someone actually remembered I had a blog was a pleasant surprise. One other person recently asked me why I hadn't kept posting, and he told me how much he loved the few posts I had written. That person was Robbie.

Robbie passed away Sunday from brain cancer. So, I am going to dedicate this post to him. Because the most important lessons I learned in law school came from Robbie Oberly. Here are just a few of them (in no particular order).

1. Don't be afraid to roll your windows down and sing to Sean Kingston songs on your way to class.

2. Eating until you feel like you are going to explode is fine. Especially if you are eating at the Asian Wokery at Wegmans.

3. There probably isn't anything in this world that you can't deep fry.

4. If you're wondering if you should buy the outfit, you probably should.

5. If you get asked a question, and you don't know the answer, it's okay. Either make something up and start laughing or just say you don't know.

6. It's okay to go to the gym for 10 minutes and decide you don't want to be there anymore.

7. Be friends with everyone. Why not?

8. Keep in touch with the people you care about. You never know how long they'll be around.

9. Save every card from everyone.

10. If it's from Wegmans, it probably will taste better.

11. Taking naps instead of doing something can sometimes be the right choice. The same goes for watching T.V.

12. Guys like Sex and the City, don't let them lie to you.

13. Eyeskiwell is probably the best screen name I've ever seen.

14. Smile. Isn't it so much easier?

15. Don't decorate for Christmas too soon...give Thanksgiving the respect it deserves.

I think the most important lesson I learned from Robbie was to just love everyone for who they are. Accept everyone, be friendly to them, and you will find yourself in the company of countless friends and no enemies. I've got some more work to do in this area, Robbie seemed to perfect it pretty effortlessly.

There are no words that can do justice to what Robbie has meant to me as a friend, and I know many of us that knew him feel the same way. No song can describe our feelings, no poem seems on point. But I find solace knowing that he knew how much he was loved. Last week when some friends went to visit Robbie, we held his hand and shared our favorite memories. We told him we loved him and told him to squeeze our hand if he understood. He did.

Robbie will always be a reminder that life is too short. We must cherish each day, love our friends and family unconditionally, eat as much Wegmans as possible, and be the best we can at whatever we do. Drink beer, watch sports, take trips. We only live once, so we have to make the best of it. That's what Robbie did.

In closing, I want to try to get back to writing this blog. Not that I have many followers, or much insight to share. But I know I'll have a reader in heaven saying "son, finally you wrote an entry!" Here's my attempt at poetry. I don't claim to be a great writer, but it's worth a try.

one of the best people ever, that's how people describe the guy

it's hard to imagine life without him, and how we'll manage to get by

but we know he wouldn't want everyone to be crying, upset, and sad
so think of all the good times and forget about the bad

instead we'll think of the memories we shared with you near and far

classes, meals, parties, trips, late nights at the bar

libraries, books, Carlisle,
shopping, sports, and sun
hikes, flag football, cooking, drinking,
always having fun

people we love will leave us and we can't ask why

we just have to remember that this is not good bye,

i'll see you in the sunshine, in the fields, clouds, and rain
you'll be with us forever, and you'll never feel any more pain

no tumors, no medication
no doctors, nurses or machines

just eternal happiness, and the best view you've ever seen

so when the sun is shining and you think, wow, what a perfect day,

just think that must be Robbie and his way of saying "hey"

he'll be here for us forever, looking down from heaven above

if you're ever doubting what to do, just remember Robbie's love

his love of life, his family, Buddy, and his friends

the love he had was truly a love that didn't have an end

so for now a little "so long" and "until we meet again"
thanks for everything you taught us, bud, you were truly the perfect friend