SpreadHappyness.com was created in honor of my beloved brother and best friend, Robert Church Jr., who died on Friday, September 5th after a short battle with cancer. He was 40 years old.
It is my wish to identify and carry forward (through weekly blogposts/challenges) the torch of Rob’s legacy — which I believe was his natural ability to spread happiness to anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path. If you knew Rob, you already know this to be true. And I bet you have a story all your own about something Rob said or did — maybe even 20 years ago — that continues to make you happy today! I want to hear those stories!!!
If you didn’t get to meet Rob, let me introduce you. I pledge to deliver a little dose of him to you every Friday morning (at least) via this blog. Because cancer is not the only thing that can spread. Happiness can take on a life of it’s own too! It will be up to us to carry his light forward by sharing our stories, living his lessons, and spreading happiness to those who are now lucky enough to cross our paths!
With great love and affection for you all…
Grace (aka “Rob’s sister!”)
PS: Tell me — How did Rob spread happiness in your life?
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Grace, this is a great website for a great person. Rob did spread light where ever he went.
I have many stories with Rob. Too many to count. Most were in the ocean. The ocean has always been a special place to me and now it’ll have an even greater meaning to my life knowing that Rob is for enternity “surfing the wave!”
Congrat’s on starting a website!
Hi, Rob was more than a brother in law to me…he was my friend and a great uncle to my daughter Madeline. As Madeline said when we told her of Uncle Robbies passing, “Uncle Robbie did not die, he is surfing the biggest wave”. Ride the wave my sweet boy.
Hello to All, It has been a week, it seems like an eternity.
This is a fantastic idea. As I wrap my head around the events of the past few months I am sure stories will come to mind. For now, my last visit with Rob dominates my thoughts…my last vision of him as he walked me to my car, giving me a big hug and simultaneously poking my bicep and telling me how strong my arms were especially for my age…(mm? not sure if I like that, but OK). waving and smiling and introducing me to some of his friends in the complex and stopping to pet this adorable dog,…I did not know it was the last time I would see my brother, but it is a great memory to have and I am glad that I had that day. He was a funny, charming character for sure. I think the take away from this is to take the extra time to say hello to someone (instead of flipping them off when they cut you off on the highway), taking a moment to hold a door open for someone who may be a little slow moving, helping the old lady at Shop Rite get the package that she wants off the top shelf (even if you have to climb up to do it). Let’s try to pay it forward…Love and kindness to all…be well and ride the wave!
The love of my life is laughing at us all just as he made me laugh on a daily basis. Forever in my soul and heart. Many memories made over the years together. Too many to share and some not to tell at all. I will cherish all of our days and moments always. I am thankful to God that we met, for his smile, for his hugs and kisses and for his wonderful family who I love. Thank you for making this page Grace.
great website. great idea. Rob would love it. We have to carry on. Live. Laugh. Love. Rob would want it that way.
Tony
Loved Rob like a brother had a lot of great years as friends
Thank you all for visiting today! Please continue to spread the word about this site…
…and remember to spread the happiness!
I remember Rob most of all from Marlo and Tony’s wedding…sweet and exceedingly handsome.
Love you Church family.
Aunt Sheila
xoxo
Dear Grace
This blog will be a wonderful tribute to your beloved brother. Your smile has brought joy to many of us for years in the Ocean Grove Auditorium Choir, may this website do the same in honor of Rob. You are using your God given talent to SpreadHappyness.
Thank you for your gift
Ted Aanensen
Hello All. I just wanted to inform you that in my “Roxbury News” paper that came in the mail today, there is an article about lung cancer and an announcement that there is a 5 K walk at Horseshoe Lake, Succasunna on Sun, 9/21 to benefit lung cancer. Registration 10 am, rally 11 am and walk at 11:30 am. It is being hosted by Free to Breathe, a national non-profit organization founded in 2001 to support lung cancer survival through research, fundraising and public awareness. The article is great. It’s about 2 daughters from Morris Plains who lost their dad to lung cancer and they’ve raised $23,000 so far since getting involved w/ Free to Breathe. If anyone wants more info, let me know. Here are the links: participate.freetobreathe.org/goto/fortheloveofmike2014 or freetobreathe.org/northernnj
Oh Grace, this is just too wonderful for words. I have so many memories and so much to share. I was lucky to have Rob as a main part of my life for 23 years. Such a long time, yet not nearly enough. So how did he spread happiness in my life?
Just by being him.