(Photo credit: Courtesy of Gina Buongiorno)
Happy Friday!
And welcome back to SpreadHappyness.com! It was two weeks ago that our precious brother and friend left this earth. As promised…I’m here to remind you of him, to discuss all the ways Rob spread happiness to people, and to challenge you to carry his spirit forward by adopting his special code for spreading happiness to all who now cross your path!
Week #1 Challenge – Wave Big
There are so many things I miss about Rob — but one of the things I miss most, and I’ve missed it all summer, is his big wave. Do you know the one I’m talking about?! I could see it from a mile away. In fact, I could often spot him from my porch — or from the ocean, or from the pier — just by his silhouette. And then, each and every time, that long right arm would swing out to the side and up overhead and he’d raise his big right paw in the air. I have looked for that wave since he disappeared from the beach this spring — and I know it will be the first thing I see when we meet again!
So…your assignment this weekend is to come up with a signature wave! Most people give a small little raise of the hand that hardly gets noticed. I’m talking about something someone can see from a distance! My mother (I can pick on her because she’s not on the internet!) enthusiastically greets everyone by waving both hands in the air like she about to leave port (my partner Jim calls this the “Titanic wave”). Do you have a signature wave? If not, try some on for size this weekend — and let us know how it goes!
Do you remember Rob waving to you? Paint us a picture — tell us about it in the comments!
9/19/14 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
Beautiful! And so true!
And what is more, Rob’s wave was accompanied by a hearty, “Hey, how ya doing, …” with the person’s name spoken aloud. Somehow, down deep in your soul, having someone say your name in greeting acknowledges who you are. You aren’t just anyone on the street. You are you, unique. Rob knew EVERYONE’s name and he made it clear that he was glad to be talking to you at that moment. What a gift.
A gift indeed! Thanks for sharing, Pat!
Yes, the big wave…i know it well. Rob would wave high in the air with his right arm and yell “Mar”, “Mar”, over here. It was easy to see him even being short cause his arms were soooo long. 2 weeks today, feels like an eternity already.
True that! How do we do this, Marlo?!
I’m not much of a waver. More of a look at you in a contempt sort of guy — depending on my mood. But in honor of Rob, I’ll wave to at least one person, maybe two. And then qiuckly turn my gaze before they can begin a conversation with me. That’s one thing with Rob, when he waved he actually wanted to engage with you. When I wave it’s more out of obligation. I’ll chalk it up to another character flaw! 🙂
Love your honesty, Jim! You are one-of-a-kind!
Greetings To All….Happy Friday…I am waving to all of you!
I remember the wave….I would catch it in Shop Rite…followed by HHHEEYY VIC…I have been is Shop Rite several times in the past week…each time finding myself looking down the aisle thinking “I wonder if Rob’s here”. Strange right? I guess he is here..and there..and everywhere….I am a very animated person…and rather loud..and I talk with my hands…so I have a huge wave..usually a “windmill” type … I will be sure to use it this weekend. I will avoid using my “special wave” that I reserve for people who are foolish enough to cross my path (or into my lane) on my way to work in the AM. That is a far different wave and not one that “shares the love”. Please have a wonderful weekend and wave to all that you meet.
Ah…I do believe I am familiar with that second wave you described!!! 😉
The news of Robbie passing so very young made me sad for his family, friends, and those he came in contact with casually, because he had a way of making you smile and laugh no matter what was going on around you in the moment. I worked with him at Greystone for many years and he was always the most open, friendly, engaging guy – met everyone on equal terms and always had time to chat and share his happiness. When I think of him I will always remember that face splitting smile he gave you when you looked at him – you just had to smile back. So very sorry for your loss Church family. My prayers wil be with you.
Thanks for your post, Louise! It has been everyone’s loss. His Greystone family was important to him, too!
It’s a tall order I know — but I’ll try to deliver a little of that happiness to you every Friday morning!
Spread the word — and spread happiness!!! 😉
I knew Rob as a child, then bumped into him again at the state park in my early thirties his late twenties. I was walking my dog as I did daily back then. Rob recognized me after all those years. We talked & laughed, what a wonderful man he had become. I raise my arm and shout Rob!!! I am so sorry for this loss Grace & Tony.
That wave was the best. Usually coming off the beach and followed by at least a 20
Minute conversation on the porch with anyone in the family. What a blessing he was to everyone.
So good to hear from you, Caitlin! He loved to stop and talk with your family! Thank you so much for posting!