I’d like to quote a post Bob’s daughter Rosa wrote on her blog in response to her father’s death. The post is entitled ’11 Lessons From My Dad’. In the post, Rosa shares the 11 pieces of advice her dad would share with her repeatedly to ‘enocourage, comfort and reassure’. They are also words that Rosa will carry with her for the rest of her life – a part of her dad that she will have with her forever.
3) Be flamboyant, it’s who you are and always have been. Be eccentric and unique. Don’t try to adapt yourself to someone else’s view of normal. That belongs to them, not you. Like yourself as who you are.
4) Don’t worry about other people’s opinions. Everyone’s a critic, but ultimately what they say only matters if you let it. Don’t believe your own press. People can just as easily sing your praises as they can tear you down. Don’t waste your time on things you can’t change. Let it slide off you like water off a duck’s back.
5) Get angry, it’s ok to lose your temper now and then. If anger stays in, it turns to poison and makes you bitter and sad. Get angry, say your peace, then let it go.
6) What ever you do, always give it a good go. Don’t be afraid of failure and disappointment. If you fall flat on your face then get straight back up. You’ll always regret not trying. Disappointment is temporary, regret is forever.
7) Be generous and kind because you can’t take it with you. When you’ve got something to give, give it without hesitation.
8) Appreciate beauty, take pictures and make memories. Capture it, you never know when it’ll be gone.
9) Don’t take yourself too seriously. People who take themselves too seriously are boring.
10) Never, ever, ever, ever give up. Keep on punching no matter what your up against. You’re only defeated if you give up, so don’t give up.
11) Love with all your heart. In the end, love is the only thing that matters.
They are such wise and heartfelt words. Simple, inspiring and true.
Thank you, Rosa, for sharing your father’s words and in doing so, demonstrating that you’ve learned from you dad and taken his words to heart.