LEARN TO LOVE AND RESPECT THE LOWLY SIMPLE PEOPLE
by Saint Nikolai Velimirovic
and
About BobSuch as these are the most on earth: such as these are the most in the Kingdom of Heaven. In them, there is no pride, i.e., the basic madness from which the souls of the rich and the powerful of this world suffer. They carry out their duty in this world perfectly and yet it appears to them amusing when someone praises them for it, while the self-seeking men of this world seek praise for all their work and often, it is imperfectly completed.
St. Alexander was an eminent philosopher and he left everything, hid himself from exalted society, the praise of the world and mingled with the lowliest and the simplest of men, as a charcoal-burner among charcoal-burners. Instead of former praises and honors, he endured with rejoicing that children ran after him and laughed at him because of his sootiness and raggedness. However, Alexander was not the only one who liked to live with the lowly and simple. Many kings and princes, learning of the sweetness of Christ's Faith, removed the crowns from their heads and fled from aristocratic vanity to be among the simple people. Did not He alone, the King of Kings, the Lord our Christ appear among shepherds and fishermen?"
~ Saint Nikolai
The words of St Nikolai perfectly describe Bob (pictured below) and therefore a direct hit to the heart with me because I grew up around many alcoholics, lowly and simple people for a good portion of my life which moved me to add this anecdote.
ABOUT BOB
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Bob worked for me long before I was ordained an Orthodox priest. I always felt strange putting it that way since I could not relate to him as an 'employee'. He was somewhat younger than me, lowly and simple as St. Nikolai puts it. Bob was not only lowly and simple, he was damaged. Without exaggeration, a young boy in an adult body. Bob once related to me that he was beaten as a child but I learned more of it from an acquaintance that knew him far longer than me. His distorted speech, severely labored effort to communicate and slave-like reaction and gait when given instruction supported the story of his past and evoked such compassion such that the who, what or why of it, required no confirmation. Nevertheless, Bob was clothed in innocence and purity of heart which whelmed every mangled effort to express words and gestures.
Occasionally, again very much child-like, he attempted to criticize his friend Terry, who was older and who often accompanied Bob and me on a job. One of those instances was when Bob found out that Terry didn't attend his mother's funeral. Terry always calmly defended himself with, 'she didn't mind'. Terry, at least in expression, appeared to love his dog more than his mother. He always called her "Mama Dog", an overweight, possibly Beagle mix. It was more than obvious that Terry was also molded by a background far from what we would call normal.
Bob worked so hard that large quantities of white foam would collect in the corners of his mouth - much like a horse with the white streaks of sweat on his neck from a long gallop. Seeing Bob "slaving" in such a manner, I envisioned, with heartache, a horrid past of some sort that contorted his effort from moderation to a sustained full throttle in an instant. I immediately asked him to stop working and sit. I never let him work that hard again.
Occasionally, again very much child-like, he attempted to criticize his friend Terry, who was older and who often accompanied Bob and me on a job. One of those instances was when Bob found out that Terry didn't attend his mother's funeral. Terry always calmly defended himself with, 'she didn't mind'. Terry, at least in expression, appeared to love his dog more than his mother. He always called her "Mama Dog", an overweight, possibly Beagle mix. It was more than obvious that Terry was also molded by a background far from what we would call normal.
Bob worked so hard that large quantities of white foam would collect in the corners of his mouth - much like a horse with the white streaks of sweat on his neck from a long gallop. Seeing Bob "slaving" in such a manner, I envisioned, with heartache, a horrid past of some sort that contorted his effort from moderation to a sustained full throttle in an instant. I immediately asked him to stop working and sit. I never let him work that hard again.
Please forgive the analogy. Bob approached everyone "tail wagging", a gesture of humility saddled to a tribute. At times, with a few others, which only he seemed to sense, Bob would remain at a short distance, expressionless and quiet.
People like Bob are like uncut gems from the earth but with facets that reflect light and shine most brilliantly - without polish.
I will never forget Bob in my prayers and can still hear him stretching and distorting my name, which always preceded a long stutter. Eternal memory.
Photographer unknown
Bob would light up the room with his beautiful smile. I for one looked forward to that everyday as it made me smile as well.
The world has lost a true angel! Such a friendly, humble soul. We were blessed to have Bob in our lives and will miss his beautiful smile and gentle nature.
My children, ...... , loved Bob, as did our entire church. His life was a blessing to others.
The thing about Bobby was the peace and joy that emanated from him during all events in his life. This is just the way that Bob was. .... his love and respect for the Lord was obvious.
I helped Bob get around town and helped him fulfill his needs any way I could. What Bob didn't know was that I needed him way more than he ever needed me. He was the one person that would always listen no matter what I was rambling on about. He would then deliver his genuine smile and you immediately knew that everything would be okay. He was a wonderful man and a good friend to many. He is loved and will be dearly missed.
