Really it's Robert Michael Paxton. He graduated last Friday from Davis High School. He will forever be a Dart. He likes to be called Rob. But I have always known him as Bob.

I'm his step father. Bob came into my life a little over 9 years ago. He was 9 years old at the time. His Father died the year before. Complications from a brain tumor. I've never tried to replace Bob's Dad, just tried to be there for Bob and get along. And teach him a few things. I've learned a few things, too.

We've golfed together, camped together many times. We have enjoyed many fishing trips and a few hunting trips. Last fall we both got new compound bows and spent a good deal of time together over the past eight months matching each other in our archery skills.

It was as close to a miracle as I've ever witnessed to see Bob graduate. It was in doubt up until the last minute. He had to make up work for three classes. Bad grades. And he had to make a quilt to erase an unsatisfactory citizenship mark. His mother spent almost every waking minute over the past week working with Bob. She should have walked with him at the graduation ceremony. Without her help, over the past 13 or so years, Bob never would have made it.

And it's not that he's dumb. He can quote any line from any Simpsons episode ever made. He is plenty smart about things he's interested in. He has excelled every time he applies himself. But most of the time he's bored and disinterested. And that's a lethal combination for Bob.

I once got after him because of all his complaining while washing the dishes. Bob stopped washing. He looked at me. And sincerely he spoke. How could he be expected to wash dishes without complaining? Everyone knows that washing dishes is a terrible ordeal. It wouldn't be right to do the job without complaining. Bob has an interesting take on life.

Tonight the house seems rather big and lonely. Earlier in the day a gathering of family and friends descended on us for a going away party. We were together because of Bob. After a few hours some of us accompanied him to the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Salt Lake City. He has joined the Army National Guard. Today he was inducted. This summer he will be in Oklahoma at basic training. In August he will travel to Virginia for his MOS training.

We will miss him. Probably more than I thought. The house is quiet tonight. No Bob. No friends. He's gone on a big adventure. One that will take him forward and give him the experiences that will turn him into an adult. He may never live under my roof again. It's a bit sad. This sadness will pass. There are many great adventures for us yet to share. Getting to know Bob and being a part of his life, that's an added bonus that I didn't fully understand when I married into this family...........
9:17:07 PM    comment []