In memory of my friend Bob
I met Bob in 1999 at the Bridges For Youth center on National. He was one of the first adults I encountered in ministry there. There were no kids at the center when Bob came through the front door, and I still to this day think this all happened so I could be attentive to his needs.
While listening to Bob, I quickly gathered that he missed his father who had passed away some years ago and that he had a difficult time understanding his mother and her ways. He talked about the days when he had a sign business and it was obvious he really missed it. A musical career and a touch of elusive success in a band, was something Bob spoke of with excitement. A song he had written was used without permission and without compensation. Bob had traveled around and seen much of the country, and he had colorful stories about his adventures. He wore a smile and also donned that disgusted look when you talked about something that bothered him. Bob’s clothes weren’t the best, and he had a mountain man look about him. There was a profound interest in Bob to share his testimony in front of churches, but none that I know of ever allowed it. This bothered him immensely. Almost every month Bob would get some assistance money so he would be able to eat, but he gave most of the money to homeless men and women he would cross paths with, so they could eat. He worried that the wrong people would find out he was helping others and take away the assistance. Feeling his passion for music and knowing that he didn’t have a guitar, I bought one for the youth center and allowed him to come and play. Several times we allowed Bob to take the guitar and use his musical talents on South Street in Springfield. I remember going to watch him perform on the streets and how much I enjoyed this man. He could really play that guitar. Bob was always wanting to help at the youth centers in what ever way he could. I don’t know how many times he did face painting, but it was a bunch. He free hand painted Bridges For Youth above the snack bar at Nichols Street in 2001 and he painted a bridge and Welcome to Bridges at the front door. Most of all he was a good friend and someone I dearly miss. You see, Bob was a homeless man, and one who was accustomed to that lifestyle. I accepted him as a colorful man and one who was honest and sincere. I count myself blessed that I knew him and that he shared his life with me. In honor of Bob, Pastor Steve