The Beginning

In the Spring of 2016 around the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer my Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The following year, Congested Heart Failure. Over the next several he endured the challenges of Parkinson's with dementia.  Bob was able to remain at home with my brother as his caregiver until the Fall of 2018. River Valley Care Center became his next to final home.  He liked to be called Mr. Porter and was known as "Pops." 

Bob passed away on the evening of February 15, 2020 ten days after his 89th Birthday. 

He was a story teller.  Anybody who knew Bob could tell you a story that he had told or had a story to tell about Bob. Everyone had a story, a memory of Bob. An antic while flying or how his music touched their very soul. 

Stories; they came in all forms and from many voices. From Bob himself, friends, family and caregivers. They came from the oral tradition of story telling, things written down & photos. My own journals and social media posts about visits and phone calls. Memories from an old shoe box filled with old family poems, clippings and letters. 

My hope is to compile all these things and put them down here. I don't know how or where to begin or even how I will do this. Except to simply start. 

Oh one more thing, when Bob lived in the Care Home he would end his phone conversations by saying, "I'm signing off" or some variation of it. I think I will do the same. 

So, here we go...On a Wing, a Prayer and a Note. 

Signing off,

Lynette