September 23rd is always a hard day for the whole Holcombe family. 13 years ago, my husband lost his sweet dad. Blair was only 16 years old at the time, his younger brother was only 13 years old, and his mom became a young widow. It doesn’t seem fair. I can’t imagine losing a parent, let alone having to grow up without one. He couldn’t be there for his high school graduation, see him go to college, be at his wedding, or see the birth of his grandson. And now being a mom and wife myself, I can see how hard it must have been on Blair’s mom to have to raise two boys on her own, and miss seeing the love of her life everyday.
(Bobby with Baby Blair)
I do believe in Heaven, and I believe his dad is watching over his whole family everyday. Even though he isn’t here physically, he has been there for every milestone. I wish I could have met him because I only hear great things about him. I hear about how he loved his boys more then anything, and was there for every soccer and football game. He worked hard to provide for his family, but when he came home his whole priority was spending time with his family. He would play basketball with the boys all the time, and never let them win. My husband loved this because he said the first time he won, he knew it was for real. I’ve heard stories from extended family members about how he was really just a big kid himself. I know he must have been a great father because he taught my husband how to be the best daddy in the world.
(Me & Braxton, and Barrett, Blair & Braxton at Bobby’s Grave in Dallas.)
His name was Robert Earl. Everyone called him Bobby though. Blair’s full name is Robert Blair. So when we found out we were having a boy, Blair immediately knew he wanted to name his son after his hero and role model. So we named him Robert Braxton. Robert after his grandfather, and Braxton because, well, we had to do a “B” name. (There’s Bobby, Betty, Blair & Barrett. That’s what I married into…the outcast with a V name. But that’s ok! If we ever have a girl maybe she can have a V name.) We wanted an uncommon B name since after teaching 6 years I’ve had over 600 students and think of my students when I hear certain names. I have never had a student named Braxton, and we liked how strong it sounded. I am honored to have my son named after such a great man, and I know Bobby is watching over him.
I haven’t lost either of my parents, but it has made me appreciate them more. I know everyday I have with them is a gift. I also know not to take any day with my husband for granted. You never know what could happen. It seems silly to some people that we celebrate every “month birthday” of our baby by going to babies r us and picking out a small present for him. But to us, everyday with him is a gift and we want to celebrate every milestone we can. Be grateful for everything and celebrate the little things. We aren’t rich by any means, in fact right now we are living paycheck to paycheck, but that’s ok. We have each other and our little blessing. And that’s all that matters.
I wish I could have met Bobby and thanked him for raising such a wonderful man. I wish Braxton could have met his grandpa because I know they would have had a blast together. But I know he lives on in his sons and grandson. We love you Bobby, and thank you for watching over us everyday. Braxton will grow up knowing what a wonderful man you were.