I remember moving to the US back in 1999 and besides, my family didn’t really know anyone. So the city of Nashville was uncharted and very new territory for me. We started out just like any other couple looking for work and trying to get settled and Maneela landed a job where she met Stephi. They hit it off and I remember how excited Maneela was to have met friends other than family. A few months later I think Robert eventually got work at the same place and the 3 were working together. It was then I met Robert.
We clicked like we knew each other from before. There was no hesitation in chatting and we all exchanged numbers and planned on getting together. It was at this point we became family and have been since.
When I first met Robert, I have to admit I was a little intimidated because he stood so tall but by definition he is a simple yet gentle giant. I remember helping him and Stephi move to their home in Bellevue, TN. We’d take any weekend and just hang out at their place or ours. His personality resonates like no other and at any chance he always turns anything and everything into laughter.
Robert’s sense of time was, well, non-existent. We’d made plans to go out for dinner and at that time I had hair and Robert didn’t but he would take at least an hour or more to prepare himself to get ready for dinner. It was at this point, I changed his name to Roberto-V05.
Moving forward a few years, Maneela and I had our 2 girls and instantly he became their one and only uncle Wobbie. He always brought them a treat and that simple gesture brought so much sparkle to them both. We were stunned when they decided to move to Atlanta. It was tough on us but we met up when we would visit and never lost touch.
I relied on Robert as much as he relied on me, just simple things to fix things, seeking advice or just keeping up with the latest gadgets. if I needed something, he would instantly drop what he was doing and attend to our needs before his own. We saw that grow in him over the years and we saw that in how much he loved and cared for Stephi. He spoke to me about how Stephi was his rock and we know she still is and always will be!
Robert my friend, you are not gone. In fact, you are closer than ever. I will not miss your jokes, your smile and your friendship because I still hear and see - Love You Buddy!