It has been a sad time for our family, but we rejoice in the new found freedoms and joy that we know Ross must be experiencing.
Here are a few of our favorite memories....
Ross was an excellent chef. His potatoes and gravy were legendary. I am not sure anyone can make them as yummy as Ross. When asked for a recipe he never had any measurements or ideas on how he made it...he would answer with something like..."cook the potatoes, then use some butter, milk, salt and mash 'em up." Just another reason he was so amazing.
Ross was a wonderful Grandparent. He came to as many birthdays, ball games, band performances, choir performances, as he could. He always played card games with the kids. Toward the end when his strength was waning he watched "Alf" with the kids when he could. They loved him for his unconditional love for them, and his sense of humor. He shared his love of tractors and the great outdoors, and of course sheep.
Ross was a wonderful Father-in-Law. I have two favorite memories. One sad another happy. At one point several years ago, Bartley was in the hospital and he was very ill. The doctors did not know if he would make it. The doctors and nurses were standing around working on Bartley. His parents and I were there. Finally Ross turned to me and said, "You need to leave, you don't need to see Bartley like this." I told him I wasn't leaving. He said "I will stay, but you are leaving, you don't want me to make you." I loved him for protecting me, that way. The other memory was just a few years ago at Christmas. We had opened presents. We were just sitting around visiting. The next thing I know Ross had a ribbon set perfectly on top of his head. He was just so funny, and it was such a perfect representation of his fun, playful, humorous side.
Ross was an awesome father. Bartley has lots of good memories, one of his favorites is when he was about 9 years old. Ross came to him and asked him if he wanted to go to a "late" show. It was a school night and Bartley remembers how cool it was to be with his dad and go to see the "Electric Horseman". He loves going to a late night movie even now. Ross worked hard and was a good provider. Bartley never felt as though he "went without", birthdays and Christmases were always full of magic and excitement. Just recently at our anniversary, Bartley took my gift over to wrap, (it was a set of pots and pans) Ross stated clearly, "that's not an anniversary gift, you are going to be in trouble." (Bartley was not in trouble, I told him that was what I wanted) Bartley loved him for trying to save him from a sure fate of trouble.
We know that Families Can be Together Forever....so until we meet again Ross. We love you!
