Rob William Latven Tribute

So many things we never got to do
So many conversations we never got through
I feel lost and empty now
Every day I ask, how?
I could feel nothing when you died
I felt I wanted to run and hide
Run and hide cause I felt blind
Peace and clarity I couldn't find
They say when you die your soul just flies away
I wanted to chase your soul, so for another day you could just come and stay
You were my Love, you taught me how to stand on my own
Now that you’re gone, I feel as though I can’t do it alone
I've tried so hard to see things through and become the person you wanted me to be
Sometimes it’s just so hard being me
I'd give anything if I could just talk to you once more
To see you walk through the door
and tell me that everything was going to be alright for sure
When I look into the sky I picture you staring down
Which is why I have no reason to frown
All the things you taught me, all the songs we use to sing
Now you’re gliding under God’s precious wings
I hope He’s taking good care of you because now you’re in His place
I hope all your worries and all your fears have left your face
I never got so say goodbye that was the worst part
But I know that when you left secretly you said goodbye to my heart
So when I lay myself into bed tonight
I know you'll always be there to hold me tight.

in paradise...

Remember those of you who grieve for me; not as I am now. Remember me not in passing but in life, by those whose life I enriched somehow.

Remember me not with tears of sorrow and pain, but wish me well on my journey that I'm about to begin. Know that I've gone before you and in time will see you again.

I've lived a full and bountiful life while I served God on this plain. But now it is time to go back to see heaven again.

You must understand as you stand by this earthly body; that I've departed. I request that you go on with your lives knowing that mine has just started.

You must not forget that there are loved ones of mine that have gone before me. I've missed them so badly and I'm with them now even as you grieve.

I lived my life the way that I was meant too. I married in love and raised children the way I was taught too.

Take this moment to let me give you a last piece of advice when you return to the race. It isn't how your life ends that counts, but how you live and those who you embrace.

Let me go peacefully my children and friends. For me the best is just starting, at what appears to you the end.

I loved you and lived my life the best I knew how. But now I am young again and proud, to have left my mark on each of you somehow.

Leave my shell knowing my spirit now shines brightly as a new born star. Go now and live your lives, knowing that I'm with you in spirit, the distance between us is not very far.

May I leave you this way dignified as I was in my life. Let me go softly, for I went gratefully in the night.

Rob, I know we didnt always see eye to eye but I know you loved Dina and the boys. I know they truely miss you everyday and Dina has worked hard to keep your memory alive. Kazzy is growing so big but I know you are with him and can see how fast he is growing. I look back and remember how nerves you were when I took Kazzy for the night. I remember how happy you were when you guys came and picked him up the next day. I told you I would keep him safe....

Daddy's Poem

His hair was combed back nice,
his favorite dress clothes with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and he couldn't wait to go.

But his mommy tried to tell him,
that he probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if he went to school alone.

But he was not afraid;
he knew just what to say.
What to tell his classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still his mother worried,
for him to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her son home.

But the little boy went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad he never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called his name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

"Where's his daddy at?"
he heard a boy call out.
"He probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
he heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend him,
as he smiled up at his Mom.
And looked back at his teacher,
who told him to go on.
And with hands behind his back,
slowly he began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with a new finger board,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"

With that, his little hand reached up,
and lay across his chest.
Feeling his own heartbeat,
beneath his favorite vest.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
his mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her son,
who was wise beyond his years.

For he stood up for the love
of a man not in his life.
Doing what was best for him,
doing what was right.

And when he dropped his hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
He finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.
You see he was a busy man
and died just this past year
When an unexpected illness came
and took my daddy dear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then he closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to his mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at his side.
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence he called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside him,
was a brand new finger board.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of his shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

They say it takes a minute to find a special
person, an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them, but then an entire
life to forget them.

Take the time...to live and ! love.

If we could hear Rob now I think this is pretty much what he'd have to say....God do I ever miss him!!!!!!!!

To my dearest family,
Somethings I would like to say,
But first of all, to let you know
That I arrived ok.
I'm writing this from Heaven
Where I dwell with God above,
Here there's no more tears or sadness
There is just eternal love.
That day that I had to leave youWhen my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
And he said, I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again
You were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family
They'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly
As part of my big plan.
There's so much that we have to do
To help our mortal man.
Then god gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do.
And foremost on that list of mine
Is to watch and care for you.
And I will be beside you
Every day week and year.
And when you're sad,
I'm standing there to wipe away the tears.
And when you lie in bed at night
The days chore put to flight
I am always close to you
In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth
And all those loving years,
Because you're only human
They're bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry
It does relieve the pain.
Remember, there would be no flowers
Unless there was some rain.
I wish I could tell you
Of all that god has planned,
But if I were to tell you,
You would not understand.
And to my many friend trust,
God knows what is best.
I'm still not very far away from you
I'm just behind the crest.
And now I am contented that my life,
It was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed alone the way
I made someone smile.
When you're walking down the street
And you've got me on you're mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps
Only half a step behind.
And when you feel that gentle breeze
Or the wind upon your face,
That's me giving you a great big hug
Or just a sweet embrace.
And when it's time for you to go
From that body to be free,
Remember, you're not going,
You are coming here to me.
And I will always love you
From that land way up above,
I'll be in touch again soon,
P.s.I'm sending you all my love!!!