Thanks Robin, and I quite agree, the anniversaries are the hardest times.   We hold all the happy memories close to our hearts though, and know that we were very lucky to have had those good times.

Keep spreading the love and joy...it really is the best way! 

Take care... 

Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts. This time of year is hard because his birthday and the day of his passing are only 12 days apart and though with time it has gotten easier.  I now choose to share the love and joy rather than dwell in the sadness.

My heart also goes out to you Jill for the loss of your husband. I am sure they are smiling down on us though and waiting patiently (mine maybe not so much!) till we get there!

Peace and blessings to you all!

~Robin

Wonderful tribute..sending you many hugs and prayers for the family

Ro

Hi Robin, what a lovely remembrance to your beloved husband Art, ` Papa Bear`. 

You must have so many happy memories to look back on, and I`m sure they are very precious to you and your family.  My heart goes out to you today, I also lost my husband to this dreadful disease. 

Thanks for sharing this with us.  Sending you a big hug.  x

Thanks for sharing that story Robin. You honor his memory well. My best to you, Mike and lil' Mike on this day of reflection.

RIP Papa Bear....

Hi Mike -

I hadn't posted about Art "Papa Bear" before so I am sorry if I confused you. He had HCV, Cirrhosis and HCC. He was on a transplant list and sadly lost his battle before a liver could be found. 

I wish he had been here to see all the breakthroughs in treatments however I know he is smiling down on us now and would be glad that I was able to get treated to be here for our son and grandson.

Each and everyday I pray for everyone to find a cure for this as I hope no one ever has to walk the road I have.

Peace and blessings to you! ~ Robin

That's a heart touching letter Robin and I'm sure Papa Bear would be happy about the good news. I'm sorry if I missed a previous post about this but would you mind if I ask what type of battle Art was fighting? My heart goes out to you and your family.

In Remembrance of my husband Art Schlosser who lost his battle on Oct. 2, 2009

Hi there Papa Bear,
I just wanted to let you know that we are ok though not a day goes by that we don't think of you. It's been six years today since you left us and though we had some really hard times for a few years things have been slowly but surely getting a better.

We finally were able to get Lil Mike here with us and I wish you were here to see him. I know how much you loved him and we make sure he knows it all the time. We tell him stories of his Grandpa Art so we keep you alive in his heart and he remembers all the times you saw him when he was little. He says he really loved your beard!!

And you would be so very proud of our son. He has grown into such a kind and loving man and your influence has made him a great dad. To see him and Lil Mike reminds me so much of the two of you together - brings such a smile to my heart.

As for me, well all I can say is I miss you. I know I was not always easy to deal with and stretched your love harder than I should have but I hope you are proud of me now. For 36 years you have been the love of my life and you will be now and forever more.

Till we are all together again in the next life I will say "We love you Papa Bear"

~ Robin, Big Mike and Lil Mike