Two Roberts to Remember
Recently, there have been many days when I wanted to write this blog post, but the emotional energy to do so just wasn’t there. I know some of you understand grief and how it can drain you of the strength you have on “normal” days. I am so grateful for your grace during this time.
My thoughts have turned to remembering two Roberts in my life, … but, actually, I have three Roberts in my life. They are my dad, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Robert C. Gaskill, Sr. (d. 2024); my favorite brother, Robert C. Gaskill, Jr.; and our precious son, Robert C. Henderson (d. 2015). They were and are three of the most loved men in my life. Many of you know the story of our precious son, and some of you may know my beloved brother, but most of you do not know of my larger-than-life father who passed away on July 7th.
Over the last few weeks, as my brother, two sisters, and I have tried to adequately put into words how much we loved and respected our dad, all four of us realize that we come up short in describing his highly honorable career and the deep place he held in his heart for our God and his family. We also admit that sometimes a man of great military dedication softens as the years go by after his military retirement begins. I believe that is when we truly saw the heart of our dad.
Our father was a man of many dimensions—from the uniformed figure that arrived each night to share our family dinner after his long day at work to the man his grandchildren lovingly call “Boom-Boom.” MG Gaskill, as many people called him, found his way into our hearts on different levels and at different times. He was respected and cherished, especially as we realized his time with us was slipping away.
I loved the way he made me feel so tall when I walked beside him; the hands-on deposit he placed into my life by teaching me how to hand wash and wax our family car; the privileged first job he gave me of ironing his uniform shirts and polishing his black shoes each morning, and the intentional way he said, “Thank you” to me when I gave his uniform items back to him. I have fond memories of him showing up at every big occasion in our children’s lives. And ultimately, the strength he gave me as he sat in silence next to me at our son Robert’s own “Celebration of Life Service.”
During his active-duty years, my dad knew how to salute his troops during a magnificent parade as our chests burst with pride as we watched in attention. Then later in retirement, he shocked us by playing on the carpet with his grandkids … no longer in uniforms, but slacks … never jeans! Some things were just not going to happen in his life.
I am forever grateful for the way he smiled at me when he saw me, and the kindness he showed me by laughing at my silly jokes. He gave me a rich childhood and helped me to keep my glass at least half full at all times. He would often say when he drove us back to our home in our station wagon …“Home again, home again! Jiggidy Jig!”
Welcome home, Dad. I love you. Thank you for the beautiful ride.
Ames Funeral Home Obituary link:
Listening Library: What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
What A Wonderful World
I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces
Of people going by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?
"They're really saying
I love you
I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Ooh, yes
Songwriters: George David Weiss / Robert Thiele
What a Wonderful World lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Concord Music Publishing LLC, Kanjian Music, Tratore
The first time I met your mom and dad was at your wedding in DC. What a distinguished and handsome man he was. Then when he came to Whitesboro to speak at our citywide, July 4 celebration. The crowd loved him. He spoke with authority & full of knowledge. The people were captivated. It was always a joy to see him again when he came to San Antonio to your house. I know his death is a great loss, but there is an even greater reunion, will see him again. Mike Rich
Beautifully rendered, Juli. Grief, gratitude, joy. What an amazing father, patriot, man! May your memories bring you comfort. Keep writing, my friend. Your words bring comfort to me through our many shared experiences. My father was also a general officer and died at 52, a few decades ago but I miss him every day. And yet, like you, I am grateful for the time we had together.
A life well lived is a gift to everyone in your community. This man left far too many gifts to count. Thanks for being there for us.
‘Love the photo, and the memories you shared.