Goodbye Bobby

Another warrior has been silenced...but his words will live on.

Cystic Fibrosis patients Bobby Womack and Brian McTear were introduced to one another at their West Philly CF clinic and developed an instant camaraderie. They shared the triumphs, trials, and the tribulations that come from living with Cystic Fibrosis and eventually made their friendship public when they started the blog brianandbobbyspeak.com, writing letters back and forth to each other on it since 2005.

I found out this morning that Bobby unexpectedly passed away this past weekend. I only knew him through his writing, but the reality of the situation took my breath away. Bobby and Brian's letters provided a doorway for others to walk through and learn from. Talk of medications and daily routines wove seamlessly into music and family events. Their blog was and is real life at its core. We are lucky to have the opportunity to read it. The final entry from Brian resonates with anyone who has lost someone close to them. Check that out here:

http://www.brianandbobbyspeak.com/?p=454


There is also an article about Bobby's passing on the Philadelphia Weekly website:

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/phillynow/Bobby-Wolter-RIP-54533562.html

For me, this is a moment for reflection and peace. I've met so many CF warriors over my lifetime. Some battle in front of the world, others walk the path in anonymity. Some are no longer with us and others fight valiantly everyday. Whatever path you choose know this: As long as you love and care for yourself you cannot go wrong. Do the best you can with every day. That is you can ask of yourself and what you should expect of others.

Peaceful thoughts and prayers to Bobby and the family and friends who loved him, especially you Brian. Thank you for sharing your life with the world.

Peaceful Things,

Josh