I met Bob Lewis about two years back when I was going through some major changes in my life. It was in a room at OHSU hospital when an older gentleman asked me to open the curtains to let the sun inside. I was in a disgruntled mood to say the least and just nodded my head. He left me alone for a while, then we started to talk about our indiviual situations and found comfort in exchanging ideas and sharing our lives with each other. He talked with me about his vices and how much he loved his family. The dedication to those that shared in his own down fall. His upbeat attitude was a refreshing sight to the daily grind of hospital life and although I could see the worry and pain in his face he held on to a smile almost all the time. We shared many things in that room and when he left I knew he would be sorely missed. We kept in contact after we got home. Him from Oregon and I in South Carolina. He always asked first how I was getting along never really discussing his own problems. Instead we talked about life and the end of such a journey. He gave me so much to ponder on telling me of faith that he possessed in a good outcome for everything. He showed me a peace he held to and how even though the road he knew he was going down would result in us losing him. He walked through it all with his head held high eyes wide open and a will to fight to the very end. If I had anything to say about Bob and why he fought so hard, it would be to stay here with family and friends around him. He fought not because he was not scared of it but he fought so he would add just that much more time to be with those he cherished the most. Today we are left here to say good bye to a Father, Husband, Brother, and to me a Dear friend. Under the circumstances I wish not to dwell on the aspects that we won’t see him or hear him but acknowledge the fact of the imprints he has placed so gracefully on everyone of our hearts. For the lessons you have taught us for the courage you instilled to everyone that was blessed by your words I want to do the same thing you did to me draw back the curtains and let in the light you shined on everyone here. My dear friend you are free from the gloom and pain that is here. Thank you Bob…