That is a beautiful memory, Diane. Although I didn't know Bobby,or some of the people on the deceased list, it was very sad adding their pictures. To see their yearbook pictures when they were so young and just starting out in life and knowing they really didn't get to complete it really hurts the heart.
RIP to all of our missing classmates who died too young!!
I mey Bob in grade school. He was kind to all and ignored those who taunted him. He wasn't ever mean to anyone. Had he lived a little longer, his problem could have been surgically corrected. I wonder hat his life would have been. RIP Bobby Meyers.
After peering out my bedroom window I raced to my bike half way down the block to meet up with a boy slowly riding a brown and white bicycle. Upon meeting, he told me his name was "Bobby" but seemed less than friendly. His reaction was dull and he and his bicycle were ready to move.
"Wait!" I said hastily.
"Do you ride your bike often?"
"Not much." Bobby consented.
"Well, what do you like to do?"
Instead of an answer he just starred at me.
"I have a hole in my heart so any kind of strenuous physical activity is out."
"Oh, I’m sorry" was all I could think of to say.
Bobby began to move his bike away from me. I knew I had to think of something that both of us enjoyed.
"Do you watch ‘Axel and his Dog’ on Saturday mornings?"
That did it. His face lit up with a glow and we both related to the locally produced televison show for children. A new friend had been created.
Bobby and I both attended nearby Concord Elementary. We were in the same classroom together and one day our Teacher called me to her desk after class. She described her admiration for my kindness to Bobby and said my thoughtfulness would not go unnoticed. (Whatever that meant)
A year later, at the end of third grade, Mrs. Meyer invited me to join Bobby for an afternoon of fun at Excelsior Amusement Park. She gave me strict orders NOT to let Bobby ride the roller coaster. Despite my succession of "No’s!" Bobby convinced me he would be all right. He explained he just HAD to go on that ride. We did. And Bobby was fine. Smiling and laughing afterwards. (Mrs. Meyer was not at all happy)
Oddly enough, Bobby shared an interest in radio like me. We would listen to WDGY at night. He and I would even spend time calling the station to win prizes when prompted. My sights were set on being behind the mike someday. I built a one tube transmitter and began to broadcast around the block. Bobby picked up on it and did the same. The two of us even visited WDGY and sat in the observation area watching the D.J. at work.
The Summer days and nights turned to Winter days and nights and I did not see my friend except at school. And, those days quickly passed as both of us prepared for High School. At about the same time my folks decided to move out to Cherokee Hills. Their plan was to buy a house big enough to accommodate my Grandmother.
The classroom door was open during Algebra Class in the tenth grade. Sitting near the back of the classroom, a friendly site slowly passed by the door. It was Bobby! I couldn’t help but raise my left hand for a half wave as he passed by. I had no idea that would be the last time I would see my old friend Bobby alive.
I’ll never forget my Mother, as she got off the phone, saying to me that Bobby had died. She explained he collapsed in the shower and passed away. I was stunned. I quickly went to me room to say a prayer.
Many years passed and I pursued a career in radio. Working for stations throughout the Midwest I finally landed a job in Minneapolis. Coming to work for WWTC was the pinnacle of it all. It wasn't long before it hit me. I would be working in the same studios as WDGY. And, just outside the main studio was the observation area where Bobby and I had sat over a decade ago.
After working in Minneapolis I journeyed to Arizona where the folks retired.
I was on the air at several different stations in the Phoenix area. In 2008 I decided to go on a "Sentimental Journey" and revisit Edina. Approaching my old home on Virginia Avenue I noticed a lady directly across the street in her front yard. I quickly introduced myself and we began to chat. Too many years had gone by for her to relate to nearby neighbors of my childhood, but she did know of Bobby’s folks down the block and the sad loss of Bobby.
"Al Meyer, Bobby’s Dad, died several years ago of a heart attack" she explained and "Dottie Meyer, Bobby’s Mother, passed way suddenly not long ago. Of course there pride and joy, Ginny, is doing quite well I understand." I was devastated. Not only was Bobby gone but now I was learning his folks were dead too.
A final look at Bobby’s old home along with a glance up Virginia Avenue and it was time to end my visit and head to the airport. After boarding, the 737 began to scream down the runway. I felt the wheels leave the ground knowing everything was being left behind. Within minutes the jet reached a cruising altitude. At around 30,000 feet a feeling came over me. I was as close as ever to my dear friend Bobby Meyer.
I didn't know Bobby Meyer, nor do I remember being effected by his early death. But clearly, even now, all these years later, his life has meaning and impact. Thank you for your posts.
I remember Bobby. I didn't know him well, but I remembered that he had a hole in his heart and he had to be very careful not to over- extend himself. He was always friendly, but often quiet and at times seemed lonely. Diane and Dave, I loved reading both of your beautiful stories about times spent with Bobby. I bet his sister Ginny would love to read these special words. And yes, with todays medicine, Bobby's heart would have been repaired at a very early age. But even during his short life, he left an impact on people's lives.
I never did know Bobby, but what a wonderful memory you have shared with us Diane. You paint such wonderful visions of very special childhood moments. You and Bobby were fortunate to have those times.
Dave, you memories also are very precious. It rmeinds me of the idylic childhoods many of us had back then. Bobby was blessed in the short life he had.
Karen Willes (Callan)
Diane
Reading your remembrance about your childhood w/ Bob brought tears to my eyes!
I remember you from PE class. You were always a happy, positive person. Bob was in good hands w/ you !
Hope to see you at the reunion~
Karen Willes Callan
MaryLouise Honaas (Lockridge)
Diane,
That's a beautiful memory.
Patricia Drew (Drew)
That is a beautiful memory, Diane. Although I didn't know Bobby,or some of the people on the deceased list, it was very sad adding their pictures. To see their yearbook pictures when they were so young and just starting out in life and knowing they really didn't get to complete it really hurts the heart.
RIP to all of our missing classmates who died too young!!
Mary (Maria) Hennessy
I mey Bob in grade school. He was kind to all and ignored those who taunted him. He wasn't ever mean to anyone. Had he lived a little longer, his problem could have been surgically corrected. I wonder hat his life would have been. RIP Bobby Meyers.
Dave Teller
MY MEMORIES OF BOBBY
After peering out my bedroom window I raced to my bike half way down the block to meet up with a boy slowly riding a brown and white bicycle. Upon meeting, he told me his name was "Bobby" but seemed less than friendly. His reaction was dull and he and his bicycle were ready to move.
"Wait!" I said hastily.
"Do you ride your bike often?"
"Not much." Bobby consented.
"Well, what do you like to do?"
Instead of an answer he just starred at me.
"I have a hole in my heart so any kind of strenuous physical activity is out."
"Oh, I’m sorry" was all I could think of to say.
Bobby began to move his bike away from me. I knew I had to think of something that both of us enjoyed.
"Do you watch ‘Axel and his Dog’ on Saturday mornings?"
That did it. His face lit up with a glow and we both related to the locally produced televison show for children. A new friend had been created.
Bobby and I both attended nearby Concord Elementary. We were in the same classroom together and one day our Teacher called me to her desk after class. She described her admiration for my kindness to Bobby and said my thoughtfulness would not go unnoticed. (Whatever that meant)
A year later, at the end of third grade, Mrs. Meyer invited me to join Bobby for an afternoon of fun at Excelsior Amusement Park. She gave me strict orders NOT to let Bobby ride the roller coaster. Despite my succession of "No’s!" Bobby convinced me he would be all right. He explained he just HAD to go on that ride. We did. And Bobby was fine. Smiling and laughing afterwards. (Mrs. Meyer was not at all happy)
Oddly enough, Bobby shared an interest in radio like me. We would listen to WDGY at night. He and I would even spend time calling the station to win prizes when prompted. My sights were set on being behind the mike someday. I built a one tube transmitter and began to broadcast around the block. Bobby picked up on it and did the same. The two of us even visited WDGY and sat in the observation area watching the D.J. at work.
The Summer days and nights turned to Winter days and nights and I did not see my friend except at school. And, those days quickly passed as both of us prepared for High School. At about the same time my folks decided to move out to Cherokee Hills. Their plan was to buy a house big enough to accommodate my Grandmother.
The classroom door was open during Algebra Class in the tenth grade. Sitting near the back of the classroom, a friendly site slowly passed by the door. It was Bobby! I couldn’t help but raise my left hand for a half wave as he passed by. I had no idea that would be the last time I would see my old friend Bobby alive.
I’ll never forget my Mother, as she got off the phone, saying to me that Bobby had died. She explained he collapsed in the shower and passed away. I was stunned. I quickly went to me room to say a prayer.
Many years passed and I pursued a career in radio. Working for stations throughout the Midwest I finally landed a job in Minneapolis. Coming to work for WWTC was the pinnacle of it all. It wasn't long before it hit me. I would be working in the same studios as WDGY. And, just outside the main studio was the observation area where Bobby and I had sat over a decade ago.
After working in Minneapolis I journeyed to Arizona where the folks retired.
I was on the air at several different stations in the Phoenix area. In 2008 I decided to go on a "Sentimental Journey" and revisit Edina. Approaching my old home on Virginia Avenue I noticed a lady directly across the street in her front yard. I quickly introduced myself and we began to chat. Too many years had gone by for her to relate to nearby neighbors of my childhood, but she did know of Bobby’s folks down the block and the sad loss of Bobby.
"Al Meyer, Bobby’s Dad, died several years ago of a heart attack" she explained and "Dottie Meyer, Bobby’s Mother, passed way suddenly not long ago. Of course there pride and joy, Ginny, is doing quite well I understand." I was devastated. Not only was Bobby gone but now I was learning his folks were dead too.
A final look at Bobby’s old home along with a glance up Virginia Avenue and it was time to end my visit and head to the airport. After boarding, the 737 began to scream down the runway. I felt the wheels leave the ground knowing everything was being left behind. Within minutes the jet reached a cruising altitude. At around 30,000 feet a feeling came over me. I was as close as ever to my dear friend Bobby Meyer.
Jeanne Cook (Klainer)
I didn't know Bobby Meyer, nor do I remember being effected by his early death. But clearly, even now, all these years later, his life has meaning and impact. Thank you for your posts.
Mary Allard (Adelmann -Allard)
I didn't know him either, but I as well am touched by the memories of him that live on in his friends.
Thank you all for sharing. Wish I had known then, those I know now through his friends.
Keep up the "human stories".
Sue Eichhorn (Mearkle)
I remember Bobby. I didn't know him well, but I remembered that he had a hole in his heart and he had to be very careful not to over- extend himself. He was always friendly, but often quiet and at times seemed lonely. Diane and Dave, I loved reading both of your beautiful stories about times spent with Bobby. I bet his sister Ginny would love to read these special words. And yes, with todays medicine, Bobby's heart would have been repaired at a very early age. But even during his short life, he left an impact on people's lives.
Marcia Harris (Wilcox)
Thank you for sharing your special memories Diane and Dave. Having grown up in the same neighborhood, I too have good memories of Bobby.
Jane Woodcock (Mosher)
I never did know Bobby, but what a wonderful memory you have shared with us Diane. You paint such wonderful visions of very special childhood moments. You and Bobby were fortunate to have those times.
Dave, you memories also are very precious. It rmeinds me of the idylic childhoods many of us had back then. Bobby was blessed in the short life he had.