1. The Bob Story Co-created by Max and Cathy Cordova

2. I met Bob in 1987 when I played soccer with his daughter, Cathy.

3. As the years passed, I got to know Bob more and more.

4. In 1997 I asked Bob if I could marry his daughter. He luckily said “yes”.

5. In 1998, Cathy and I were married and Bob walked her down the aisle.

6. In March of 2000, at the age of 57, Bob passed away.

7. This is not only a story about Bob, but it is about his addiction and illness.

8. Bob was a lifelong smoker and at the age of 52 was diagnosed with emphysema.

9. His last 5 years of life were hard to witness.

10. The disease progressed from oral medication and occasional oxygen…

11. …to being on oxygen 24 hours/day and rarely leaving the house.

12. Bob was fortunate enough to see us married but missed his son’s wedding by 8 weeks.

13. He missed his first grandchild’s birth by 14 months.

14. And since the year 2000, Bob has missed all 4 of his grandson’s births.

15. Each year we remember Bob on the anniversary of his death and on other holidays such as Father’s Day or his birthday.

16. More than anything, we wish Bob were here with us.

17. His life was ended all too soon because of a decision he made as an adolescent.

18. Learn from Bob as I have.

19. Every day is a gift. Use it wisely.