Robert C. McCaskill II

Christmas has come and gone and it's almost Valentine's Day - my brother's birthday. By God's grace we survived 2007, just a lot lonlier. I thank God for PaPa, Maw Maw, and Rae being so strong - I've gained needed strength from them all, whether they've known it or not. I still hold the picture of Bobby & I taken at our vacation in the Outerbanks to my heart, wishing that I could share the many joys and few pains that our family is experiencing. Wise beyond his years, he knew when to speak...

I can't say that I didn't cry today, for deep sadness still comes when I think of Bobby's departure to be with the Lord. Yet, even more than crying on this day, I have made a concious, exaggerated effort to fill my heart with happy memories of my beloved cousin. I will always celebrate his life and the joy he brought to mine. Bobby, I love & miss you still.
~Ginabina~

It's almost Thanksgiving...and it gets a little harder each day it approaches, knowing that last Thanksgiving my brother and my entire family was with me. Each event that brings happiness also brings tears - nothing is the same, not being able to share it with Bobby. Kai was elected to Student Council - I just wanted to call so bad so I could hear him say "Alright Blackie!" to Kai. He would be so proud...We miss him so much - yesterday, today, and everyday.

Still missing my friend. Hey Rob, guess what, I am slowing down a little and reflecting more on God's promise.

Memorial Day 2007. The first thing I thought of when I woke up was the Memorial Day weekend that Bobby, Kenny, Lori, Kevin, Rick and I spent in Las Vegas. I remember having a great time, especially eating Crab Legs at The Big Kitchen buffet in Bally's. We all took a picture in front of Bellagio to send to the Columbus Dispatch. Just one of many many great memories that I hold in my heart that makes me smile. Missing and remembering my little brother today and everyday.....

I thought it would get easier as time goes on. Time has went on and I still miss em. But I know Rob if we could hear his voice from heaven he would say "come on you'll, "Im good" he would say " don't cry for me cry for them that's going to hell" . I miss my dude. Im always bragging about my fading skills (hair cutting) he was supposed to get a hair cut from me., I'll catch em in heaven. For those reading this Im sorry I just went on a little tangent. I can't sleep tonight.

Someone just passed by my office quoting a line from a movie that instantly made me think of my cousin...for one split second I didn't feel the empty space I have in my heart. I was able to simply laugh and have another "happy Bobby" thought. I love my cousin with all of my heart and miss him that much more.

As Valentine's Day has come and gone, I can look back with happiness on the birthdays that I spent with Bobby. I fondly remember taking him to Red Lobster for his 1st taste of crab legs! I also remember one birthday in particular in which just he and I went to dinner. It made me feel very special to have shared that day with him, given that so many people loved to be with him on his birthday too. My brother had a way of making everyone feel special - I think that's what amazes me the most....

To Mr. and Mrs. McCaskill and family,
I just found out that Robert (as I called him) passed away two days after his birthday which is why this message comes to you so late. I meet Robert in November of 2004 at work and was immediately drawn to his smile first and his wonderful personality next. You did an extraordinary job raising this man. He's the best man I've meet in all my 28 years and he'll be remembered by many. I'm so very sorry for your loss. He was, and always will be, very...