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| With Dr. Asabi - 2011 |
Robert Earl Jopp, the paper work would say that he's my
step-dad, but I'm here to tell you, there's no 'step' in this dad. For it is this
man who is ... 'My Dad'!
Known as 'Pappa Jopp' to many, one whose smile and laugh are
both contagious and very distinct. This is the man, one of two, who provided
the structure and the character to teach this boy what it means to be a 'man'.
Thank you dad! I can not say it sufficiently, all that you gave me. Thank
you...does not seem to be enough.
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| Mom, Dad and Gpa Carter - 1977 |
My memories hold so many treasures. The 'Crazy Eight'
adventure across the U.S., or wrestling with my buddies...and how you always
seem to come out as 'victor'. Spending the summer of '73 removing a concrete
patio, making way for the addition, or taking the first strike onto Bill
Darlings wall, ending his procrastination. There was your morale and physical
help both with my 'Babe Ruth' baseball team, or always the first to step up
when we needed a helping hand with my 'Boy Scouts' troop. How is it that you typically
seemed to have the upper hand as you rooted for your 'Cowboys' over my
'Fearsome Foursome Rams'? And there was never loss of joy as we'd be off with
the motor bikes or a camping trip to 'Lake Elsinor', with a friendly game of
horseshoes. We made a pretty good team! Maybe I should mention the 'Vegas'
nights at the Leiran's, or for sure your gentle handling of that little 'hole in
the door' incident. And most recently your tremendous support as we dealt with the
deaths of Nana, my father and Alvin...wow! That's all I need to say. Wow! These
... they're only a few of many...the ways that you 'were there'...in my life.
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| With Gpa Carter - 1989 |
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| Loving our kids - 1985 |
As meaningful as the above are and how deeply they're held
within the recesses of my mind, they take second fiddle to my memory of the
love which you gave to our mother. Your
shared love for all six of us kids and your love of flying...forever to be
remembered. Sure, as with any relationship, not without their struggle, yet I
know how much you loved her. To the very end, you loved her. Thank you dad! And
now nearly 25 years later, while married to Nan, the demonstration of your love
continues to be a model of what it means to be a man.
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| A Family portrait - 1986 |
The years are fast approaching,
I look forward to times in which new memories will be forged. All the while letting
the world hear the laughter of cherished memories from yesterday.
I love you DAD! Yes, I love you.
Though he did not give me life...what he gave is so incredibly significant...Thank You!
Writtin from 35,000 feet seems
only so very appropriate, this beautiful February day in the year 2014.
Richard (Rick) Alan Williams, son
of Robert (Bob) Earl Jopp.
