In Recent days several people close to me have passed on, and news of Bobbie came suddenly as I was pondering and preparing what to say last weekend at a memorial for one of those other friends. In every case this passage from the Book of John keeps coming to my mind.“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24
Don’t worry; I am not going to preach because I know many of you don’t believe like I do, but the passage does point out a great principal in the circle of life. Though we deeply regret and are saddened by Bobbie’s passing every one of us carries the seed she planted in each of our hearts. If we keep her alive in our hearts she will lead us to something greater than we are today.
I am shocked and dismayed by her sudden death but I am a far better person for having known her these few short months. Every one of us that knew her has been made just a bit better also – she encouraged us and berated us and she told us the truth straight up and she was an advocate that would stand behind each and every one of us girls if we needed it and she would not take crap from anyone. She loved her fun and her parties and she had a very serious side too. She worked hard in many ways to help all of us that identify as CD’s, TG’s or TS’s gain a surer place in our world.
I knew her only briefly – in fact only twice did we meet in person – but I count her as a wonderful friend and a sister kindly and willingly sharing the roadway of life with me as I grow into the person I know I am on the inside. It was only two months ago that Bobbie, Lyndsy, Bree and myself were out kicking up our heels in Pasadena having a wonderful time just being ourselves boldly, and now she is gone away from us…
This Wednesday (5-13-09) I attended her Interment Service at Riverside National Cemetery, Bobbie was sent on her way with full Marine honors - the crack of the rifles in salute was a very poignant moment. Myself and 5 others that are in her “Meetup” group online also attended and we found that Bobbie in her other side of life as Robert C. Watts also gained many friends as she served our Country as a Marine Gunny. She was greatly loved by those she worked with in the Marines and as a civilian in the Security business – many of her co-workers attended and had many kind words to share about her. Thank you Dee, Elizabeth, Dianne, Tanya and David for coming out to stand with me and say one last goodbye to our good friend Bobbie!
So, for a time we will grieve and mourn, but we must carry on and we can bring her along with us as we do.
Good by Bobbie my friend… just for a little while. Journey on in joy my sister. I know we will meet again!
Love,
Eva-Genevieve! Scarborough
(P.S. As they become available I will post some more photos with this text – eg!)
As sad as Bobbie's Services must have been, I only wish I wasn't on the opposite side of the country so that I too could have been there to show my incredible respect and love for her. She was an unwavering pillar of support for the transgendered/CD community and will be very hard to replace. One thing is for sure, she will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences, Eva. Bobbie must have been one amazing person. It's sisters like Bobbie that helped us to feel good about ourselves. I never knew her, but I always remember those who came before me.
ReplyDeleteeve i wanted to attend as well but with no transpo was hard bobbie and i were neighbors of 20 min distances we chatted on the phone and went out once and party hardy we knew each other feeling about our community and what we need to do to keep the fight going and not be closeted.so i must say my sistah was incredible but crazy but she can raise (hell) with the Lord im sure they got stories hugs Darlene empressdar@ yahoo if you have forgotten me also pray for Robert's soul i hope renee is doing ok too
ReplyDeleteGood Evening, I only met Bobbi online, I chatted with her a number of times over the past few years. I too attended the service at Riverside National, I stood in the background as the guests were gathering, first in a line just inside the gate before proceeding to an area just before the Medal of Honor area, I stood there thinking what a beautiful looking day it is.It was a picture perfect day, not a cloud in the sky and close to 80 degrees. Finally, we were told to move to the memorial area where the service would begin.
ReplyDeleteI was deeply sadden at this point and could bearly hold back my tears, tears for a fellow service member that I bearly knew, that I had never met in person, but who had touched me in more ways than I could count. Bobbi had touched both my mind and my heart.
As we walked back to our vehicles, I got back into my truck, with tears in my eyes, sadness in my heart and I drove away thinking, I just CAN NOT do this! I stopped my truck, and I said a prayer and watched several white doves fly over head. As the doves were flying back in a circle, I said goodbye to a friend, a fellow service member and a very lucky person who had touched so many lives in so many ways. Bobbi, Rest in Peace and thanks for the memories you have given me.
I only knew Bobbie briefly- it was a sad day Wednesday. I do plan on visiting her at Riverside at least once a month and or whenever I go to my favorate stoping ground at TBT. Ten miles is not a long way, nor is 140 miles (round trip) to much of a distance to visit a friend. Just wished she didnt pass over at such a young age. She will be missed, but always remembered fondly- dee
ReplyDeleteBobbie was a sweetheart and I have her to thank for making me face the world as I am. I'll dearly miss her inner beauty that she showed everyone without reserve.
ReplyDeleteColetta`~^..^