Birthday Blog for Bob!

Today is a special day! 59 years ago, Henry and Gloria Kogok and their two sons, Henry Jr. and Bill, added a new member to their family, another son, Bobby. His mom always said he was the best surprise they ever got. As his older brothers were married and he was the only child left at home by the time he was 10, he enjoyed the fun part of being raised as an “only child”. He loved doing the normal “kid” stuff—riding bikes with his best friend Pete, drawing rocket ships, ice skating on the C & O canal, participating in cub scouts, and he especially loved summers at the family vacation house in Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Of course Bobby soon left behind his bicycle for a loud, hot, Dodge Dart, which he drove a little too fast while living a little on the wild side during his high school years. But during those years, his easy smile, friendly demeanor, and quick-to-help personality remained intact. These traits helped to secure his job at a Washington Metro area television station, right out of high school, where his creative side helped produce ads and programming. He loved the quirky people he worked with there, he loved meeting the occasional television celebrity (like Shultz from Hogan’s Hero’s) and he loved fishing with one of his friends from the station, catching Rock fish big enough to put his name in Fishing and Game Magazine of Maryland, three years in a row. He also loved music, and sang in the church choir, and for that I will always be grateful, because that’s how I met this terrific guy. There I was, the new girl in the alto section, and the cute bass with the long curly hair and big brown eyes immediately caught my eye. The rest is history, as we tied the knot two years later.

I probably know Bob better than anyone else on earth. He’s a remarkable man. Without him there’s so much of my life that just wouldn’t be the same. He’s a godly man. He’s faithfully given God the glory for all of our blessings and allowed Him to guide his life for almost 40 years. He’s a sacrificial giver, giving up the career he loved in television to turn his attention to the family roofing and sheet metal business when his father’s health began to fail. He’s an amazing Dad—if I had picked a husband based on the ability to father, he would have been the one, hands down. He’s got a healing touch, which is evidenced by his successful massage therapy practice which has given so many hurting people relief from pain the last eighteen years. He’s a generous man, opening his home and his wallet to those who have needed shelter and relief over the years. He’s funny and fun, compassionate and kind, smart and practical, and so much more. Perhaps most endearing, he loves our family, and puts us high on his priority (second only to the Lord) list. To his delight, that family has grown with the addition of grandchildren in the last ten years. He is loved by all who know him.

So, today is Bob’s birthday. It’s a special day to honor him, let him know how much he is loved and cherished, to shower him with gifts, make his favorite foods and pamper him in every way possible. Amazingly, as I prayed for him this morning, it dawned on me that I was the one who got the best gift of all today. 59 years ago, the love of my life was born, and there aren’t words enough to say how blessed and grateful I am. Happy Birthday, Bob! To a most amazing man, I love you honey.