Bob Gormley

I am told that you gain your understanding of God from your relationship with your father.  This week I learned a final lesson from somebody else’s father.  When I lived in Hawaii I was bullied.  I was the only white kid in my school and the locals didn’t exactly welcome me with open arms.  So I moved back to Wenatchee and lived with old family friends Bob and Liz Gormley.  I was bullied and beaten and very much in need and they welcomed me with open arms.  I have been a Gormley family interloper ever since.  We had always been friends but it wasn’t until I lived with Bob and Liz that I felt like part of the family.  With kindness and understanding Bob and Liz took what was a terrible situation for me and turned it into a blessing.

Bob has passed away and we held his memorial on Saturday.  I was asked to read the 23^rd Psalm.  I have read the 23^rd Psalm many, many times but this time I saw it with new eyes.  As I read I realized that the Lord was doing for Bob, what Bob had done for me, so many years ago.  Bob was hurting and in need and the Lord has welcomed Bob into his house and just like me, it is the greatest blessing of his life.