The Bob Effect
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It never mattered if I was in a bad mood. All I had to do was walk Gregory to school, crossing the street, then walk back, crossing the street again. Without fail, as long as Bob was our crossing guard that day, I came home smiling.
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It’s the Bob Effect.
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Even last year, when Gregory went to a school on the other side of town, Bob was always smiling and waving as I drove by in my car.
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I don’t know what it is about Bob that makes him such a smiley guy.
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I mean, standing in the busy road holding up a stop sign and praying the cars will actually stop doesn’t seem like the sort of job that would guarantee unconditional smiling. Rain, freezing cold, thunderstorms, unbearable heat, it never seems to bother Bob. His beautiful smile has a light to it that seems to shine, soul to soul, and it stays with you for quite some time.
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I’m not the only one affected by Bob’s happy demeanor. On the last day of school, I saw many parents walking by, giving Bob gifts and hugs and thanking him for being there for us.
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In fact there are only two times I’ve ever seen Bob not smiling. There will, for example, be a stern look and possibly a shout whenever a car is not slowing down quickly enough at the sight of his stop sign. And once or twice, when a child was not particularly listening to his instructions to wait until the traffic was clearly stopped, Bob would assume the holding position, hand extended in a “don’t step into the crosswalk until I give the ok” stance, saying sternly, yet lovingly, “Wait. WAIT!”
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Bob takes his job very seriously.
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I think the reason Bob is so smiley is because he knows that he can have an impact on all the people, young and old, who cross his path, insuring their safety and brightening their day.
As for me, when I walk by people on the street now, I smile a big bright smile (most of the time — I’m trying really hard, Bob!) and I say “have a great day!” and whether or not I get a response, I feel like a lighter person deep to my core. It’s an inner smile that lifts me and can easily turn a disastrous morning — you know, a whacky-hair, cat-ate-my-homework, can’t-find-my-shoes, socks-don’t-match kind of day — into a contagiously happy morning.
That’s the Bob Effect.
I see Bob. He smiles. I smile back. I see you. I smile at you. You smile back.
So Bob, if you happen to be reading this, I want you to know how you’ve changed my life. Your outward smile, so beautiful by the way, has without question, made me a happier person. Thank you for being my crossing guard. May God bless you and bring you all the happiness that you give to others with your gorgeous smile.
My daughter just came in my office while I was reading this post and shouted, “Mister Bobby!!!” She went on to tell me how nice he is and how she, her brothers and her Mom always make sure to say, “hi” to him because he’s “the best”. Thanks Bob!
I think he needs a smiley, “Have a Metuchen Day!” T-shirt.
[Hey Justin — julie here —
!!!!!!]
Comment by Justin Manley — July 2, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
What an awesome man…I love Bob! I don’t even know or ever see Bob…but I love the effect he has on others. This is a wonderful blog post. Thanks, Jules :o)
Comment by Carolina Girl — July 3, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
Wow Jules, I’m teary. It is wonderful when people have that attitude in everything they do, and it certainly makes a difference to so many people.
Comment by Lindsey — July 3, 2008 @ 7:14 pm
This is an awesome post. I see what you mean the effect even showed in the pictures
Comment by Tiffany Izatt — July 5, 2008 @ 10:43 pm
That last shot is awesome! What a great smile
Comment by Lisa Carpenter — July 6, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
You got me teary, too! What a great example of humble and joyful servanthood! God bless him, and you for recognizing how special he is!
Comment by Vanessa — July 8, 2008 @ 10:55 pm
What a touching tribute! That smile is brilliant!
Comment by Marchet Butler — July 19, 2008 @ 9:37 am
Bob’s one of the nicest people we’ve ever met and we’re so lucky to have him as a neighbor.
It’s ironic that he’s seen so much with a STOP sign in town when he’s always on the GO!
(…but Bob’s smile is really his GO sign!)
Great pictures (as always),
Scott & Gail
Metuchen
Comment by Scooter — July 26, 2008 @ 8:39 am