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.
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My family calls me "the mamarazzi."
Julie, I love the pictures and story about Bob. I love seeing him on my way to work; it’s that smile – it’s contagious! He’s a Metuchen treasure. -Mary Kay
I just love Bob! I sooooooo look forward to walking to school every day with Greg, partly just so I get to see Bob!
I had to come back and find this entry now that I see Bob every school day. We don’t walk that way, but it would take a half hour to drive out of Talmadge onto Main if he didn’t lend a hand and do a little traffic directing along with with his protecting the walkers. And always, as you said, with a smile.
Hey, thanks for the reminder Mary. Bob is doing a walk for cancer research and I wanted to ask people to contribute. Maybe I’ll sneak some new pictures on the blog. Thanks thanks thanks!
<——big-Bob-smile!
Julie,
Bob now has Fans in Florida!
When you and Bob gave permission to use your one of the Photos I was able to make a Keynote/PowerPoint slide for my presentation for Florida Community Association for Community Action this past week.
After I showed my Keynote/PowerPoint slide and and we also viewed your blog with Bob’s image they took time to send thank you postcards to Bob.
These postcards are very sweet. These dedicated folks, many who work for Head Start and other non-profits appreciate people with kind eyes and joyful smiles. I can’t wait to send them for you guys to see them.
We are associated by the company we keep.
Bob will be thrilled to get these postcards, Lisa! What a cool idea! Can you reply with a link to your blog post about Bob please?
BOB ROCKS! There is no brighter smile on the planet and no kinder heart in town! We love you!
I had to come to this post on Thanksgiving. You make Metuchen a brighter place, Bob. I’m thankful for you, just as Julie is.
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
What a touching tribute! That smile is brilliant!
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!
That last shot is awesome! What a great smile
This is an awesome post. I see what you mean the effect even showed in the pictures
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.
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
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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 --
!!!!!!]