Reflection
on the Specialness of Bob Vatter
by
Tom Fogle, fellow 3rd
year Candidate
“I will go Lord, if you lead
me...”
There are certain individuals who come into your
life, bless you with their presence, and then leave abruptly. Although saddened
by their departure you know you are better off now than before they
arrived. The presence of Bob Vatter
in my life is one of those blessings from God. I had the privilege of knowing
Bob for a little more than six years, but what a significant impact he has made
on my life.
Bob was a loving “Teddy Bear” and a Deacon’s
Deacon. No matter what needed to be done, Bob was the first to volunteer. If
there was a need to be filled - his hand was the first into the air saying,
“I’ll do it.” There was never a task focused on helping others that was below
his dignity to accomplish. If a table needed setting up, chairs moved, food
provided, camera operated, a cup of water to quench a thirst, or just to be
present for support, he was always there to provide what was needed. It would
have been easy for a man his size to let others do the hard work, but that never
entered his mind. When something was needed, Bob was there lending a hand or a
sympathetic listening ear. He was caring, compassionate, full of life, and with
his family showed us how to live out the Beatitudes. It was easy to see the face
of Christ in Bob and to feel Christ’s love through Bob. When Bob would grace me
with a hug, I knew I was in the loving arms of the Lord. His hugs were authentic
and heartfelt.
The first time I met Bob, I was immediately drawn to him
by his warmth, his straight forward sense of humor, his down-home mannerisms,
and his caring attention. His laughter was contagious, his caring sincere, and
his compassion genuine. I remember how he would beam with pride when talking
about his family and the love he had for his sons and for Jill. He would remind
us how fortunate he felt and how much God had blessed him with his family and
with his faith. God was never very far away from Bob and it showed. Bob was
eternally optimistic about the future because he knew that to be in the service
of our Lord was the ultimate path to happiness. He was a gifted speaker, an
articulate student, and an excellent homilist. His love of Jesus and the
Scriptures were evident in his homilies, in his personal sharing and
reflections, and in the way he lived.
His untimely departure from this earth has been a
reminder to me how short life is and how quickly life of this earth can change.
I am saddened to think that Bob will not finish the Diaconate formation journey
along with the rest of us; but true to form, I know that Bob has just run ahead
of us slightly and raised his hand to volunteer to be first again. He heard God
calling and said, “I’ll do it.”
I love you good
friend.