Robert Gonzalez

Robert Gonzalez, age 46, born on April 25, 1966, in Michoacan Mexico, passed away July 19, 2012. He resided in Pomona, California at the time of his passing. Robert is survived by his four children, his wife, mother and 8 brothers and sisters. He was an uncle, a cousin and a friend to many.

He was a hardworking man who often went out of his way to assist anyone in need, be it friend, family or even strangers. He was always just a phone call away when car problems caught us by surprise. His ability to "fix anything" combined with a giving heart and his hard-working attitude kept him very busy. Even in sickness he mustered the strength to step up and lend a helping hand. One of his favorite phrases was "dont try, just do it", and he did. He could fix anything.

Robert loved his neices and nephews and they loved him. He took pride in his driving and his career as a truck driver. He enjoyed singing along to the "viejitas pero bointas" on the radio, watching "Big Cat Diaries" and puting the neighbors to shame by having the greenest yard on the block. He spent his last good days bringing our yard up to his high standards!

Robert battled cancer for 8 years making many a trip to the emergency room and spending many nights on a hospital bed. However, he did not fear cancer and refused to go quietly, instead, he put up a tremendous fight, using every ounce of strength to spend "just a bit longer" with his loved ones.

He leaves a significant void in the lives of many. We loved him and love him still. We belive that God is real and that the death of his loved ones is precious in his eyes. By the grace of God we will one day be reunited with him and others who have gone before us.

We miss you Pony, save us a spot, we'll be there soon.




"IMAGINE"

Imagine with me for one moment
that we stood at the gates, you and I
and our hearts started beating within us
as those gates suddenly swung open wide.
Can you feel the excitement around us,
do you see all the things that I see?
All the saints on their feet and they're cheering
with a welcome for you and for me.

See the tables, they're set for a banquet
with the finest of linen and gold.
In the air there's a sense of rejoicing
and this feeling will never grow old.
Is that Paul who is coming to greet us,
saying "Beloved, you've finished the race!
You have fought the good fight and been faithful,
now come rest in his love and his Grace."

Have you noticed the beautiful music
and the angels all gathered around?
Have you noticed that on all of these faces,
there isn't a tear to be found?
Do you feel what I feel at this moment?
All my fears have begun to subside.
And there's nothing that can be compared
to the peace that I'm feeling inside.

Wherever I look there is beauty
and all of saints know my name.
Now, because all my sins are forgiven,
I can face them without any shame.
And then suddenly... a hush falls upon them
and they slowly start moving aside.
Do you see what I see in the distance?
It is moving toward us, a beautiful light!

I watch as the light moves in closer,
now my joy I can hardly contain.
It is JESUS! He is walking right to me,
and He is calling to me by my name!
As His eyes look directly at mine,
with his arms he is motioning "come".
But I fall to my knees and I tremble
for my body is suddenly numb.

So he smiles and then gently he lifts me
and he holds me up close to his heart.
Now my mind looks for something to tell him
but my heart doesn't know where to start.
And before I can utter one word,
I hear his voice speaking into my ear.
He says "I've waited so long for this moment.
Now my child you are finally here!"

So I struggle to say "Jesus Thank you.
It is only because of you that I'm here".
But again, in his arms as he holds me,
I feel the warmth of his voice by my ear.
He says "Child, I knew you would make it.
That is why I've prepared you a place."
As I stand to my feet and I face him,
he is gently caressing my face.

There are no words to express what I'm feeling
and there's nothing worth giving this up.
Yet, I can sum it all up in a moment,
with a word that we both know as "LOVE"

By N. Gonzalez
© mypoetryandpraise.blogspot.com


Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.