My husband and I have known Bob for a long time. He has been in charge of the weekly “Keyway” for our Rotary club for many years. Bob does a great job with this project and puts a lot of time into making sure it is perfect.
Recently Bob had trouble with his computer and he has been speaking with my husband about how to fix things. I share his frustration with the technical world. I told him that sometimes I can sit at the computer for an hour trying to figure out something and then I mention the “problem” to my son or daughter and they come over and push one key and “fix” it. Bob understood exactly what I was talking about.
Bob has a nickname and it is “Dirigo”. Someone told me that he thought it was a reference to Shakespeare. When I asked Bob about it he told me that Dirigo was the motto of the state of Maine. It is latin and it translates as “I lead” (or direct, or guide).
It makes perfect sense that Bob has taken this nickname. He is as steady as a rock, as dependable as the sunrise. There are few of his caliber, steadfastness, and modesty. And you should know that Bob would balk at these accolades.
This afternoon I made Bob an Apple Blackberry pie. Once the pie was baked, I called Bob to see if he was at home. When he answered the phone, I told him who I was and asked if I could stop by. He said, “Okay” and hung up. There is something about those Maine folks; they don’t mince words.
When I arrived at Bob’s house, he asked me how he could help me. When I told him that I had made him a pie his face changed. He certainly was not expecting this visit, or this pie, and he told me several times how wonderful I was. I think that it was wonderful to surprise Bob with a pie. He definitely deserves it and I am thrilled to have been the one to bring it to him.
Pie a Day Give Away 
Karen,
You did indeed make his day! Bob (or Dad to four of us located in LA, Salt Lake City, Fresno and Little Rock) reported his amazement at the gift by email that evening and said he was just overwhelmed. He wanted to share the “award” with our mother, who passed away in June 2010, because she was his faithful Key editor for so many years. He has written a Rotary bulletin for 60 years now. Thank you for your kindness and generousity. What a great year-long project!
Eileen (Edwards) Denne, in LR