Angie's Post

From my cousin Angela Hooper:

Grandpa Cobabe

I don't know if anyone from my family reads this (I don't know if anyone at all reads this actually) but I thought I would write a little today about my Grandpa Bill Cobabe. Man I love that guy! If you know him, you know he is in the hospital right now recovering from a massive stroke. This came just after he was sent home from the hospital after dealing with some heart issues. My mom told me that when when visited him in the hospital during the heart thing she said she wished all of the family could be with him. He replied that he didn't want everyone around because they would all think he was being a big baby. This man is one of the strongest men I know. I don't think anyone could ever think he was not being strong. Many times in my life I have been blessed to call him my grandpa. He gave me my blessing as a baby, he baptized me and confirmed me, he blessed me in high school when I was recovering from rape, he was a witness at my marriage in the temple. He has had a major role in my life and I am so grateful for that. I had the privilege of visiting him in the hospital yesterday and was so impressed by his strength, once again. Within hours of a failed corrective surgery he was making words. The first thing he said when we entered the room was, "Where is my wife?" When Grandma arrived at his side he asked, "When can I go home?" He wanted to be at his home, in his bed. Then, later, he talked about needing to go home to work in his garden. We had to tell him he couldn't because it was snowing!

I am not sure what happens from here. They were unable to take out the blood clot in his brain, and his heart is arrhythmic. Treatment for either one is complicated by the other. What I do know is that whatever happens, I'm at peace with it. I have been reading in Alma the past few nights, and lately I have read about the proselytizing of Alma, Amulek, Aaron, etc. In some of these accounts, the righteous die at the hands of the wicked. While Grandpa's case is slightly different, I know that he will be received by our Heavenly Father in glory just as those who died were. Grandpa Cobabe is amazing. His life has been wondrous.

In my contemplation and pondering of the current situation, I felt compelled to compose a poem in his honor. Don't worry, I know it doesn't rhyme :)


The Oak Tree

I know of a strong oak tree,
Stretching tall and wide.
It's long, encompassing branches
Providing shade from the sun.

It's frosted stems would gleam
On those short winter months
To brighten the day of all who look
Upon it's noble, steady form.

I would rest my weary self
At it's great and solid base
And find comfort in it's guidance
Or be blessed by it's grace.

Now the day has come,
When I must provide the strength.
It's nurture and care depends on me
And all who have been blessed by it's grace.

I cannot provide shade from the sun,
My winter gleam is lacking.
But I hope my care may suffice
To make it through the rest of it's days.

And when I am no longer needed
For the tree has moved on,
I will use what it left behind,
To warm all those who may stand in need.

That oak tree stands eternal,
It's roots have grown deep.
I cannot forget all that it was, is and will be,
I cannot forget all that it has done for me.

Love,
Angela