From Robert's wife this morning
At the crux of our family's most difficult days we gathered en masse to celebrate the man we love so much. My invitation to the family members closest to Bob were "Please make yourselves available Easter Weekend to make memories with those you love." Bob was home from the hospital so he could be loved, doted on, pampered, kissed and cherished as he rightly deserved. My children thought I was crazy to put this on myself when there was already so much to be concerned with regarding Bob. But I reasoned that I needed my family and that each of them had a right to give Bob that wonderful nugget of love right now. So the preparations began in earnest. Twenty six were coming to spend 4 days with us. It was madness but what a happy mayhem it was. I had invited long time family friend and photographer Paul Buceta to come and record the happenings on Sunday afternoon so that we could preserve our memory making.
Everything was set.
Then something magical happened. In the midst of the commotion, I received a call from Arnold Schwarzenegger's office that the big man wanted to come up personally and pay a visit to Bob. I knew this would be a historic moment. Two great men in the sport of bodybuilding and in public arena would be coming together. And it happened. On Sunday afternoon, April 8, 2012 Arnold arrived at our home with his brawn and a heart of gold. I could't actually believe this was happening right here in our home amongst so much family, but it was.
When I answered the door to welcome him in, he said to me "Hmmm, what's this? Your new Easter dress?" And from then on I relaxed as I ushered him in to greet the family and ultimately Bob. It was difficult not to shed tears as Arnold gently held Robert's hand and began a conversation that would bring a sparkle back into my husband's blue eyes and cement their friendship forever. The two laughed over training, women, butts (both apparently love that body part), business, the challenges of magazine making, painting and Austria. Both men have much in common. It did my heart good to see this exchange. Arnold made good on his promise to visit his old friend, something I am ever grateful for and will never forget.
Arnold also gave the entire family a thrill when he wandered over to the kitchen and had wine and cheese with the gang. Can you believe it??? My two nieces Anika and Alissa were giggling like crazy when Arnold posed for a shot with the two of them.
Photo Credit: Paul Buceta
So Arnold, thank you and we hope you'll "be back!"
And Robert what memories we have made you and I. Nothing about me is less because of you. You have made me whole, loved and cherished as I have never experienced before. What joy I will carry in my heart for having known you. I love you.
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