ROBERT LEE REAVIS

My second brother is Robert Lee Reavis (Bob) or Bobby we called him when he was a little whippersnapper. I have written some stories already about my brother Bob. He's the one responsible for the "Trials and Tribulations" yarns I have talked about.

When Bob was little he and my brother Joe were real close and remained so til Joe's death. They use to play together a lot but their most favorite thing to do was to play pranks on me or scare me then run so when I screamed to the top of my lungs Mom wouldn't catch them.

Bob enlisted in the Marines in his junior year in high school, I think. I remember the letters he would write to Mom all the time telling how he was doing. A long spell went by one year and we didn't hear from him. Mom started calling everyone in the Marines she could dig up. Finally she called the Red Cross I think, anyway they said they would find Bob and call us back. They called and a letter came also saying Bob had been the hospital and remained so because he had come down with malaria. Mom was so worried and cried a lot. Bob finally recovered and finished out his tour of duty and came home for good.

Bob has been a fun brother to grow up with except when his temper would get the best of him. He sure inherited that from Dad. He could be happy one minute and mad the next but it sure kept things exciting.

Later in life he married and had two sons. I must say he has had his share and somebody else share also of hard knocks. He has had a heart attack, triple bypass surgery and now is dealing with throat cancer. He keeps fighting back on all these "Trials". I have always heard the Marines were few and strong and I believe Bob deserves the title.

I can't wait til Bob is over this. He better be by spring cause he has to be back on that porch contemplating on a new "Trial and Tribulation". That is the title of his book. Only thing is he hasn't put any of his stories on paper to date. He has a lot in his head and he can sure keep you spell-bound with his yarns. You must have the patience of Jobe though cause he talk real slow and it takes quite a spell to get to the end. I didn't care though cause it gave me good reason to have another beer.

Well before I run out of paper I will end for now on Bob, but my love for him will never end.

I have been closer to my brother Bob, only two years older than me, than most people think. I looked up to him when I was just a wee lass and I still do.

Bob, put the Marine back in you and win this latest battle so we can chat on the phone again. I always enjoyed our afternoon conversations. BIG phone bills cause of his slow drawl but worth every penny. Hope to chat with you soon brother. I love you, Sis