July 14: A Day of Love, Lessons, and God’s Grace
- The Chairman
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Dear Friends and Family,
Today, July 14, carries two powerful memories for me — one wrapped in love and family, the other in pain and perseverance.
My Grandmother’s Birthday
First, today is my grandmother’s birthday. She was more than a grandmother — she was like a second mom, living next door to us in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, in one of the homes my dad owned. Her warmth and wisdom were just a few steps away.
She worked hard her whole life — making hose clamps and tear gas for the war effort, and raising five children on her own as a single mom. In wintertime, I’ll never forget hearing her call out to my dad, “Rich — the ground is all white!” That was her way of letting him know he’d be driving her to work that morning.
Later in life, whenever I came home to visit, we never missed a trip to Pizza Hut — our little tradition.
And she accomplished something most people only dream of — she became a millionaire, not through business or inheritance, but by winning the Pennsylvania Lottery. Best of all, she lived long enough to enjoy every single check that came her way.
A Trial That Tested Me
The second memory July 14 brings is more sobering — a life-changing moment at just 25 years old.
I was stopped at a red light when a speeding driver slammed into my car. I was left with spinal fractures, a closed head injury, and serious soft tissue damage.
What followed were five of the hardest years of my life — therapy, learning to walk, talk, and think again. Many believed I’d never recover.
But God showed mercy. And Teresa stood by me when even the doctors advised her not to — she believed in me when others didn’t.
Though I qualified for permanent disability, I knew deep down God had a different plan for me. Through His grace and my determination, I built a new life — stronger, more purposeful, and more grateful than before.
Grateful for the Journey
So today, I reflect on these two memories:✅ The grandmother who taught me the meaning of resilience.✅ The personal trial that revealed God’s purpose for my life.
Thank you, Lord, for the journey — for the people you’ve placed in my path, for the strength to keep going, and for the chance to help others find their seat at the table.
Listen. Believe. Measure.
— Bob
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