Nick, David and Nora cutting a tape in Florida
Bob Sharkey
It has been eight days since the phone call came.
The answering machine captured Bridget's tearful message.
Earlene heard the phone ring, got up, played the message,
and awakened me with the devastating news.
I replayed Bridget's voice mail...couldn't believe it, but her
trembling voice brought it home.
I knew it was true and I continue to know it is true, but I
cannot really...accept it, yet.
Every time I think about it, I just shake my head.
David is a man's man. His love for his family is always
on his sleeve. His biggest disappointment is not having
the means to do all the things for others that he wants
to do. And now, those frustrations are in the past.
David and I met on-line nine years ago.
We never met in person.
We talked on the phone at times.
We corresponded on AOL IM.
And, of course, we communicated via email, both
public and 1-on-1, many, many times over the years.
Nine years!
What an incredible person.
So many have so said much on the beauty of this man.
I cannot do better than those who have already spoken.
That makes it easier.
What I can say is that the loss felt by so many is
indicative of one's value. David's departure has
created a tremendous vacuum that can never be filled.
Some say, "Only the Good Die Young." I suggest that
both the good and the bad die young, but the Good are
the ones that are missed so deeply.
By that yardstick, David ranks with the absolute Best!
My heart goes out to Cheryl, Courtney, Nora,
Drusilla, and everyone else feeling our loss.
Bob
Posted : 02/23/94
From : 8652 Bob Sharkey "BobS"
To : Big D
Subject: Sea Horses
Hi, David!
Saw your post about getting a fresh water
aquarium to keep sea horses in. You mentioned
that they are hard to maintain. Yep, especially
in fresh water. The sea horses I know about
prefer (live in) salt water. Perhaps that's
the difficulty, eh?
Just kidding you, Big D.
Take care
Posted : 02/24/94
From : 6531 David Frateschi "David"
To : bobs
Subject: fish part II
it worked...
Hey, after reading my message again, I realized the error
I made. I realize that sea monkeys..I mean
sea horses live in salt water, not fresh! duh! LOL!
I guess I was more tired than I thought!
gee, maybe I'll make more mistakes if this is what
it takes for you to leave messages...hmmmm?
Hows the weather in your home town, Tampa Florida?
Hows your 6 kids? And your new job at Nasa?? Let me know.
TTYRS
David
Posted : 02/25/94
From : 8652 Bob Sharkey "BobS"
To : Big D
Subject: Fish - Part III
David!
Before those meds knock your sox off,
I wanted to let you know that everything
is fine in Tampa. All six of my kids are
looking for summer jobs at NASA. Three
have been arrested and fined. Seems that
it is illegal, since it is still winter!
That's the gov'ment for ya.
BTW, ya probably wonder where I get my
vast knowledge of fish (sea horses et all).
Errr....perhaps you don't but, I'll tell
ya, anyway.
First of all, it's no secret about my last
name.
BUT! Second and thirdly, two of my
dad's sister's added to the tradition. My
Aunt Fran married Wally Whalen and my Aunt
Jane married Bill Fisherkeller! Tis True.
Yes, I am pretty fishy :)
Take care and when my kids are out on bail,
I'll make certain they don't spend full-time
looking for part-time work...probably
illegal, too, ya no!
Gee...you DID get me to post another note!
Nice job!!
Posted : 02/26/94
From : 6531 David Frateschi "David"
To : bobs
Subject: fishy story!
Hmmm, and some around here call you the knight...
they should call you their shark!
All those people in your family...do they ever get
razzed? I think its funny!!
I hope your kids get out of jail soon! I can only imagine
that it must be tough for you and your wife...and all those
girl-friends that you have!
Nasa isn't hiring?? hmmm, must call my buddy and get your
kids a job.
I must be doing something right, I got you to respond. hmmm?
be well!
Hows the weather in Tampa? LOL
Daid
thats..David
From : 8652 Bob Sharkey "BobS"
To : Big D
Subject: Now You are "Daed"??? Daed!
How are ya? Last time we corresy?
Gee....up until last time, I thought I was talking
to David the Normal (couldn't figure out why you
spelled it "Nermal"...but, 's'ok)
BUT! last note, you signed "Daed". WOW!!! I met a Daed
here in town last year. Yep, he is a warlock and runs the
largest coven on Oklahoma! He had members named Savnah,
Bohred, Dargarr, Cendion, stuff like that, ya know? :)
But, I've always though HIS name (Daed) was the coolest!!!
So, imagine my surprise to see what must have been a
Frateshian Slip in your note to me. Are you really a
warlock, Daed? If so, that explains why yoo're always
proclaiming yourself to be Normal...errr...Nermal.
Dunno.....Just know that I need to get back to
Florida...now the family has decided on doing something
that could put us ALL in jail. They want to take our
summer vacation, as son as school is out. Heh..heh..heh...
I KNOW that would be illegal..it'll still be spring!
TTYS
From : 6531 David Frateschi "David"
To : BobS
Subject: my names
I am always mis-spelling my name when I type it.
I leave the "v" off, but that one time, I pressed
enter too soon, and didn't feel like doing a delete.
Gee, maybe he and I are "linked"?? Could this be
a sign??
Gee, if I got together with him, just think of the
"powers" we'd have. We could cast spells sooo easily!
Maybe I'll start calling him through my mind, and seeing
if he responds. hmmmmm.
For those who don't know me too well...I AIN'T IN NO CULT!!:)
How are the kids, Bob? And the wife? And the home in Tampa?
You really should teach your kids not do so much illegal stuff!
Be well,
Daid
Posted : 03/09/94
From : 8652 Bob Sharkey "BobS"
To : Nermal
Subject: So, YOU are the Normal One!
Really wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday :)
But, also, I really didn't know you were a
person. Up until recently, I thought
Big D was trying to convince everyone that
he was "normal", which I'm sure he is.
But, it had that "I AM the president" kinda
tone in some of his notes. Now! I realize
that those notes were from YOU! His wife!!!
Finally, gottit :)
So, real person Nermal, hope your birthday
was a great one. Enjoy, and say Hi to
Daid for me.
BobS (also normal)
Posted : 03/09/94
From : 6531 David Frateschi "David"
To : BobS
Subject: FYI
Nora, BKA "Nermal", is my sister.
She and I own a 2 apartment house. I live
downstairs, and she is upstairs. I am on
her puter. Isn't she sweet??
You are not alone to think we are hubby, and wife.
Many here thought so. My wifes name is Cheryl. She
does not like puters, and will not come on board.
Hope this clears up any mis-understandings.
Be well,
David...nerms bro!
