I remember meeting Brett’s parents in the spring of my junior year in high school. They were out of town when Brett and I had our first date during Spring Break 1993. When they got back he introduced them to me and they were so kind. Bob and Ray Anne treated me as though I was a part of the family. They had 3 boys and I think Ray Anne was happy to have another female around! I spent a majority of my time at their house since I didn’t want to go home at that time.
Bob and Ray Anne taught me so many things. They were foodies before the term came about, taking me to countless amazing restuarants, improving my palate and teaching me about the finer things in life. They were generous to a fault, allowing us free use of their Colonial, Boat Club and The Petroleum Club memberships. They took us on trips to various places, taking me skiing for the first time, we went gambling in Louisiana and all over Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Florida, Grand Cayman, various Cowboys and college football games. They accepted me for me and when the time came for me to get an apartment they cosigned for me. We spent quality time together because their house was always open and our friends were always welcome. I guess what teenagers thought at the time was that his parents were super cool and friends to all.
They gave me a job around 18 in their accounting office, which was in the first floor of their house. They both taught me so much about accounting and Excel which has helped me throughout my career. Karen Kirk, Bob’s legal assistant, basically taught me everything I know and ended up becoming a close friend. She was amazing and so easy to talk to. We still stay in touch and she is one of my favorite people in the world!
I was working for Brett’s parents in 1998 when Brett caught on fire in a freak accident in Ruidosa. I wasn’t there but his mom and Dave Cullen were. Brett’s dad picked me up and drove me to Lubbock to be by his side. Those days are kind of a blur but his parents were there for us the entire time. They even paid for a plane ticket so I could travel with Brett to get back to Fort Worth. Brett had to move home so that he could receive the proper medical assistance. It was the worst of times but we had Brett’s parents by our side as well as my parents who wanted to help in any way possible.
Brett’s parents had a family dinner every Sunday night and I greatly miss those dinners. Bob was an amazing cook and they had no problem with us bringing Diva over for dinner. They had 3 labs and those dogs loved eachother and adored playing nonstop. Diva was a member of the pack and I know some of her happiest times were at Bob and Ray Anne’s house.
Sadly, Brett’s father Bob passed in 2010 quite unexpectedly. It was hard and so sad to wrap your mind around, he should have had more time. Bob’s death was exceptionally hard for Ray Anne who lost the man she loved and her champion. She was devastated and in disbelief. She developed shingles from stress which just added to her misery. She went through all of the stages of grief and came out the other side, a testament to her strength.
After that she wanted to do something special with her boys, one on one. Ray Anne decided to take each of her boys and respective wife’s on the trip of a lifetime, dream trip of our choice! We decided to go to New York! We stayed at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square. We did all we could and some of the highlights were high tea at the Plaza Hotel, dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy, Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity, shopping at FAO Schwartz, Dylan’s Candies, several city tours, The Book of Mormon (his mom couldn’t stop laughing), lobster at the best seafood restaurant we could find, dinner at the best Asian place I have ever eaten. We basically went all over that city, drinking and eating our way through it. It was an exceptional trip and we will always treasure our memories of that time.
Ray Anne retreated to her hometown of Pawhuska, OK after Bob died. She loved to go look for antiques with her sisters and friends and traveling around to see the world. We missed her terribly but realized she needed to create her own happiness even though it was hard for us to understand. We have really missed her but she comes in often to see us and her beloved grandchildren.
Now she is very sick and will not get better. 30 years she has been my second mother, holding me up when I have fallen, loved me unconditionally and has been at my side for all the big stuff. She has loved her family fiercely and supported all their ventures and she remains one of the most amazing women I have ever encountered and I hope that I can be half the woman she is.
Covid makes everything more complicated but we will be there to support her and lift her spirits. We will treasure our time we have left and see to it that these moments are precious. We are grateful for every day that we have left with her and we will celebrate her when she is gone. We love you so much Ray Anne! Thank you for always standing by our sides and loving us no matter what.
The night is calling... 