Mr. Robinson

I met Mr. Robinson some 14 year ago. He came to work as a teaching assistant. Many a day he would meander into my classroom and chat. Not knowing who he was, I was not sure how to take his outgoing personality. Over time I was won over. Mr. Robinson has nothing bad to say about anyone. He is always there to help. I can't count the number of times he has been there to save me. He has always helped me move - now that is friendship. My circle of friends became a circle because of Mr. Robinson. He was the center which we all gravitated to. Mr. Robinson has a heart as big as Texas. He always thinks of other people before he thinks of himself. Mr. Robinson is now my teaching assistant. I'll tell ya, I could not still be teaching if I did not have his help. He holds me up on the days when I don't think I can stand. He protects me from the more difficult moments. He shields me from the BS. When the day gets long, he finds a way to bring laughter into the room. He helps me keep it all in perspective. Mr. Robinson walks across campus and all the children run to him. They all want a moment of his time. You know what is amazing? He remembers everyone's name. Every student, every staff member. Birthdays, anniversaries, births...he remembers them all. I can hardly remember the names of the students in my classroom. Mr. Robinson, he is an angel. There are those who don't understand why Mr. Robinson is so well liked. That baffles me. What is not to like. Mr. Robinson helps everyone. If a teacher is carrying books or bags, Mr. Robinson is the first to offer his help. He is the first to offer assistance or support. Mr. Robinson does not say no. I don't reckon he knows how to say no. Mr. Robinson is a great son, he is a great brother, he is a great friend. Mr. Robinson is a great man. Today is Mr. Robinson's birthday - the mold was broken after he was born. There are so few people in this world who will put everyone else first - who offer gifts without expectations - he makes life easier, he carries your burdens as if they were his own. When I hurt, he hurts with me - When I laugh he laughs with me. Don't know how I would survive if not for Mr. Robinson - Donald, my friend! We should all be so lucky to have a Donald in our lives. We should all learn from him. Though I may try, I could never repay him for everything he has given me. He has taught me so much. On this day of his birth I hope he knows just how special he is. How unique his quality of character is. People such as Donald don't come around too often - I thank God for blessing me with Donald's love and his friendship. It's not Donald's fault he likes the Lakers or the Rams - those might be his only flaws - he has poor taste in sports teams. There are life events that Donald wants - he would be such a great dad and a great husband - he sacrifices his own dreams to take care of everyone else. He makes that sacrifice without complaint or notice - but I notice. I know. I know of who you are Mr. Robinson and I thank God for sending you to me - for without you I would be a lesser person. Without you my life would have less light - my days would be longer - without you Mr. Robinson there would be a piece of me missing a part of me unfulfilled - you are indeed one of a kind - Thank you Donald, from the bottom of my heart Thank you!