Robert Augustine Seidel III

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by T.E.S. Wyatt on January 30, 2007:

Please come stand with your family. We need your smile today. Please share a bit of laughter, before you go away. Let's paint a lasting picture of the memories we've shared to treasure in the days to come and help us through our tears. A toddler's joyful belly laugh would brighten up our days. A muddy bath was the perfect end to a fun-filled cousin day. Girls, he's been a heartbreaker since he was about three, wearing mirrored sunglasses and saying "Hey, Baby!" Honeybees and coneheads, three musketeers and clowns, vampires and football players running all around. Hitting a grand slam to bring your brother home, whooping, "Yay, Robbie!" more proud of your hit than his own. Dressing up as soldiers leading backyard missions, camouflage and flashlights, spying neighbor's kitchens. Tackling uncles and break dancing at huge family celebrations. Waterfalls and climbing walls and tubing on vacation. Civil war buff, Gettysburg, treading in other soldier's shoes. Fascinated by details of fights between the grays and blues. High school football and baseball, your coach tried to be serious. He got your joke five minutes late. You always were hillarious. Good grades, good looks, an athlete, you really had it all. From fifth grade on we knew you had the soldier's call. West Point answered promptly their rules you'd slightly bend. Special privileges from your "sponsor," some shared with special friends. Covert operations to catch a late night train, grinning at your cohorts as you jog aroung the chain. Daring late night adventures just like your dear old dad, like sitting on a tower, no matches to be had. Westpointers on Spring break, some spades and shots with Sly. Four became blood brothers two Rangers and two who fly. That hippie hiker was for real during Ranger ambush drills. Two friends didn't get recycled, just more pride in their skills. Madrid had a band and fireworks, then suddenly you were quiet. Watching soccer games in Spain can really be a riot. Traded your Notre Dame hat for a lighter with no fuel. Pushed that Spanish beauty away, E-burg girls are much more cool. At Sly and Rosie's Pub and Grub, the little K of C, you'd shoot some pool and let off steam with friends and family. Leading in a spider hole, or carrying an extra pack, determined to do your very best and never looking back. John Deere hat and ratty jeans, some country music on, bar nights, horseshoes, barbeques, you could party until dawn. No matter how much fun you had Mom's rules you kept in mind, sharing her love and devotion three kisses at a time. You felt your dad's unending love, you are his pride and joy. Whether winning awards or playing pranks, Dad says, "That's my boy!" Let your brother tag along, not all big brothers do. With love and admiration, he even filled your shoes. Best friend, brother, soul mate, how proud you were of him. He hears your words every day, always your biggest fan. Our portrait is just a small glimpse of twenty-three wonderful years. We won't forget any memories that couldn't be named here. Tomorrow you'll watch over your men, wherever they may roam, to gaurd them with your good advice, so they'll come safely home. But for today watch over us, this is our last request, to share some loving memories before you're laid to rest. We Love you, Robbie! Aunt Theresa E.S. Wyatt

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