I am a decades-old friend of Bobby and Jackie’s here in Tulsa. I met Jackie, Bobby’s sister, approximately 35 years ago after moving here from Colorado. Jackie was working at Panera, the place that I frequented most mornings, so bit by bit I got to know Jackie and realized that we have a mutual love of animals. She then started to house/pet sit for us, and she has remained a part of our family ever since. Bobby was one of my many saviors during a very difficult time in my life. He gave his time, compassion, and patience with generosity and without judgment, just as Jackie does. When I felt unsafe, Bobby would do whatever he could to remedy that—installing locks, alarms, etc.—so that I could sleep at night, a gift that I will never forget. Bobby and I laughed a lot together, as he has a wonderful sense of humor and loves to tease others. Jackie and Bobby have lived under the same roof for as long as I have known them. They have one of the most precious loves that can exist between siblings. They are each other’s best friends, and in spite of the usual and expected rivalries, they know without a shadow of a doubt that they have each other’s backs and that they would do anything for each other. Jackie and a long-lost half-sister, Victoria, just recently reunited, and then along with Bobby, the three of them made an extended family. Bobby, because of his huge heart, would offer shelter to any stray pet that he’d encounter, and after learning that an animal had been abandoned by the owners, he would bring them home. Because Jackie is just as strong a lover of animals, she invited any pet into their home. Even when they were struggling to make ends meet, they would always make sure that they took the best care possible of their pets.

Jackie and Bobby lost their parents at a young age and have taken care of each other throughout their lives. Bobby is a beloved uncle to Jackie’s children and grandchildren. His open and loving heart connects to young children, and he remains steadfastly devoted to family.

Bobby has been struggling with his health for several years and is now at the end of his journey. His and Jackie’s most fervent wish is that he die peacefully at home. He has hospice engaged to make this end-of-life transition as painless as possible. Jackie remains his only round-the-clock caretaker, and she is now most concerned that she will not have the funds to provide her brother with a cremation, which he has expressed as his final wish.

I’m setting up this GoFundMe page for Jackie and Bobby so that people can contribute to making Bobby’s final wishes come true.

Any amount would be so appreciated. There aren’t two people who would appreciate your act of kindness more than they will. Thank you. With all of my heart, I am grateful for your support of my dear friends.