Robert Miller, as I know him

Robert Miller is a name well-known around the Foley community, where I grew up. He grew up as an avid sports fan, but Robert wouldn't have the opportunity to play on a team like the rest of the group, as he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

But the great thing about Robert Miller is, he didn't let that stop him. He became a staple on the sidelines of wrestling matches and football games throughout his school career, and his fiery passion for sports and ability to inspire even caught media attention, as it was him on the front cover of the St. Cloud Times in 1998, arms raised in celebration from his electric wheelchair, as our football team won the state championship.

Robert had more reason to celebrate that year, getting a heart transplant although I'm not sure he needed one. Robert had enough heart for four or five people. That showed during the summers, as he came and volunteered his time to help in whatever way he could as I coached summer baseball. Robert graduated years before me, but a love of the kids as well as the sport brought him to the field for morning practices and morning games.

I remember he'd even come along to the away games, as we'd load him up in his van and follow the school bus all the way to Mora or Braham, wherever gameday was, Robert wanted to be there. I taught him to do the book, and he even embraced the thankless work a scorebook entails.

Last year, Robert even made many of our town's amateur baseball games, traveling with to St. Cloud and Pierz and Buckman to rib the other players and cheer on our team. We didn't win a lot of games, but Robert stuck with us the whole time, proudly wearing the Outlaws T-shirt to every game.

I remember one home game, Robert's passion for the team even ended with the umpire ejecting him from the stands. It was the first time I've seen that in a game I've played in, and I'll never forget Robert getting in a few parting remarks about the call before he was out of earshot.

Robert died this Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, 2009, ending his battle with what appeared to be the only thing that could slow Robert down. Robert was a man so full of life, it almost seems like he got more out of it than most people do, even though he unfairly and sadly did not get the same amount of time as the rest of us. Today on Thanksgiving 2009, I am thankful for everything Robert Miller brought into my life.