Robert Earl Ball

Robert passed away on 2/9/16 at 9:59 pm on his birthday. He passed peacefully and as pain free as possible. The amazing journey he completed was one I was privileged to witness with lights flickering over 20 times during his distress with breathing and his lung filling with fluid, to the peaceful following day when there was no sound of fluid in his lungs. To the expressions on his face while visiting with those from the other side and reaching out his weak and weary arm to those he was communing with. On the fourth day I opened the door to let in the sunshine and fresh air in and to allow his spirit to exit should this be the day, when a hummingbird appeared and came to the door, looked in on him, hovering for quite some time before taking flight elsewhere.

It was an amazing experience and honor to be with him at this side for the six days he labored while building his bridge to Heaven. I thank you all for your kindness from the day he was admitted, to the curing of his Thrush, through his agitation and final days of peace. I know it was a long and difficult good bye, but the rewards for me personally are immeasurable!

I knew my brother Robert had made up his mind to stay in Arizona for his final ascent to his Heavenly realm when he stated the Wednesday prior to his declination, "Sissy, would it be selfish if I said I wanted to stay here?" I also knew, and knowing his strong will, spirit and tenacity, that he would pass here where he wanted to be. In finality, his living son sent an email of forgiveness and willed him peace on his birthday and final day. I am beyond words of gratitude to a Heavenly Father who gave me such an amazing brother and gift of his presence, especially at the end of his journey.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your extraordinary performance in his care, for your kindness to myself and my family. For caring and loving him while he struggled during his final days and I believe you are all the Angels here that he so needed to complete his mission on Earth.

God's peace be with you from now until the end of your days and into your next journey!

Barbara Ball, sister

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of –

Wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.

Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,

I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew -

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untresspassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee

No 412 squadron, RCAF

Killed 11 December 1941