Today is Bob's 65th birthday. In 2015 on Bob's birthday, my mother sent an email to the family that included a wonderful memory that she has given me permission to share with you. I will also include the 4th movement of Millikan Symphony, a violin concerto honoring Bob's love of music. Happy Birthday, dear Bob.

"I so often think of music when I think of Bob and today I recall a special memory from very early in his life. He was probably 3 years old. We were at Idyllwild and went over to ISOMATA and watched the Youth Symphony in what, I think, was a rehearsal for the evening concert. It was probably the first time Bob heard a live orchestra. You could tell he was completely swept up into the music, as so much joy appeared to come over him. Without hesitation, he ran down the aisle with arms waving, then stood in front of the orchestra mimicking the conductor and "conducted" the orchestra with the same beat as the conductor. " -Flavia Millikan

Today is Bob's 64th birthday. Those of you who follow this blog know that Bob transcribed my first compositions and made them into a little book, and that one of them became the theme for Millikan Symphony. He encouraged my music, even before I knew I was a composer.

Bob chose his words carefully and always meant what he said. When my first orchestra CD came out in 2010 he was really proud of me, and said Ballad Nocturne was the best piece I'd ever written. I hope you enjoy it too. Happy Birthday, Bob. I miss you so much.

Today is Bob's 63rd birthday. This is when I usually focus on celebrating Bob and his legacy. I often post about the Robert C. Millikan Cancer Epidemiology Seminar and the latest awardee of the Robert C. Millikan Cancer Epidemiology Award. But this year, everything is upside down. The Millikan Seminar was canceled due to COVID-19, so I did not make my annual trip to Chapel Hill, NC. I struggle to know what to write.

A question we keep asking within our family is, "What would Bob say?" Bob's scientific knowledge was something we relied on. So was his compassion and humor. Bob was a great person to talk with. He cared deeply about humanity, social justice, and the land. His office was full of quotes and sayings taped haphazardly to the wall. Sometimes if I was going through hard times, he would send me poems, including ones he wrote. 

In that spirit, I want to share with you a video of a piece of mine, Choro, that was Covid-canceled just days before its premiere. I hope it brings you cheer in these difficult times.

Happy Birthday, my dear brother, Bob.