Robert W. Rapp, Jr.

Hobbies

I enjoy many things. I have always enjoyed being outdoors. I enjoy the country, hiking, camping (although my schedule doesn't allow me to do this as much as when I was an adolescent)...you will see my love for nature in many of the pictures in the images section.

I enjoy reading. Since I am a commuter, audio books have been a big addition to my reading program. Most of my "hardcover" reading is related to my profession...either in technology or about the industry in which I am working.

In many respects, my profession is also my hobby. I enjoy experimenting with technology. The effects of technology are profound and yet information technology is only in its "early childhood." Information technology will continue to play a huge role in all of our lives and will bring us closer together.

Athletics has always been a part of my life. Basketball, football, baseball, golf and tennis were my early interests, but as I have grown older, my interests as well as ability has changed. Now, I still enjoy watching basketball. Stair climbing, racquetball, taking long walks, and working in my yard are my favorite physical activities.

Music also plays a large part in my life. I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music. Music says things that words cannot.

And below...for me...is my passion...to spend wonderful moments with my family. This is just one of them!

My Daughter's Thoughts on Healthcare...

Gazing across the surrounding expanse,
Of the valley of youth,
A river of vitality,
Glimmering in the radiance of its leisure,
Flowing gently without hinderance,
I soar.

A gnarled tree branch extends its crooked arm,
Beckoning my eyes to see,
The gorge of neglect,
Suffering... excruciating suffering,
Pestilence and plague,
I weep.

The currency of society withheld,
All means of purchasing the sustenance,
Of their intrinsic right of life,
A right protected on legal paper yet ignored,
Falls ill and dies with poverty as its shroud and tomb,
I mourn.

Returning to the valley,
Blessed with its bounty,
No such sight pierces my eyes,
Blinding grief a mere memory,
Yet the memory persists,
And something must be done.

Visions but no facts,
Oracle's wisdom a lack of possessing,
The future my eyes do not perceive,
Yet my thoughts conceiving,
And bearing ideas,
I dream.

In dreams of Utopia,
Health is bestowed on all,
No restraints,
Everyone lives in a prosperous valley,
Sickness and disability forever sleeping in the eternal waking of contentment,
I rejoice.

Yet dreams are simply that... dreams,
Only in their implementation do they achieve realization,
Cooperation and goodwill at its peak,
On the mountaintop of humanity,
Worthy we become of our dreams,
The healing empowerment of souls united.

I have hope.