By: H-Dawg
Contributing Guest Writer


My love for Bob Carter, plainly stated, is a result of one simple truth...he drives the bus. I cannot put into words the sheer pleasure and contentment I receive knowing that Bob is behind the wheel chauffering, if you will, his son (my Nick) throughout this great country of ours on the "Into The Millennium" tour. There is nothing more American than a man and his boy making their way along the superhighways of life. Bob is a trained professional who brings with him a lifetime of experiences and knowledge on how to handle big rigs. This makes his role as Nick's private tourbus driver ever the more endearing. You see, he has been preparing for it all of his life.

I believe I speak for Jane when I say that I am able to sleep better at night knowing that Bob is in control. There is no denying the fact that Nick is knocking on the door of manhood. His body has already been let in but one can never really be too sure about the maturity status of his mind. Are the days of fish gum and sock pranks really a thing of the past? Does he ever find himself asking his coined phrase "Am I sexual?" off-stage to unworthy tramps who are simply after him being the fact that he is the fan favorite? This is where Bob's role as a parent and mentor comes into play. He is there to guide Nick through these turbulent and often confusing times, making sure that his son does not become another teen pop star casuality. In Bob's company, Nick is able to get back to the basic essentials of life...eating, sleeping, and Nintendo playing.

Oh, to be a bug on the inside of Bob's windshield. One can only imagine the conversations between these two Carter men. I can visualize it now...Nick riding shotgun holding up a map assisting our captain Bob as he cruises along enroute to the next venue on the tour schedule. Perhaps they discuss sports or Nick's future plans. Maybe they just sing along to Journey's greatest hits while sharing a box of Cookie Crisp. Regardless, this father and son team are creating memories that will last a lifetime. Memories which Nick can look back fondly on when he is grown with children of his own. Bob, in return, can rest assured that he raised a fine, decent man and the two will share a bond that can never be broken.

Bob's positive influence on Nick is quite remarkable. Within the past few months since the beginning of the North American leg of the tour, Nick has made some dramatic changes in his life. Coincedence? I think not! I will site only a few but know that I give Bob full credit for them transpiring...

1. Nick is now officially single. For the record, I have no qualms with Mandy(Mandah, whatever) personally, however, I much prefer watching Bob accompany Nick to award shows(9.9.99)

2. Nick has sold his home in Tampa and moved to the LA area. Bob, Jane, Aaron, and the girls have also moved in. The family is a unit once again.

3. Nick has begun to work out. The muscles are proof of that. He now feels comfortable enough with his body to show a little more skin...there ain't nothing wrong with that!

4. Nick has replaced the once standard athletic jersey and baseball hat worn sideways with a more polished GQ look. No more shark shirts for this hottie. Just a little piece of advice...the glasses are a good thing!

5. Nick has taken up the game of golf. Once quoted as saying it was "an old man's sport" , Nick can now spend hours of quiet solitude on the green with his other role model, Kevin Richardson.

6. Nick, like Bob, has been blessed with a healthy mane of thick blond hair. Though I've heard boys follow their mother's side of the family when it comes to balding, I think it is safe to say that Nick has been spared that impairment. Bob seems to prefer the spikey look which suits him fine but I wouldn't recommend it for Nick at this point in his life. I do, by the way, love the new trim!

7. Nick has invited his best friend Brent to tag along on this tour. Brent C.(my pet name for him) is a very kind, approachable, laid back kind of guy. I know this from experience. Bob is smart enough to realize that solid friendships are important when raising a healthy individual. He encourages Nick to interact with guys his own age plus it seems Brian is a little preoccupied these days.(No offense Leighanne)

8. Is is me or is Nick making more sense when speaking in public these days. People, you know what I am talking about. It was next to impossible in the past to follow this kid's train of thought. His word choice and sentence structure has improved tremendously though I still think the term "political" needs to be defined for him.

After all is said and done, I have come to the conclusion that I should not question "What IS it about Bob?" but rather declare it from the rooftops that "I, indeed, am ALL ABOUT BOB!"

So props to you Bob for being what I consider an exemplary parent. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!!!!
I close with an old Irish Proverb which though religious in context seems to be appropriate for this particular situation....

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon you face,
The rain fall soft against your fields.
And until we meet again and until we meet again,
May the God that loves us all,
Hold you in the palm of His hand.
Amen