More imminent

[kumir_k9]

The doctors think it's probable Bob won't make it to the weekend.  We're leaving after work tomorrow night and flying to FL to say goodbye.  What an awful thought.  Things are not good with the family.  In fact, I've broken up several times today myself.  Bob was an awesome husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law.

Anyway, I should be back either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.  I am so not looking forward to this, but I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see him again.  The bright side is that his wife says he's taking it really well and is in good spirits and is joking about how he's going to be coming home (in a box).   Yeah.

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.  It really helps to know you're all out there and sending along good thoughts.

Comments

[ryxander.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. The end of a life you care about is a terrible thing to go through. I'm glad to hear he's taking it well, though.

Please hang in there -- you and Monique both!

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

You and yours are in my thoughts.

[pbsweetheart.livejournal.com]

Sending good thoughts your way as well.

Hang in there. *hugs to you and Monique*

[stitchinlin.livejournal.com]

*big hugs* to both you and Monique from Hodgie and I. You both, as well as all of Monique's family, are in our thoughts.

[medievalbooks.livejournal.com]

Having both of you there will mean alot to the family and also to you. Being at my father's and brother's side meant alot to me. Being able to say farewell even tho they weren't necessarily conscious to hear the words. Most of all being able to hold their hands.

One of the most important times in my life was being able to be with them. Words cannot adequately convey the feeling.

It won't be well for the family..not for awhile. But then the stories will start. Each better with the telling :) And he will be there with you.

Hugs..lots of hugs for Monique and you...

On behalf of Randy...

[tracytris.livejournal.com]

To my most well loved Brother Rick,

I too am hurting tonight and so I asked Tracy to post this here for you rather than simply sending you an email and unfortunately I found out later than i can call you. You are absolutely right, Bob is a fantastic person. I'm just the Brother of the son in law though I've always been treated as good as a son by a man who didn't have any discomfort in sharing his wit, his charm, his love of life and people. He was just a beautiful person and I will always count myself incredibly fortunate and appreciative for having had him involved in my life. That is, when the sadness and hurt are a little less poignant than this very moment I am confident I will return to that comfort of having had him let me be a part of his life and had him sharing in my own.

The week before you and Monique were married they invited me to stay the week and 'help prepare' their home for the wedding reception. What a joke, this wasn't about me getting work it was their first outreach to me that the all important family would be a stronger unit still. I think maybe I got to mow a back lawn but I spent hours laughing and getting to know the wonderful people I thought would become my Brother's extended family. They were all that and much more because they made me a part of their family too.

It is no secret that you have been exceptionally important in my life Rick. You are my inspiration many times past and present. You are my close friend when I need to talk about anything important to me and you are my source of just plain fun when I need distraction and a source of love, perspective, humor, insight... in short you are all I could ever want in a Brother. You were certainly a major part in making my life as full as it should be and I have no doubt you in part wanted to include me. There is no depth to my love and appreciation for you.

Bob epitomized all of these family connections and I always looked forward to spending time with the larger family to which I was so often invited. This last Thanksgiving we knew things were serious and I was glad to once again share a larger gathering of the family with them. As always it was a warm and welcome home to which we were invited with the usual laughter and a version of the Dictionary game which we seem to have played for the near 30 years I've been spending time with the family. Bob was still catching me with his definitions. I'll remember his appreciation for me,for us and for life and the best I can do is know I'll keep him close all of my life - sad that I will not have new experiences but glad for the ones I have and will treasure ever more. Perhaps none more than the emotional potency of that Thanksgiving we shared together ... all of us present for the last time.

I'm sorry for your hurt Rick, I feel some of it for you and more of it for me - guess there's a little selfish there.
I know how well loved he is by his family and how much they will hurt. I know I can do little to make them feel better but fortunately I know he has done so much they will have no doubt of his love being with them for all of their lives.

Good luck over the next few days finding strength and courage enough for yourself and to help those around you. I know your strength and I know it will be enough...even as you too grieve. I love you Rick.

Randy

[keyla87.livejournal.com]

Rick, on behalf of Rodd and I, our deepest sympathies and biggest of hugs. Saying goodbye and creating closure is so important and I hope you and Monique achieve it.
Bob sounds like a wonderrful man and it sounds like he will be going in peace surrounded by those who love him.

If we can help, please let us know.

[ravensgrace.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry Rick, for both you and Monique. It's terrible to even think about the immiment loss of someone so dear to you; I'm sorry that you're both going through this now. Please know that we're all thinking about you and care about you both.

[graceysbane.livejournal.com]

Rick and Monique,

Words fail me right now. I'm sorry that this time has come to pass for someone who sounds so wonderful from what I have read here.

Todd's and my own thoughts and comforts are with you, Monique, and all the extended family.

[winterswan.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry that you all are having to go through this. We're thinking about you and your father-in-law. May he pass peacefully.

[sensicalsmile.livejournal.com]

All my care and best wishes to your family as you go through this sad time.

::hugs::

[bitsyboo.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear it. My sympathies to your family...