This is a difficult post for me to write. I pride myself in writing blog posts that are happy and uplifting. I want my blog to be a place for my friends to drop in and read little tidbits about my awesome life, my fabulous husband, my phenomenal relationship with my daughter. Maybe at times this PaperTurtle gig is a bit of a facade. A curtain for me to hide the sad things that reality and life throw my way at times. The fact of the matter is that I am human, and today I have sad news.I have mentioned my husband's long time friend Ron {RT} in a post on this blog before. Ron and Doug have been friends since high school ~ we're talking over 30 years now. Ron and his wife Amy were with Doug and I seven years ago when Doug found the first heart-shaped rock that started my collection. This started some good-natured ribbing between Doug and his buddies, and has continued all these years. Last week, Ron came by to pick up a tool he was borrowing from Doug, and before he left he handed Doug the heart-shaped potato chip shown in the photo above, saying, "Here, give this to Deb." We laughed. Ron is a funny guy.
Please pray for Ron's soul today, and for the heartbreak his family (and friends) are experiencing this afternoon. Ron took his own life this morning. We are sad beyond belief, angry and confused.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention this as well. My aunt passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. She was my mom's oldest sister, and the second sister my mom has lost now. My mom could really use your thoughts and prayers as well.
I have a post scheduled to post on Saturday for our "Celebrating Blog Friendships." Until then I'll be taking a little break from blog hopping. I'm sure you'll understand.
November Attitude of Gratitude
* I am so grateful for having known Ron and having the opportunity to enjoy his sense of humor and great big bear hugs. I can't even begin to think about how much he will be missed.
29 comments:
Oh Deb, I am so saddened to hear of such dreadful news for your family and friends. Please know that you all are in my prayers and thoughts.
Take care,
Amyx
I understand only too well how difficult it is to write such a post - because somehow once it's in writing it seems more final.
You have my deepest sympathies and my thoughts are with you today. Please know that I'll be just an e-mail away if you need to talk.
Much love x
Oh Deb, I am so sorry for your double losses. What tragic news on both counts. We will look forward to your return but have some well deserved time away. love your bloggy friends xoxo
Deb, first of all, I have to say, that it is a-okay with me to have posts that are not as happy. I post sad things all of the time! That said, I'm really glad you said something....and I bet from the feedback you'll get, you'll be so glad you something too.
And, Deb, I am so sorry about your loss. Suicide is just so, so hard. So confusing. I'm hoping that this can be a time when you and your friends are able to pull together and find so much support in each other. Such a sad, sad story, Deb.
Oh Deb, I am so so sorry for both of your losses. To lose a loved one to cancer is devastating, and then to lose a friend the same day... I cannot even imagine. I hope your dear aunt finds peace and rest at last from her illness, and your friend from whatever haunted his thoughts. I'll keep your family, your aunt, and your dear Ron in my thoughts and prayers. You do give us a respite from the sadder parts of life, and fill the world with lovely things and your beautiful smile. Hope the happy days are back soon. Praying for you all,
Stephanie
Usually I love the fact I have blogfriends across the globe, but at times like this I'm frustrated by the distance and inability to offer assitance. My thoughts are with you Deb, take the time to grieve, and be kind to yourself through the frustration and pain. Helena
Beautiful post....beautiful tribute. Thank you for taking time from your painful day to honor two special people. You are amazing and I love you dearly. xo
Deb that is so sad, you are all in my thoughts
Oh Deb, what a horrible day you have had. Firstly, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your aunt. Such a terrible illness, my heart goes out to your mum on the loss of a loved sister.
Words are so inadequate in the situation of Doug's friend, you must all be hurting so bad. It's impossible for anyone to understand what private struggles he was going through, that this seemed to him to be the only option. Tough for you all to deal with your grief when so many other emotions are there too. I hope that he has left behind some clues as to why he did this, so that you and his family can try and understand. You are all in my thouhts and prayers, this must have been the most difficult post you ever typed, it was very brave of you to share. With love - Debs x
This must have been a very difficult post to write and I'm applauding your bravery. I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm thinking about you and your family and friends with love.
I think I probably do the same thing and try to post more of the happy stuff, but showing that we are all human and all have our troubles must be a good thing too I think.
oh deb. i am so sorry for both of your losses. i hope ron is at peace now. poor thing. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. {{hugs}}
Deb, I'm so, so sorry. I can't even find the words. I'll be thinking of and praying for you all xxx
I'm so sorry to hear of your double loss Deb. I know that words can't take away the pain but I hope you know that we're all thinking of you and will keep you, your Mum and family and Ron's family in our thoughts and prayers at this sad sad time. xxx
My thoughts and prayers are with you Deb.
Deb, so sorry to hear this, a bad day indeed for you and your family.
I do not know what to say except that my thoughts are with you and you will never understand what makes someone take their own life. So sorry about your aunt, please give my deep condolences to your mom.
I am so sorry about these sad tragedies,Deb....my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh deb, what a tragic turn of events. My heart goes out to you, your husband and ron's wife. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Rinda
Deb, I am so very sorry for your losses and the pain that is with all of you. I hope you and your mom find peace in that your aunt no longer is in pain. I have lost several dear friends to suicide, it is devastating and so hard to understand. All of you are in my prayers.
Deb, I am so sorry, it must have been such a hard post to write. I think we all hide behind our happy blog persona. Take care xxx
Deb, you are so honest and brave. I know that must have been so hard to write. My thoughts are with you and your Mom and your family and with Ron and his family. Sending a BIG hug to you all! ~janae
Deb: I am so sorry for your losses. I'm going to get you a goddess next week. My thoughts are with you, your family, and Ron's family. I want to thank you for sharing. It is hard to share these things, but a appreciate your honesty because it helps us remember that every single one us, even the the ones to keep an uplifting blog, goes through hard times. When we know that, it helps those of us who are smack in the middle of the hard times.
I am so sorry for your losses. This is a lovely post and tribute to make for your friends and family.
I really don't have any adequate words but wanted to say that I was thinking of you xxx
Sorry to hear this sad news. May you find comfort with friends, family and fond memories.
This is so sad. I don't think I can say any words beyond what other people have said, but wanted to say I'm sorry and I'm sending hugs your way. xx
Oh Deb, I'm so sorry for both your losses. I had a friend who took her own life, and can relate to your pain, loss, and confusion. I thought of you as we flew over Arizona this week. Little did I know that you were grieving too. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I'm just back from my weekend away and am so saddened to read about the sudden and shocking loss of your dear friend. Please know that I am sending you and Doug much love. x
Deb, I haven't checked anyone's blog for so long....after seeing you today I wanted to try again to become more involved. First, your blog is beautiful. I love it!!! I really enjoyed every picture and everything I read!
And second, I am so sad to see that you and Doug have lost a dear friend. I am also sorry for his family who will be living with this great loss. No one, it seems, can forsee these things, nor ever completely understand them. Those feelings on top of the feelings of loss are so hard to deal with. My prayers for peace and understanding go out to everyone who is dealing with this. with love,
Barbara
I also meant to acknowledge the passing of your aunt. My best to your family and your mom. I am truly sorry for everyone's loss.
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