Gone Fishin

It is with great sadness that we post this letter from Barbara. As we have more information we will post it. Thank you.




There is no easy way to do this. I have been trying to call our friends but I just can't seem to stop the tears long enough to make any sense. The word is begining to spread and I wanted to let you all know that God has taken my warrior. He fought so hard but he became too sick to fight any longer. He died last evening while I was holding his hand. He was peaceful and was not struggling for breath. He was so brave. Everyone knows that all he wanted was to be given a chance. I am so happy that he was granted that wish. His lung transplant was a success.
Our children Carolyn and Joe, my sister Bunny, my brother Bill and his wife Pat, and Bob's sister Mary Agnes are here with me. No arrangements have been made yet. I will need to complete things here and pack up the suite before I can return home. I hope to be able to be home by Saturday or Sunday. Arrangements in Lewes will be handled by Parsell. There is so much more I would like to say but it is just to hard right now. I thought it would be easier than phoning but I can't see to type anymore. Thank you all of your help and encouragement. I read him your notes and cards and I just know how much it meant to him.
Barb

One step at a time

From Barbara.

Good Morning,
A lot has happened since my last update.I only thought it fair that I let everyone know. During the past 24hrs., Bob has had a major upset. He has had to have an unplanned emergency surgery for what they are calling ischemic colitis. This is a condition that can be caused my a number of factors related to his disease and surgery. He has had to have a bowel resection. He appeared to be responding to the treatment when he again became distressed and was taken in to surgery again. More resection. He is having a real struggle and is now once more back in the ER for treatment.
He was doing so well and we were so pleased. We knew it would be a hard fight and he is a real fighter but this has turned into a battle.
Please keep him (us) in your prayers.
Barb

What a difference a day makes

"Bobby, wake up, wake up Bobby......"  These were the words Mary Agnes spoke to Bobby yesterday.  Amidst the tubes and monitors, beeps and buzzes of ICU, the kind and gentle sister yelled at her brother.  As she asked him, "Can you hear me?"  He nodded.  She said "Bobby, Barbara and I are here, you got your lungs!  You got your lungs!"  She had him nod back and forth and up and down and he listened to her (let's be honest, that was a miracle in itself!)

So the road ahead is long, full of unforeseen pitfalls and challenges, but it is the road forward.  This is the long and windy road back to the beach and to his fishing spot.  He wouldn't have had the success he has had so far without the love and support of friends and family like each one of you.

This weekend is Mother's Day.  Sitting up in the ICU with Bobby are two of the world's best mothers.  Two women who have sat together, cried together, and waited and waited and waited for Bobby to slowly recover.  Yesterday they enjoyed seeing him begin to respond.  It was a joyful day and surely one of many more to come.

Happy Mother's Day!